With the FIFA Men’s World Cup set to take place in the United States, there is an increased enthusiasm around soccer this summer, making it an opportune time to enroll children in soccer camps. These camps can spark interest and inspire young players by showcasing the skills of professional athletes. To provide insight into the benefits of these camps, we spoke with two experienced players, Sam Estrada and Cyera Hintzen, who play for Dallas Trinity FC in the Gainbridge Super League. Both women have not only played professionally but also served as instructors at their team’s youth camp last summer.
Estrada, who hails from El Paso and played at Southern Methodist University (SMU), recalls a formative experience at a University of Texas at El Paso camp when she was just 10 years old. She emphasized how the enthusiasm of the coaches significantly impacted her experience. “The coaches were really into it and wanted us to be there,” she reminisced. “They seemed really interactive with us, and I loved it.”
Hintzen also recognized the importance of coach engagement, stating, “A big one is the coaches being involved. I know sometimes coaches at camps will just be like, ‘OK, everyone go over here,’ jumping through the cones. Actually being active and doing it with them brings out a different energy.”
Creating a welcoming environment is essential for instructors, particularly as children often feel apprehensive when separated from their parents. Estrada elaborated, “It’s early in the morning, and you kind of have to connect with them. When you say, ‘Hey, come on. Let’s go kick the ball, OK? Let’s juggle,’ they eventually get into it.” Hintzen added, “It is scary — they’re leaving their parents — so it’s important to make them feel comfortable and assure them that they’re going to have fun.”
Both players stressed the importance of balancing skill development with enjoyment. Estrada noted, “This is the age where they’re supposed to enjoy the sport. I know we’re here to get better, but they also need to come to have fun. I want to make sure that you are having fun and that you’re not just sitting on the bench.”
Reflecting on her own camp experience, Estrada mentioned how the drills were designed to be enjoyable, culminating in a memorable water day that added a fun twist to the week. “It was a good end to a long week of camp,” she said.
As a coach, Hintzen remains attentive to quieter children who might need encouragement to participate. “Make sure everyone’s included as well. You see the ones that are quiet and aren’t maybe making friends, or they’re here by themselves. It’s about taking them under your wing and figuring out how to get them involved.”
Estrada also seeks to motivate young goalkeepers, recognizing bravery in those who express interest in the position. “You look at kids, and when they want to hop in goal, you’re like, ‘OK, this kid is brave. This kid is courageous.’ You help them with little coaching tips here and there.”
The influence of professional players like Estrada and Hintzen extends beyond skill development; they serve as role models for young athletes. Estrada recalled how her interactions with Division I athletes at UTEP camps inspired her aspirations. “It was inspiring, actually. You look at these girls, and you think, ‘Hey, I kind of want to be like them one day.’”
Young athletes often seek out Estrada and Hintzen for autographs and pictures during Dallas Trinity FC games, highlighting the positive impact of having relatable role models. Hintzen, a former all-conference player with the Texas Longhorns, noted, “A lot of younger kids see us as the first face of someone who has played in college or is a professional athlete. So, just to bring good energy and inspire them to know this is possible is important.”
A Partial List of North Texas Summer Soccer Camps
All Saints’ Co-Ed Soccer
Info: summeryou.org/2026-camps
Location: All Saints’ Episcopal School, Fort Worth
Grades K-6, providing instruction on both the fundamentals and advanced techniques of play.
9am-noon June 22-26
All Saints’ Soccer and Cultures Collide
Info: summeryou.org/2026-camps
Location: All Saints’ Episcopal School, Fort Worth
Grades 4-6, weaving in lessons about World Cup cultures and traditions alongside soccer instruction.
12:30pm-3:30pm June 8-12
Eric Bell Soccer Academy
Info: ericbellsocceracademy.com
Location: TCU Soccer Stadium, Fort Worth
Instruction from TCU Head Coach Eric Bell plus current and former players and coaches.
June 1-4, July 20-23; day camp (ages 7-13) and half-day camp (ages 4-6)
Dallas Trinity FC Summer Soccer Day Camp
Info: dallastrinityfc.com
Location: The Hockaday School in Dallas
Players of all skill levels and ages.
Half-day camp (Grades 1-4) 9am-noon June 8-12; full-day camp (Grades 3-10) 9am-3:30pm June 8-12
FC Dallas Young Player Development Soccer Camps
Info: fcdallascamps.com
Location: FC Dallas Indoor Performance Center in Frisco
Ages 6-10, with additional options for advanced and older players.
10am-1pm June 8-11, June 22-25, July 13-16, Aug 3-6
Fort Worth Country Day School Soccer Camps
Info: falconsportscamps.org
Location: Fort Worth Country Day School, Fort Worth
Soccer skills camp, boys and girls Grades 1-5.
9am-noon June 8-12; advanced soccer camp 9am-3pm June 15-18 (boys and girls Grades 5-12)
Fort Worth Vaqueros Youth Summer Camps
Info: fortworthvaqueros.com
Location: Sycamore Park in Fort Worth
Boys and girls ages 7-14.
9am-11am May 25–27, June 22–24, July 20–22
Fort Worth Youth Soccer Association Day Camps
Info: fwyouthsoccer.org
Location: FWYSA Benbrook Complex in Benbrook
Full- and half-day for ages 9-18.
June 1-5, June 8–12, July 20–24
GameOn Indoor Soccer Camps and Clinics
Info: gameonfw.com/camp-soccer
Location: GameOn Arena Sports, Fort Worth
GameOn hosts multiple indoor soccer camps and one-day clinics for a wide variety of ages.
Nike Soccer Camp
Info: ussportscamps.com
Location: Upper 90 Soccer Center in Arlington
Ages 5-16, grouped by age.
Half-day camp 9am-noon June 22-25, June 27-30; full-day camp 9am-3pm June 22-25, June 27-30
Location: Christ’s Haven, Keller
Boys and girls ages 6-16
9am-noon June 15-18, July 20-23
Paris Saint-Germain Academy Camps
Info: psgacademydfw.com/camps
Age-appropriate training sessions focusing on the core fundamentals of the PSG methodology.
Location: Nova Sports Arena in Alvarado
9am-3pm June 1-5, June 22-26
Location: Lake Worth
9am-noon June 8-12
Location: Gateway Park in Fort Worth
9am-3pm July 6
