Student-athletes and coaches joined hundreds of young players for a World Cup-inspired celebration that showcased the power of sports to unite communities.
The excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to the Camden Waterfront as Rutgers–Camden Athletics welcomed hundreds of young players to SoccerFest26, a regional celebration that brought together fans, families, and communities through the world’s most popular sport.
As part of the three-day festival presented by Visit South Jersey, Rutgers–Camden Athletics partnered with the New Jersey Youth Soccer Association to host the "Live Play Zone" on the university's athletic fields. Each morning during the festival, student-athletes and coaches organized and led soccer activities for children ages 6 to 14, creating opportunities to inspire the next generation of players while demonstrating the power of athletics to foster connections across diverse communities.
“Visit South Jersey approached Rutgers–Camden Athletics when it received grant funding from the Governor’s Office to support programming to celebrate the World Cup,” said Tom Thomasson, director of athletics and recreational services at Rutgers University–Camden. “It was a natural fit because we had the space to host a large-scale youth soccer camp, and the event's success was made possible by the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and administrative staff.”
Rutgers–Camden Athletics has fostered excellence in competition, academics, and community engagement for more than 75 of the university’s 100 years. Today, the Scarlet Raptors sponsor 17 NCAA Division III varsity sports, with the men's and women's soccer programs serving as longstanding ambassadors for the university. Since the men's program was established in 1958, Rutgers–Camden soccer has built a tradition of competitive success, leadership, teamwork, and service while strengthening connections with youth athletes and communities throughout South Jersey.
Opportunities like SoccerFest26 and its youth soccer clinics reinforce a core pillar of Rutgers–Camden's mission: serving and strengthening the communities of Camden and South Jersey.
“Events like this create opportunities for role modeling and community building,” Thomasson said. “Not everyone in attendance was a soccer player, but they had a chance to interact with their peers and our student-athletes and coaches in a fun and engaging way. We also had the opportunity to partner with Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden to provide resources to participants on proper hydration techniques, heat illness education, and resources for school physicals.”
The experience also offered Rutgers–Camden student-athletes an opportunity to engage with the community in a meaningful way while sharing their passion for the game. By leading drills, encouraging participants, and serving as role models, they helped create an environment that celebrated both skill development and the joy of sport.
Beyond the skills taught on the field, SoccerFest26 highlighted the ability of sports to bring together young players from diverse backgrounds and create a shared experience centered on teamwork, connection, and a love of the game.
“The takeaway is that sport can be fun and can unite people around a common joy of playing a sport they love,” Thomasson said.
Rutgers–Camden student-athletes and coaches working with young South Jersey athletes at SoccerFest26
