It is with very mixed emotions that I want to inform all that Flathead Soccer Camp will not be held this year. As some of you are aware Billy McNicol and I started this camp 22 years ago. Billy has been a mentor and friend for many years. At the time there were little if any summer camps. What we created has been, as Billy said, "I know we did the right thing for players, families and for the sport. We gave a chance for locals to be part of the Worlds Game" No truer words were ever spoken. I had one local parent tell me, "you, meaning FSC, have kept soccer alive in the valley.

Back then I was telling Billy that our kids could not afford to go to upper level training camps out of State. His response was why don't you build your own fields and I will bring top level coaches to Montana. Once I got over the shock I said, "why not", so Billy and I paced off, what was currently an alfalfa field, and the future McNicol Meadows was born. I would like to thank all the players and parents who have supported FSC over the years. An estimated 3000+ campers, from K-12th grades have improved their skills during this time. Many going on to play for their high schools and many also going on to collegiate soccer.

FSC has always been a non-profit camp with monies going to support local soccer. FSC has purchase goal for KidSport, stipends for coaches in the spring, field equipment for high school teams, airfare for kids in need for out of State tournaments, etc.

A heartfelt thanks to all the coaches who have made FCS a success. My first competitive team at U-10 and ending up with U-18 boys traveling team (the first in Montana) with top players from across the State and local. Many of these went on to play at the collegiate level. Coach young ladies for several years and had State wide traveling teams as well.

Plans are to keep fields open for local spring practice until KidSport fields are playable. Also in the fall the local Academy and Christian schools plus unaffiliated teams play their matches on FSC fields. So will continue to irrigate and mow. LOL

Once again I want to thank all of you who have made Billy's and my dream possible. Thank you.

Mike Stebbins
Flathead Soccer Camp