From Campers to Role Models: Cougar Soccer Camp Builds the Future of Valley View

It was an incredible four days at Valley View John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium as the annual Cougar Soccer Camp ran from Monday through Thursday leaving an unforgettable week of growth, community, and mentorship on the turf.

There is something truly special about watching young, eager athletes fall in love with the game of soccer. From every corner of the stadium, you could hear constant laughter and see genuine smiles across every group. The youngsters looked up to their counselors with wide eyes, seeing them as true role models, inspiring a passion that will carry far beyond this summer.

This year marks a brand-new chapter for the program as the Boys Soccer team enters its first season under head coach Brad Decker, affectionately known as Coach Deck. Together with Girls Soccer head coach Paul Sotak, both coaches made a concerted effort to get their players fully engaged and active in leading the youth campers throughout the week. Both Coach Decker and Coach Sotak expressed how proud they are to build off the strong foundation and lasting legacy that Dan Berg and Shane Langan created through the Cougar Soccer Camp over the years.

Looking around the stadium, it was clear that everyone involved brought a unique story and took a different path to get here. Yet, all those paths ultimately led to the exact same destination: building the future of Cougar Soccer.

This year’s turnout was massive, hosting over 75 excited campers. The camp was powered by 30 high school counselors drawn from both the Boys and Girls soccer teams, along with 2 alumni and 3 coaches from the programs. Campers also received special elite training on Tuesday, with NEPA Fit Club for coming out to run specialized speed, agility, and quickness drills that took the kids' athletic development to the next level.

Senior Cullen Moser reflected on what the camp means to him, having come full circle over the years:

"I have been going to the Valley View Youth Soccer Camp for as long as I can remember. My dad is the one who first got me into soccer, and ever since then, I’ve never looked back. When I was younger, I looked up to the seniors who ran the camp and thought to myself, 'One day, I want to be like them.' Looking back now, going to that camp was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It taught me so much and helped shape the player and person I am today."

Moser noted how incredible it has been to watch the camp expand year after year, with kids ranging from ages 5 to 12 showing up eager to learn.

"Now, as I begin my final year of Valley View soccer, I find myself reflecting on those early days. I try to be the same kind of role model and inspiration that the seniors once were for me. Being a senior at the camp is something truly special. You get to connect with the kids, encourage them to come to games, and even referee their matches. Knowing this is my last time being part of the camp makes it even more meaningful."

For player Jazib Chohan, the experience is about instilling fundamental skills and valuable life lessons early on:

"As a Valley View High School soccer player and counselor at this youth camp, it’s been my honor to help these kids. I did not get into soccer until middle school, so seeing them develop their fundamentals early while enjoying the game is a huge step in their journey. Although this is a soccer camp, our main goal is to help these kids work as a team. Helping someone up when they fall and cheering for teammates has immense benefits. I hope these lessons in teamwork and understanding will transcend the game and help them develop as people."

Echoing those thoughts, Gabe Liparulo emphasized how the environment helps shape young athletes both on and off the pitch:

"I remember being a part of the soccer camp and the Valley Youth program as a kid. Both experiences gave me incredible role models through coaches and camp counselors who encouraged me to grow, work hard, and push myself to my limits. Over the years, the camp has grown tremendously. What started as a simple idea has evolved into a well-oiled program that promotes kindness, inclusivity, teamwork, and a love for the game of soccer."

Liparulo highlighted the personal growth that comes with taking on a leadership role:

"Now, as a counselor, I've had the opportunity to become a role model myself while developing valuable leadership and communication skills. Seeing a child look up to you, trust you, and genuinely enjoy your guidance is an incredibly rewarding feeling. I believe that's what the Valley Youth camp is truly all about, creating a positive environment where kids can grow both on and off the field."

Senior Eli Andreoli also shared his perspective on building strong relationships with the next generation of Cougars:

"Being a senior and helping run Cougar Soccer Camp means a lot to me because it gives me the opportunity to help young players improve their skills while building relationships with them. It's been awesome to see how much the camp has grown over the years, and seeing so many kids come back year after year and continue to improve shows how successful it's been for player development."

Andreoli is already looking forward to seeing those familiar faces in the stands during the upcoming season:

"I hope we can inspire them to one day play for the Cougar team themselves. I'm looking forward to seeing the kids supporting us at our games this season, and I hope we can motivate them to keep working hard, continue playing soccer, and chase their own goals both on and off the field."

Events like this demonstrate that Valley View soccer is far more than just a sports program. Honorably carrying forward the vision established by Dan Berg and Shane Langan, Coach Decker and Coach Sotak—alongside their player-counselors and community partners like NEPA Fit Club—are ensuring that this tradition of mentorship, family, and Cougar pride will continue to thrive for generations to come.