Soccer league creates ‘electric’ atmosphere
Published 1:00 pm Wednesday, August 28, 2024
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Julius Mckellar charges forward on offense during the sixth annual Camp25/FDPR Soccer League’s Junior Division championship game on July 31 at Armory Field in Franklin. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Vying for possession of the ball during the Rookie Division championship game on July 31 are, from left, Lola Lopez, Grant Bailey and Thomas Bolin. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Camilla Moye of the Raptors looks to turn the ball inside on offense. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Lola Lopez, center, advances on the ball as other players converge during the Rookie Division championship game of the sixth annual Camp25/FDPR Soccer League. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Loyalty Dawson of the Raptors scores a goal on this kick during his team’s victory in the Rookie Division championship game. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Channing Grant pushes the ball forward amid the 2024 Camp25/FDPR Soccer League’s Junior Division title game. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
From left, Raptors Coach Cam, in gray, and Blue Devils Coach Lopez, in blue, confer with their respective teams during a stoppage in play amid the Rookie Division title game. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Kavion Long looks to make the most of an opportunity on offense amid the Junior Division title game. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Gage Worrell keeps his eyes on the ball as he initiates his team’s offense. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Christian Tinsley, center, evaluates where to go with the ball as Daniel Summers, left, and Kennedy Deloatch apply defensive pressure. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Logan Jeter strides forward on offense while eyeing a scoring opportunity. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Jayden Putnam navigates with the ball on offense amid the Junior Division title game. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Judah Nuttle launches the ball forward during the Rookie Division title game. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Reagan Johnson looks to send the ball upfield. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Cason Deloatch offers encouragement to his team while he awaits his next chance to join the action. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Goalkeeper Ethan Daughtrey throws the ball back into play during the Junior Division title game July 31 at Armory Field. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Goalkeeper Nelson Rios punts the ball during the Junior Division championship game. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Grant Bailey rests on the sideline while keeping a weather eye on the field during the Rookie Division title game. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Blue Devils player Camilla Lopez smiles moments before throwing the ball in to resume play. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Riley Artis of the Blue Devils makes a key save on defense. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Play unfolds in the Rookie Division championship game at Armory Field during the final day of the sixth annual Camp25/FDPR Soccer League. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
The sixth annual Camp25/FDPR Soccer League offered notable excitement on the pitch this summer, drawing 118 participants aged 4-14 who hailed from Franklin, Southampton County, Windsor and Suffolk.
The league featured eight teams — four in the Rookie Division, which was for ages 4-8, and four in the Junior Division, which was for ages 9-14.
Though weather interrupted the season at times, play began June 20 and concluded July 31, with all games unfolding at Armory Field in Franklin.
“The season was great,” Camp25 Founder/Executive Director Eric Benton said. “The atmosphere of game nights was electric.”
The soccer league is a partnership between Camp25 and the Franklin Department of Parks and Recreation.
FDPR Director Sammara Green said, “As always we are so glad that we have had another successful year of our soccer program. Special thanks for Eric Benton and Tory Myrick for the coordination of this year’s season. We are looking forward to the continued growth of youth soccer.”
The championship games for each division closed the league’s season under the lights of Armory Field on July 31.
In the Junior Division, a team sponsored by Franklin Parks and Recreation defeated a squad sponsored by Deb’s Hair Studio to claim the division title.
In the Rookie Division, the Raptors defeated the Blue Devils to earn the divisional crown.