Five year old Olivia Mercer-Finkley, of Northfield (right) makes a nice return from a toss by Northfield High senior Morgan Lamorey at the "Upward" Soccer camp for kids last Friday morning at Memorial park. Kiids from ages 4-12 took part in the camp that was sponsored by The New Life Community Church of Northfield. Northfield’s Memorial Park was alive with the sound of kids playing summer soccer last week. The New Life Community Church sponsored the half day (mornings only) “Upward Soccer Camp.” Nearly 30 kids from grades K-6 took part in the drill rotations, scrimmages and finally games as the week progressed. All this was done under the watchful eye of New Life Pastor Trey Cates and a staff of nearly a dozen adults and older students and parents – all volunteers. The supervisory group included seven volunteers from the Faith Baptist Church of Youngsville N.C.. The North Carolina Volunteers are not strangers to Northfield. “ This is our third year here,” said Aubrey Cooper a native of the North Carolina town that rivals Northfield in size. “ We’re here to help support the New Life Church. I like to come here. It’s lovely. We are staying in the Norwich University dorms and they are taking care of us very well,” he added.

The weather cooperated for all but one day last week and when rain looked like it would halt the camp’s activities the Northfield Elementary school stepped up. “ I want to thank the Northfield Elementary School for letting us use their gym in case of bad weather.

They have been great,” said Trey Cates.

The kid’s morning schedule began at nine in the morning and ran until noon. It was a series of drills that were about 15 minutes long each and when a drill such as a passing drill was done the kids rotated to another part of the field to work at a drill that polished another soccer skill. After the drills were completed the kids broke into teams and held short scrimmages for four days of the five day camp.

“Friday is game day, The parents can come and watch the kids games,” said Pastor Cates.

The objective of the camp is not to turn out future players for Major League Soccer. “ Our goal is not only to teach the students the skills of soccer but also to teach teamwork, integrity and what it means to be on God’s team,” said Pastor Cates.

On Wednesday of last week there was more going on than soccer at the “Upward Soccer Camp”. The church is taking part in a late summer-early fall basketball league for kids grades 1-8. On Wednesday the basketball court at Memorial park was the site for local registration. The League will feature church teams from Washington, Vt. , Randolph, and Northfield. The league games start on Sept. 18th. For more information call 485-5171.