SWFL.io - Local NewsReporter: Lauren Halpern
•6/11/2026
NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — The FIFA World Cup is fueling excitement across the country, and that enthusiasm is showing up in Southwest Florida.
Young athletes are spending their summer on the soccer field, learning new skills and dreaming big. FC Naples put on its summer soccer camp last week at Paradise Coast Sports Complex.
"All you have to do is drive around Collier County at 6 o'clock in the afternoon, and every park is full of soccer," said Roberto Moreno, co-founder and CEO of FC Naples.
Young athletes are feeding a passion, making new friends and learning new skills right under the nose of local pros. WINK News sports reporter Lauren Halpern spoke with Moreno, who said that now that Naples has a professional soccer team, he thinks the organization's main responsibility is to inspire the next generation and foster growth among local youth.
"We are the only professional team in town, so it's important for us to be that beacon and inspire the youth to hopefully play on the team, work on the team, support the team, whatever it is they want to do," Moreno said.
For 7-year-old Freya Hulme, the camp offered a chance to enjoy the basics of the sport.
"I just really like running and passing the ball around and kicking in the goal," Hulme said.
The camp also helped create friendships. Seven-year-old Anastasia Snyder said she enjoyed getting to be together with other young players.
For 10-year-old William Diaz, the dream goes further.
"I really want to be a professional soccer player one day, so that's what inspired me to join the camp," Diaz said.
A dream, Moreno said, is becoming more realistic for kids growing up in the area.
"You don't have to drive two or three hours anymore to watch a professional game, you can watch it here in your hometown," Moreno said.
The level of interaction between young athletes and seasoned players extended beyond the camp, with pros spending time with the community as the U.S. kicked off its World Cup run.