Combining fundraising with a camp to teach up-and-coming players skills made for a win-win as members of Newtown High School’s boys’ soccer program hosted the Newtown Soccer Camp at Blue & Gold Stadium during four sessions lasting three hours each August 5-8. Add in the coaching-like experience and community service hours the high school players gained and it becomes a win-win-win.

NHS coaches led the camp with the help of members of the team, including captains Eli Brady, Ryan Payne, Curtis Verdi, and Brendan McAnaspie. Parents Marybeth D’Amico, Alex Ortner, and Alissa Williams organized the session as a way for the high school players to gain valuable experience while teaching youth athletes — boys and girls alike — all the while pulling in money for team warm-up suits. It has been a tradition in the high school program for players to wear warm-up suits before games. The current warm-ups, from a private donation, are five years old, the parents said. The school budget allocates funds for new uniforms, but warm-up suits are not included.

“Along with Coach Ryan Lyddy and Coach Matt Cotto, a group of players’ parents has organized a volunteer opportunity for our sons to teach and work with local youth to develop their soccer skills, gain confidence on the field, and learn about the sport in a friendly environment. Our goal is for youth to bond with players on the high school team that will serve as positive role models for them,” D’Amico said. “We wanted our players to gain a valuable experience working with the youth in our community. This is a chance for them to see what it’s like to be with the high school program.”

D’Amico noted that Newtown Apparel was extremely supportive in helping defray costs for purchasing gear and embroidery.

Cotto, an assistant coach with the NHS program, said the clinic allowed the high school program to connect with the community.

“Newtown soccer and Newtown Soccer Club runs really deep,” said Cotto, adding that many of the players who grow up playing soccer in town end up serving as ball boys during varsity games and some go on to play at the high school level.

“These guys all play Newtown soccer growing up,” Cotto said. “The hope is to keep all of our players in town and help grow the club program and the high school program.”

“It’s a great experience for the high school boys to be connected with the younger kids,” Ortner added.

There were nearly 50 players entering grades 2 through 7 who got pointers from the high school coaches and athletes-turned-coaches.

Members of the varsity team who are accustomed to being coached had a unique opportunity to experience teaching the game to younger players. “It gives them a feel for the other side,” Cotto noted.

And for the attendees, it allows them to interact with high school players, a possible glimpse into their future.

“It’s great. You’re here as a camper today and before you know it you’ll be here playing at Blue & Gold Stadium in a big Tuesday night game,” Cotto added. “The hope is that they stick with it and become part of the high school program with us.”

Payne, who will be a junior captain this fall, is only a few years removed from running along the sidelines after loose balls helping out at varsity games as a ball boy. Payne said he uses his experience to let the up-and-coming players/ future NHS varsity team member hopefuls see that anything is possible if they work at it. Some soccer-playing tips Payne offered included being prepared to make a play before getting the ball and to be smart and decisive with what they do on the field.

“I tell them to think quickly. When they get the ball to be quick and release it,” Payne added.

The campers cooled down with water and Popsicle breaks.

The fall soccer campaign is coming up fast with the season opener set for Thursday, September 5 when Pomperaug of Southbury visits NHS at 6 pm.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.