Zachary ’25 and Jonny ’25 aim to provide “a safe, structured environment” for youth to enjoy playing soccer in their community.
At Hampton Beach during the summer you get to engage with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. This area is a hotspot for vacation goers to spend a weekend due to its vicinity to Boston, its historical significance, and its soft sand beaches. From college students to college professors, people from all walks of life come to vacation here. The sudden influx of people, however, presents a number of dangers to the area’s youth. Many of the people who come to Hampton during the summer look to have a good time, often forgetting morals and manners and acting without regard for others. With so many people on the beach, it leads to increased danger and crime in the area. Hampton Beach has even needed to request police units from nearby areas to help patrol and ensure safety. While most adults know how to avoid the wrong crowd, children often end up facing the most danger on the crowded beach. The sheer volume of visitors can make it difficult to keep track of young ones, exposing them to potential risks from irresponsible or even dangerous behavior.
The goal of Soccer Sprouts is to address these problems by providing a safe, structured environment that is far more than just a babysitting service. While our camp offers a secure space for children to play and enjoy soccer, it also emphasizes the values associated with the sport, such as teamwork, discipline, and respect. These values are integral to a child’s development and are woven into every session. Beyond playing soccer, our camp includes instructional teaching about the dangers children may face on the beach and boardwalk. We aim to educate the kids on how to recognize and avoid potentially hazardous situations, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to stay safe even outside camp hours. Through this dual focus on soccer and safety education, we strive to create a comprehensive learning experience that benefits the children and contributes positively to the community.