Southern Illinois University’s soccer program is set to welcome young athletes this summer with a slate of youth camps that begin on June 1. The initiative, spearheaded by head coach Graeme Orr, seeks to provide top‑level instruction to children across the region while also helping to offset the costs of the university’s own soccer operations.
Camps Aim to Grow Soccer in the Heartland
The camp lineup includes Youth Summer Soccer Camp 1, a specialized Goalkeeper/Striker Camp, Youth Summer Soccer Camp 2 and Youth Summer Soccer Camp 3. All sessions will be held at the Lew Hartzog Track & Field Complex, a venue that offers ample space for both field play and technical drills.
Open to all genders and a wide range of age groups, the camps are designed to capitalize on the surge of interest sparked by recent World Cup coverage. Coach Orr notes that the programs will not only sharpen skills but also foster a lifelong love of the game among participants.
Registration is now available through SalukiSoccerCamps.com, where families can secure spots and take advantage of sibling discounts for multiple children enrolled in the same camp. In addition, attendance at SIU home games remains free, encouraging community support for the program.
The summer camps dovetail with the recently released Fall 2026 season schedule. The Salukis open their campaign on the road at SEMO on August 13 before hosting Western Illinois at home on August 16, setting the stage for a competitive second half of the year.