Houston Sports Authority Hosts Youth Soccer Camp

HOUSTON — Soccer fans headed to Discovery Green for a COPA America watch party. This came almost a week before the quarterfinal match to be held at NRG Stadium on Independence Day.

But on Sunday morning, some young footballers had the opportunity to learn a few things before the big match.

When you’re a 7-year-old football player, the heat isn’t too hard to bear – at least it isn’t for Barrett Van Buskirk.

“It’s always a surprise,” he said of the various activities.

He and other kids were participating in the Houston Sports Authority’s youth football clinic. The players learned the basics from coaches at the Dynamo and Dash clinics.

“We hope to spark interest for those who are discovering soccer for the first time,” said Chris Massey of the Houston Sports Authority.

Around 200 children registered for this free session. Organizers said it was an important part of summer fun. Especially for children who did not follow the physical education program at school. But it is also an opportunity to introduce children to a sport that is booming in the United States.

“I think it’s great. It’s really nice that a lot of kids these days are staying home during the summer,” said Carolyn Van Buskirk, Barrett’s mother.

She said they were a family of soccer fans who were excited to see kids participate in such an important sporting event for Houston.

And while the COPA quarterfinal at NRG is just days away, the hard work and excitement are building toward 2026, when Houston will host seven FIFA World Cup matches.

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