HONESDALE — The future of local boys and girls soccer appears to be exceedingly bright as evidenced by a stellar turnout at the 2024 Wayne County Commissioners youth summer camp.
Under the direction of current Honesdale girls varsity coach Becky Kretschmer, nearly 100 local youngsters attended the clinic, which took place over the course of three days.
“Running this camp helps build our local programs for the future,” Kretschmer said. “As a player myself since the age of seven, I continue to enjoy the sport and all the people in our community who share a soccer addiction.”
Commissioners Brian Smith and Jocelyn Cramer both attended the final day of this year's clinic. Both were pleased with the turnout and the upbeat atmosphere.
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“We're always happy to support these kinds of positive activities, and we'll continue to do so in the future,” Commissioner Smith said. “There are so many good role models in local youth sports, and they're helping our kids build a solid life foundation.”
On the pitch
This year's edition of the Commissioners summer youth soccer camp was held June 25-27 in Honesdale at the Stourbridge Primary Center Complex.
Coach Kretschmer and her dedicated staff of volunteers put together a fun and instructive clinic, which was open to boys and girls in grades two through seven.
Campers were divided into groups based on age and skill level. They received specialized instruction on various aspects of the sport, including player safety, teamwork, sportsmanship and communication.
In addition to support from the Commissioners, Dave's Super Duper in Honesdale also stepped up to provide a luncheon for all the campers and clinicians.
One of the highlights of this year's event was a “Night on the Turf,” which allowed the older players to experience what it feels like to compete center-stage at the brand-new Honesdale varsity complex.
“I always enjoy seeing the kids' faces light up when they score a goal or make a new friend,” Kretschmer said. “Anyone who steps onto our field immediately becomes family and receives a friendly welcome.”
Well-oiled machine
All aspects of the clinic ran smoothly this year, thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of a large group of volunteers.
“None of this would have been possible without all the coaches, varsity, JV and junior high players who helped out,” Kretschmer said. “I can't say enough good things about them.”
Volunteers for the 2024 Wayne County Commissioners Summer Soccer Camp included...
•Administrative Assistants and Nurses: Makayla Breidenstein, Melissa Weidner, Bruce Smallacombe.
•Head Coaches: Nora Mele, Rachele Chee, Nikki Fogu, Madison Meagher, Michael Wolfe, Nicole Billard, Anna Coar.
•Assistant Coaches: Elizabeth Meagher, Lauren Odell, Samantha Linn, Madison Van Blarcom, Rylee Pahls, Allison Billard, Scott Kehagias.
•Varsity Players: Ruby Martin, Vera Downey, Lexi Hankins, Alyssa Hankins.
•JV and Junior High Players: Abbey Beatty, Adison Davis, Athena Gager, Brianna Bodie, Autumn Razny, Kaitlyn Carroll, Maureen Meagher, Phaedra O'Malley-Caden, Alex Eisele, Arianna Valerio, Stefani Lopez, Esme Schloesser, Ethan Powers, Logan Myers, Hailey Elliot, Haley Kissolovege, Heather Kissolovege, Kiley Brady, Mia Wolfe, Olvia Reed, Payton Nolan, Sydnee Evans.
The 2024 varsity campaign for Honesdale opens up Monday, Aug. 19 with a scrimmage at Pittston Area.
Weather permitting, the Lady Hornets will start off the regular season at home on the turf versus Wyoming Area. Action gets underway at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 24.
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