On Monday, July 14th, 2025, SOAR hosted an Indoor Soccer event to see if there were enough participants interested in soccer to add it to our Challenger sports lineup. The event consisted of a youth session (4:00pm-5:00pm) and an adult session (5:00pm-6:00pm), similar to the structure of our Challenger Basketball program. Both of the groups were coached by Faith and Camden, regular volunteers who have volunteered for numerous SOAR events and Challenger sports seasons. During the youth session, participants learned soccer drills and practiced exercises designed to improve their skills, teamwork, and cooperation.
Since the youth session was a small group, there weren't enough players to play a soccer game. However, there were more than enough players present for the adult session, and most of the participants from the youth session decided to remain and to play alongside them. All participants learned the same drills and practiced dribbling, stopping the ball, passing the ball, teamwork, and kicking a goal. Finally, it was time to play. The players were divided into three teams that rotated at the end of every timed match. Everyone was eager for their chance to play, and those who were waiting for their team's turn cheered on their fellow competitors.
For many participants, this was their first taste of soccer, and since it was indoor the heat wasn't a factor. There were a lot of smiles, lots of running, and many goals and celebrations. The spectators enjoyed themselves almost as much as the participants!
