A youth soccer camp that combined professional instruction with community spirit has taken root in the Inland Empire this summer, offering a rare opportunity for young athletes to train under experienced coaches in a structured, supportive environment.
The Empire Strykers, a professional indoor soccer franchise, partnered with Rancho Cucamonga AYSO 65 to host the event at Alta Loma Junior High, drawing 72 youngsters between the ages of five and seventeen who represented a diverse cross‑section of the local community.
Four Days of Skill Building and Fun
Over four consecutive days, participants immersed themselves in drills, tactical plays and small‑sided games, each session lasting three hours and guided by certified coaches who emphasized both technical development and sportsmanship.
A highlight of the schedule is a special clinic slated for Friday that will cater to two distinct age brackets — children four to seven and teenagers thirteen to seventeen — offering age‑appropriate drills and a chance for older players to mentor the younger groups.
Beyond the central camp, the Strykers have announced additional summer camps in the Mountain Resorts AYSO Region 165 and the Chino Hills AYSO Region 779 in Running Springs, expanding the program’s reach across Southern California and giving more families access to high‑quality soccer instruction.
Local political representation added a personal touch when Antonio Delatorre, a midfielder with the Empire Strykers, handed out popsicles donated by Representative Norma Torres to the eager players, underscoring the camp’s community‑first ethos and its commitment to fostering positive youth engagement.