The West Branch Soccer Club marked a milestone this summer as it celebrated the 45th edition of its annual youth soccer camp in Clinton County, drawing 130 youngsters over five intensive days.
Running from August 3 through August 7, the camp stood as the longest‑running youth sports event in the county, offering participants a full week of structured coaching, a brand‑new soccer ball, and a commemorative T‑shirt.
The timing coincided with a World Cup year, a factor that amplified enthusiasm among campers and added a global flavor to the local setting.
Community Support and Sponsorship
Local businesses and sponsors contributed resources that made the camp affordable for families, underscoring the event’s role as a community‑driven initiative.
Leadership came from Lock Haven University’s head men’s soccer coach Patrick Long and head women’s soccer coach Jesse Urquhart, who oversaw a staff composed entirely of Lock Haven soccer student‑athletes.
A Unique Closing Tradition
On the final day, campers and coaches performed the Norwegian Viking Row to the beat of a drum donated by community member James Eldreth, creating a memorable cultural highlight that capped the week’s activities.
Patrick Long noted the growing footprint of soccer in the region, emphasizing that programs like this camp are pivotal in nurturing the sport’s expanding popularity among local youth.