HONESDALE — The future looks very bright for local boys and girls soccer, as evidenced by the strong turnout at the 2024 Wayne County Commissioners Youth Summer Camp.
Approximately 100 local youth participated in the three-day clinic, which was led by current Honesdale girls head coach Becky Kretschmer.
“Running this camp helps build a local program for the future,” Kretschmer said. “I've been playing soccer since I was 7 years old myself, and I will continue to enjoy soccer and all of the people in my community who share my soccer addiction.”
Committee members Brian Smith and Jocelyn Kramer both attended the final day of this year's clinic and were both pleased with the turnout and upbeat atmosphere.
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“We have always supported positive causes like this and will continue to do so in the future,” said Commissioner Smith. “There are so many great role models in local youth sports who are helping kids build a strong foundation in life.”
On the pitch
This year's Commissioners Summer Youth Soccer Camp took place June 25-27 at the Stourbridge Elementary School complex in Honesdale.
Coach Kretschmer and his dedicated volunteer staff organized a fun and educational clinic for boys and girls in grades 2-7.
Campers were divided into groups based on age and skill level and received expert instruction on various aspects of the sport, including player safety, teamwork, sportsmanship and communication.
In addition to support from the committee, Dave's Super Duper in Honesdale will also be providing lunch for all campers and clinicians.
One of the highlights of this year's event was “Night on the Turf,” which allowed older athletes to experience what it feels like to compete center stage in the brand new Honesdale College Stadium.
“It's always fun to see the kids' faces light up when they score a goal or make a new friend,” Kretschmer said. “Anyone who steps onto our field immediately becomes family and is made to feel warm and welcome.”
Well-maintained machinery
This year, every aspect of the clinic ran smoothly thanks to the tireless efforts of so many volunteers.
“None of this would have been possible without the help of our coaching staff, varsity team, junior team and middle school players,” Kretschmer said. “Words can't express how amazing they have been.”
Volunteers for the 2024 Wayne County Commission Summer Soccer Camp include…
•Administrative assistants and nurses: Makayla Bridenstein, Melissa Widener, Bruce Smallcomb.
•Head Coach: Nora Mele, Rachel Chee, Nikki Fogg, Madison Meagher, Michael Wolf, Nicole Billard, Anna Corr.
•Assistant Coach: Elizabeth Meagher, Lauren O'Dell, Samantha Lynn, Madison Van Blarcomb, Riley Perls, Allison Villard, Scott Kehagias.
•Representative players: Ruby Martin, Vera Downey, Lexie Hankins, Alyssa Hankins.
•JV and Junior High athletes: Abby Beatty, Addison Davis, Athena Gager, Brianna Boddy, Autumn Lasney, Caitlin Carroll, Maureen Meagher, Phaedra O'Malley Kayden, Alex Eisele, Ariana Valerio, Stephanie Lopez, Esme Schlosser, Ethan Powers, Logan Myers, Haley Elliott, Haley Kitsolovage, Heather Kitsolovage, Kylie Brady, Mia Wolf, Olvia Reid, Peyton Nolan and Sydney Evans.
Honesdale’s 2024 varsity season will open on Monday, Aug. 19, with a scrimmage at Pittston Area.
Weather permitting, the Lady Hornets will open the regular season on their home turf against Wyoming Area. The game will kick off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24.
