MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Hundreds of Camp Pendleton children come together most Saturdays to play some version of organized sports as part of the base Youth Sports program.
With more than 700 kids and 60 teams, Camp Pendleton’s Youth Soccer program is the largest of all the recreational sports on base.
The soccer season lasts nine weeks, with eight games that ends with a tournament style fun-day. The games take place every Saturday morning across five different base fields.
“The program really helps to keep kids out of trouble,” said Teresa A. Graham, soccer coordinator, Camp Pendleton Youth Sports. “It’s a great way to get kids started in sports and to have fun without being too competitive.”
Learning the basic skills without being over spirited and focusing on sportsmanship is key for children to enjoy sports, said Gunnery Sgt. Anton J. Cuevas, chief instructor, Combat Instructor School, School of Infantry West.
Another major objective of the program is positive reinforcement. One component to success as a coach is ensuring the kids have a good time and build a bond with their teammates, said Cuevas.
“The program is really great because all the coaches work together to help teach the fundamentals of sportsmanship,” said Cuevas. “If a coach has a really dominant team, he won’t over do it on the field and ruin it for the other players.”
The program runs twice per year and costs $25 for each child. The cost covers socks, a jersey and a trophy at the end of the season, rewarding participants for their hard work.
“I really like coming to play soccer here,” said Colin Schamp, a 9-year-old son of a retired Marine. “It’s a chance to meet new kids and play soccer.”
For more information about Camp Pendleton Youth Soccer and other youth sports, call (760) 725-4188.