Summer camp expands UM-Flint women's club soccer community impact

UM-Flint's women's club soccer team is using its annual youth summer camp to build community connections, mentor young players, and sustain its student-run program. Now in its third year, the day camp is a high-energy event that brings local kids together on and off the field. This year's event will again serve as both a fundraiser for the team and an accessible opportunity for local youth to develop their skills.

"Last year, we had about 35 campers, up from 11 the previous year, and it completely changed the atmosphere," said Abigail Weycker, a graduate student from Flint studying leadership and organizational development and business administration. "The kids were so engaged, laughing, making friends and genuinely excited to be there. It felt like more than just a camp; it felt like a space where they were building connections."

The camp is designed to be accessible and welcoming to kids aged 5-14 of all skill levels, focusing on fundamentals such as passing and dribbling through interactive drills and games. For the team's players, however, the experience goes far beyond teaching soccer.

"For me, it's about representation and opportunity," Weycker said. "There are still more opportunities for male athletes overall, so being able to show young girls what's possible is really meaningful. I want them to look at us and think, 'I can do that someday.'"

Samaria Banks, a sophomore pre-med student from Flint, said the camp creates a lasting impact for both campers and players.

"While many people may see this camp as just a sports activity, it's much more than that," Banks said. "It teaches us how to be leaders and role models. It's also important for our team because it strengthens our communication and builds bonds off the field, which ultimately helps us perform better together on the field."

Banks also recognizes how camps like these foster community and support for the youth involved. "Equally important, the camp creates a safe and supportive environment for the kids. It provides them with a sense of community where they feel cared for, while also helping them develop as soccer players," she said.

Brianna Mosholder, a graduate student studying human-centered design from Swartz Creek, echoed that sentiment, noting the dual purpose of the camp."The camp is a fundraiser, so it's important for helping our team grow and improve," Mosholder said. "But it's also about guiding the next generation of players and giving them role models to look up to." 

The funds raised through the camp play a critical role in sustaining the club program. As a student-run organization, the team relies heavily on fundraising to cover expenses such as field rentals, referee fees, uniforms, equipment and travel.

"Honestly, the funds help us function as a club," Weycker said. "But at the end of the day, this camp isn't just about raising money—it's about sustaining our program and making sure we can keep providing opportunities for current and future players."

Looking ahead, the team hopes to continue expanding the camp's reach while maintaining its core mission of accessibility and community impact.

"I'd love to see the camp continue to grow and reach even more kids, but more importantly, I want it to stay consistent," Weycker said. "It would be amazing to build something that becomes a tradition. One of the long-term goals would be hearing that a future UMFWS player got their start at one of our camps – that would make everything come full circle."

As the program grows, UM-Flint women's club soccer remains focused on its broader goal: making a lasting impact both on and off the field.

"I hope each camper leaves feeling more confident — not just in their abilities on the field, but in themselves as individuals," Banks said. "And maybe even with a new friend or two."

The camp takes place at 10 a.m., June 13,  at Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc. Registration is $40 per child, with a discounted rate of $35 for each additional child within the same family. All participants will be provided with light snacks and water. The registration deadline is May 31. More information is available on the registration page.