The Lake Placid Soccer Centre will turn 50 this summer, marking half a century of youth development and community sport in New York’s North Country.
A week of memories and matches
From July 13 to 17, the Golden Anniversary week will unfold across Lake Placid and nearby Canton, offering a blend of camps, clinics and tournaments that echo the centre’s storied past.
Organizers have scheduled youth soccer camps, coach development sessions and a series of World Cup‑themed events, including two semifinal watch parties that will be broadcast on July 14 and 15.
Spotlight on coaching excellence
A free coaching clinic led by Alfred Galustian, co‑founder of the Coerver Coaching Method, will headline the programming, drawing on his international experience to mentor the next generation of players and mentors.
Mike McGlynn, a longtime figure in the programme, noted that more than 70,000 campers have passed through the centre’s indoor “Dawn to Dark” tournaments and outdoor fields since its inception.
The celebration will also feature an adult 5‑on‑5 World Cup watch party tournament at the North Elba athletic fields, allowing former campers and families to reconnect while cheering on the global tournament.
Additional activities include youth camps in Watertown and an overnight camp scheduled for July 19‑25 at St. Lawrence University, extending the festivities beyond the original host towns.
The week aims to honor the centre’s legacy while inspiring continued participation in soccer across the region.