07/28/2025
7th Annual CASTRO11 Summer Soccer Camp Success
Participants in the CASTRO11 soccer camp had a great time. For a week in July, the camp attracts boys and girls in Lafayette, Indiana, ages 8 to 18.
The event was run by former Lions striker Chris Castro with the assistance of current FC Indiana midfielder Bari Mayers and FC Indiana strength & conditioning coach Joey Boothroyd. The camp was split into two groups, with 8–14-year-olds (Middle School) and 15-18-year-olds (High School).
“In the camp we focused on fundamentals and key parts of the game,” said Castro. “We wanted to help the players improve their technical and physical abilities. It is a fast-paced game, so we ran through drills that would help them make faster decisions and winning 1 v 1 duels during their games. At the end of each day our goal was making sure each player performed to the best of their abilities.”
CASTRO11 soccer camp has always helped foster relationships between high schools, college programs and the several soccer clubs across Greater Lafayette area and the neighboring counties. FC Indiana is widely recognized as a hotbed for developing young soccer talent and CASTRO11 soccer camp is one of the fastest growing summer camps in the state.
“Speaking for both current and former players, I can say that we look forward to coaching and participating in the CASTRO11 soccer camp each summer. More importantly, though, is what it means to work with Castro, who is passionate about the game and thrives on bringing out the best in every person, regardless of age or skill level. This soccer camp is a vital component in the community, as we all know, the young players in the Greater Lafayette area look up to Castro as an example of how and what is required to play the game.,” Mayers said.
Drills and exercises were used to help the participants strengthen their skills. Participants received thorough feedback at the conclusion of each session. "We divided it into two sections. We provided feedback at the conclusion of each day, Identifying their weaknesses or errors in the fundamentals of dribbling, passing, shooting, defending, and ball control is the first step. The other was giving them credit for their efforts, which was done during exercises, small-sided games, and other times when a player or group stood out the most. For the other participants to pay attention, the group or the individual was requested to carry out the drill.”
Everyone who attended had a good time at the camp. Joey Boothroyd, coach of FC Indiana Strength and Conditioning, had a great time interacting with the campers and is eager to see the camps continue to expand. "Several campers expressed their intention to bring all of their friends and teammates to the camp next summer," he stated.
