A Holiday Weekend of Opportunity: Thanksgiving Soccer Camp Strengthens the Pathway for OKCPS Students

Dec 1, 2025

Over Thanksgiving Break, a powerful story of community, collaboration, and access came to life as Fields & Futures partnered with the Mas Futbol Foundation and Pella of Oklahoma to host a free two-day Thanksgiving Soccer Camp for OKCPS students.

Held November 24–25, the camp welcomed players from elementary through high school for two mornings of high-energy training, skill-building, and connection. For many students, it was a chance to learn from experienced coaches, meet new teammates from across the district, and deepen their love for the game in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Partnership in Action

The Thanksgiving Soccer Camp represented the strength of a growing soccer community in Oklahoma City. Mas Futbol brought trusted coaching and player development expertise, Fields & Futures continued its commitment to expanding opportunities for OKCPS students, and Pella of Oklahoma made it possible for every participant to attend at no cost.

Together, these partners helped create an experience that was accessible, meaningful, and built around a shared goal: more kids on more teams.

Growing Confidence, Connection, and Opportunity

While the camp took place over just two mornings, its impact stretched far beyond the final session. Events like this are central to the expanding Soccer Pathway – providing consistent opportunities for students to stay active, develop their skills, and feel supported through the game they love.

This is where the return on impact becomes clear. When students are engaged in positive, team-centered experiences, they build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging that carries into the classroom and beyond.

More Than a Weekend Camp

For Oklahoma City, the Thanksgiving Soccer Camp was another reminder of what’s possible when the community rallies around youth sports. It wasn’t just a camp – it was an investment in connection, hope, and opportunity for OKCPS students.

And as soccer continues to grow across the city, partnerships like this one will help ensure more young people have the chance to play, develop, and dream through the global game.

Goal Scored: U.S. Soccer Showcases OKC’s Playbook for Growing the Game

With the FIFA World Cup 26 right around the corner, U.S. Soccer recently published our case study, submitted in partnership with OKC for Soccer, as part of their Soccer Forward Foundation initiative. The study highlights how growing the game and expanding access to youth sports through field construction, field maintenance, and sustainable programming is a team effort.

Expanding the Spirit: JV Cheer Grows Opportunities in OKCPS

Cheer is more than a sideline sport in Oklahoma City Public Schools. It’s a pathway that builds confidence, creates community, and opens doors to future opportunities. By introducing new JV cheer squads, Southeast High School, U.S. Grant High School, and Southeast Middle School are creating more opportunities for girls to get involved and stay connected at a pivotal moment when sports have the most impact on their lives.

Fields & Futures