Youth soccer camp in St. Charles honors community member, connects first responders with kids

(ABC 6 News) — The Saturday sunny forecast paved the way for the uplifting spirits and kids and adults in St. Charles.

Organizers held the 3rd annual Robyn’s Memorial Youth Soccer Camp. Robyn Barclay tragically passed away in a car accident in July 2019. Community members say Barclay loved St. Charles and was active and instrumental in giving the youth soccer program momentum.

The camp was for Pre-K through 6th graders but in the mid-afternoon, 4th-6th graders scrimmaged members of the St. Charles police and fire department, high school soccer coaching staff, and elementary staff for about 30 minutes.

There was also a local food truck on hand.

"St. Charles always had a great reputation for their athletics," police chief Jose Pelazez said. "They have a great soccer team. They’re always active and I’m just glad I got to be part of this and hopefully the next coming years we’ll be doing the same and it’ll be an annual event. It’s great for the kids and great for us as the police department to get some time to connect with the kids too"

The kids ended up beating the adults 3-2 in the scrimmage.

Organizer Emily Dresher says their vision is that one day the kids who participated in the camp will play for the high school’s soccer team. She also spoke about how great it was to bring the community together.

"The school mission or motto is involve, challenge, and achieve," Dresher said. "I think even with a nice community event like this today it really symbolizes what we do at the schools is also like in the community too"