COPA America watch party welcomes youth to Houston Sports Authority's soccer clinic
The COPA America quarterfinals match are set to be held at NRG Stadium on July 4.
HOUSTON — Soccer fans filed into Discovery Green for a COPA America watch party. This happened nearly one week ahead of the quarterfinal match that'll be held at NRG Stadium on Independence Day.
But Sunday morning, some young soccer players got a chance to learn a few things ahead of the big game.
When you're a 7-year-old soccer player, the heat isn't too much to deal with - at least that's the case for Barrett Van Buskirk.
"It’s always a surprise," he said about the various activities.
He and other kids were participating in the Houston Sports Authority's youth soccer clinic. Players learned the basics from the Dynamo and Dash clinic coaches.
"We hope we pique their interest for those who made for the first time be experiencing the sport of soccer," said Chris Massey with Houston Sports Authority.
About 200 kids signed up for the free clinic. Organizers said this is an important piece of summer fun. Particularly for kids missing out on the physical education curriculum during school. But it's also a chance to introduce kids to a sport that's growing stateside.
"I think it’s great. It’s really good so many kids these days are at home during the summer," said Carolyn Van Buskirk, Barrett's mother.
She said this is a family of soccer lovers who are excited to see kids being incorporated in such a major sporting event for Houston.
And while the COPA quarterfinal at NRG is just days away, hard work and excitement are building for 2026 when Houston hosts seven matches of the FIFA World Cup.
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