By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | July 30, 2025 | Photo courtesy BLSportsPhotography.com / Brad Loff
VALLEY VIEW — The Valley View High School field was alive with excitement Wednesday morning as Cougar Soccer Camp 2025 officially kicked off another day. With nearly 100 youth players in attendance and the sun beating down, the heat didn’t stop the energy, the smiles, or the sense of community that filled the field.
Led by the Valley View boys and girls soccer coaching staffs, the camp featured a full roster of current and former Cougar athletes who volunteered their time to help guide and inspire the next generation of players. Also playing a key role throughout the morning was the crew from NEPA Fit Club, a performance training facility based in Blakely, PA, that brought a high level of energy, discipline, and fun to the camp atmosphere.
The team from NEPA Fit Club, located at 3189 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Blakely, PA, led campers through speed and agility sessions designed to build strength, balance, and quickness while keeping things positive and engaging. The energy they brought was unmatched, and their presence gave every athlete a taste of high-level training in a supportive environment. For more on their programs and training opportunities, visit www.nepafitclub.com.
What stood out most though were the moments in between drills. The laughter, encouragement, and pure admiration shared between the campers and their coaches. One standout moment came when a young girl stood beside her coach Riley, who was kneeling down beside her. The camper looked down at the necklace Riley was wearing, gently playing with it in silence, completely mesmerized. It was one of those quiet, powerful scenes that perfectly captured what this camp is truly about: connection. These kids weren’t just learning soccer. They were forming bonds, looking up to their heroes, and creating memories that will last far beyond the week.
Throughout the day, campers soaked up every opportunity to interact with the older athletes. Whether it was mimicking a passing technique, exchanging a high five after a completed drill, or simply sharing a laugh during a water break, the student athletes serving as coaches embraced their roles as leaders and role models with enthusiasm.
The coaching staffs made sure the sessions were well organized, high energy, and full of variety. From individual skill work to team challenges, each station offered a balance of instruction and fun. The tone set by the staff, one of encouragement, discipline, and excitement, rippled through the field and created an atmosphere where every kid felt like part of something bigger.
Cougar Soccer Camp continues through July 31 and promises more opportunities for growth, fun, and unforgettable moments. For the campers, these four days won’t just be about improving their touch on the ball. They’ll be about the friendships built, the role models met, and the pride of wearing the Valley View colors.
Full gallery at BLSportsPhotography.com