Camp Kick-a-Lot kicks up the heat in Clatsop County

The World Cup. Packed bars, nationwide watch parties, patriotic chants and tears on the field.

>World Cup fans are known for their dedicated fandom. People worldwide can immerse themselves in each game as if it’s a matter of life or death.

>In the U.S., soccer fans have been slow to heat up to the sport’s fanaticism. But this year, with The U.S.A. hosting the 2026 World Cup, and soccer fans across the country and the globe losing their minds, well, this might just be the year the sport rises to a fever pitch. And also, the year that more young Americans get into the fourth most popular sport in the country.

>The 2026 World Cup might be the turning point for young soccer lovers to get into the game — and boost its popularity to No. 2 or even No. 1.

>Locally, there is an opportunity for young kickers to give it a try.

>The Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association is once again preparing to offer their two week camp — and the timing could not be better. Week one of the camp is set to begin on Monday, July 20 and run through the Friday, 24. Week one runs 2 to 5 p.m. Week two is Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31 and runs from 4 to 7 p.m. The cost is $100 for one week or $160 for both.

>Serendipitously, the first day of camp on July 20 just happens to be the day after the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. Camp Kick-a-Lot Director Justin Gagnon is hoping the world cup fever will lead to even more interest in the camp.

>“We plan to use a lot of the excitement from the World Cup Final and incorporate it into our camp,” Gagnon said. “I’ve seen so many kids at watch parties in our area and the country itself has really gotten into the energy of the sport. I know there’s going to be lots of excitement the Monday we start.”

>Founded by Jerry Boisvert in 1984, the soccer camp has been a staple for Clatsop County. Gagnon began playing soccer for the first time at age 2 and has progressed from player to counselor. He is now entering his 12th season as the director of the camp — and has been a part of it for more than a dozen more.

>“This will be my 27th year being directly involved in the camp,” Gagnon said. “I’ve been playing the game all my life and hope to pass on my love of the game to the young kids in this community.”

>Gagnon said his predecessor started the camp as a way to promote the game of soccer to the kids of Clatsop County. Over time, the camp has included a number of fun activities as a way to bring energy. More than 200 kids from first through eighth grades are typically on the roster.

>The kids who attend Camp Kick-a-Lot will have a chance to not only learn the basic skills of soccer, but also to learn from the more experienced.

>“We have a lot of high school soccer players that help out as counselors,” Gagnon said. “There’s a couple who are doing this camp as a part of their senior projects, so it’s a great way for young kids to experience a sport for the first time.”

>In addition to fun activities and soccer skills, there will be daily theme days, healthy snacks and a camp t-shirt and soccer ball included with registration. Camp Kick-a-Lot will take place at the soccer complex in Warrenton at 1100 NW Ridge Road, Hammond Oregon.

>To register, go to the website: lcysasoccer.com.