By Linda Barney, Barney and Associates
It is important for K-12 students to have an understanding of computer science and technology tools to compete in today’s society. To help foster soccer excellence and introduce students to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the Willamette United FC Soccer Club (WUFC) and the Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association (OregonCSTA) partnered to put on the inaugural WUFC Soccer+STEM 2026 summer camp for kindergarten through 8th grade students. The camp was held June 22-25, 2026, at Riverside High School in West Linn, Oregon with 120 K-8 kids attending the morning soccer camp. The STEM portion of camp was held after lunch and was split into two of groups of kindergarten through 2nd grade and 3rd through 8th grade students. Attendance for the STEM camp was limited to 20 kids per age group and the camp sold out fast!
Introducing WUFC and OCSTA
The goal of WUFC is to inspire and educate youth members to be strong and productive athletes, citizens, and leaders. WUFC strives to help all children grow physically, emotionally, socially, and academically through the vehicle of youth sports. WUFC is one of Oregon’s oldest and largest youth sports organizations, founded in 1974 and now serving over 2,500 athletes and families in their community.
OCSTA is an organization of teachers training teachers in Oregon since 1984. Their main focus is professional development in the areas of computer science and engineering education for K-12 educators and extended program volunteers. The mission of OCSTA is to increase the number of Computer Science and engineering programs in Oregon in order to give students the opportunities for a work and college ready diploma upon graduation.
Terrel Smith, President of OCSTA and long time (now retired) Sherwood High School computer science teacher and Head Track Coach states, “'The partnership between WUFC and OCSTA created a wonderful intersection of sports and technology. Kids were able to explore the game of soccer in the morning and the science behind sports in the afternoon. Camps like this create an exploration of creativity that forms the foundation of fun learning, which keeps kids engaged and involved and wanting more. We were delighted to partner with a premier soccer club to make this experience successful and rewarding for all!”
Mike Iacolucci, Executive Director of Willamette United in his 15th year with the organization said, “Willamette United is thrilled to have partnered with OCSTA to put on our inaugural WUFC Soccer+STEM Summer Camp. Our student-athletes were able to experience the skill-building and joy of outdoor soccer camp in the morning, and the science of soccer after lunch in the afternoon, all amidst the excitement of the World Cup! Thank you to OCSTA, all of our coaches, teachers, and participants for helping to bring this exciting camp to life. Be on the look out for more WUFC Soccer+STEM camps in the future!”
STEM 2026 Summer Camp Sessions
Both groups in the afternoon STEM sessions were assisted in the classroom by WUFC soccer camp coaches along with CJ Koll, physics teacher at Wilsonville High School.
Kindergarten - 2nd Grade STEM Class
Jennica Smith, long time Sherwood school district teacher and athlete led the K-2nd grade STEM session. Kids designed and engineered a variety of sports related games created from everyday materials like a basketball hoop/court and foosball table. The hands-on creativity in designing and building starts the process of critical thinking in younger students, a foundational learning experience in STEM. Students worked in pairs to plan and execute their build, further cementing the bond of teamwork that began in the morning on the soccer field.
3rd - 8th Grade STEM Class
Derek Runberg led the STEM session for the older kids. Derek is a former Hillsboro School District educator, a seasoned athletics coach, and is the Director of Product at Makey Makey. Each student was issued a Chromebook and a Makey Makey kit. Using basic craft materials and Makey Makey, students designed and tested systems to collect data on sports related drills and activities (plank holds, pushups, lap timers, etc.) By combining sports-centric technology with hands-on STEM projects, student athletes explored the science behind the game and used STEM to improve their soccer skills.
TechStart Supports WUFC-OCSTA Soccer+STEM Summer Camp
TechStart is an Oregon-based 501(c)3 non-profit. The organization was created by Oregon technology leaders with the goal of expanding access to computer science education for K-12 students in the state. TechStart provides annual cash awards to K-12 teachers and two high school students to aid in continuing their education. TechStart is a volunteer organization whose members participate with a variety of organizations supporting computer science, STEM, and technology education. “Every child should have the opportunity to learn computer science. And thanks to OCSTA and WUFC, this event takes them a little farther down the path,” states Peter Steinfeld, TechStart Executive Director.
For further information, please contact:
WUFC: mike@wilametteunitedfc.com
OCSTA: terrelsmith1284@gmail.com