OCFC, a nonprofit organization providing free soccer training to youth in Orleans County, has awarded 25 summer camp scholarships to local athletes. The scholarships were funded by donations from local businesses and individuals.
The program, now in its fourth year, remains entirely free for participants. OCFC operates with no paid employees and no athlete fees, relying on volunteers and community support. For the 2026 season, the organization has registered 150 athletes.
Scholarship recipients were chosen based on commitment, attitude, engagement, and love for the game. Winners and their sponsors include: Addie Webster (Beach Hill Fitness), Andrew Cilwik (Beach Hill Fitness), Aubrey Boucher (Blanchard Oil Co.), and many others. A full list is available in the original report.
Sponsors include Beach Hill Fitness, Blanchard Oil Co., Case Automotive, Casella Waste Management, Columbia Forest Products, Goodwin Mountain Mechanical, Lantagne Trucking, Margaret Maxwell, Millie Nault Gero, Northern Vermont Soccer School, and Northpoint Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Directors Darcy LeBlanc and Sarah Bathalon thanked the community, stating that the donations "invested in confidence, mentorship, teamwork, growth, and opportunity for local kids."
Originally reported by Newport Daily Express.
Photo: Hal Gatewood via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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