Future of soccer develops at Gamble's Field of Dreams

Evan McNeely, a Sandpoint resident who spent 20 years as a professional indoor soccer player, opened up his backyard-turned soccer field to the youth of Sandpoint.

McNeely held a three-day soccer clinic at the Tom Gamble Field of Dreams from July 8-10.

McNeely began coaching youth soccer players since he graduated from Oregon State University.

Working with the next generation of players has always been a passion for McNeely.

"We've helped develop kids for a long time," he said. "I'm not affiliated with any local programs; it's just a private setting for youth development."

McNeely brought along three other coaches with professional soccer experience to help coach the clinic.

"The goal here is to provide the kids with professional coaching experience," McNeely said. "Sandpoint is a soccer-rich community and I obviously have a love for soccer in its entirety, but it's the local community that I really want to help."

This was the second clinic McNeely hosted at the Tom Gamble Field of Dreams, which is right in his backyard.

Gamble was a sportsman and grew up a sportsman. He helped a lot with the game of soccer and provided McNeely with the field to help the growth of the sport.

Gamble unfortunately passed away, which is why McNeely decided to name the field in his memory.

"He was a great man who loved sports," McNeely said. "He was basically the driving force behind the creation of this field."

The field just sat empty in McNeely's backyard. He's always had a passion for soccer and individual training. Thus the idea was born to create the field.

"I really like small group training. I think that's where you see the most growth," he said. "I really love one-on-one training or two-on-two training. I've just seen a huge improvement in that setting."

The kids who attended the camp were eager for an opportunity to learn from coaches with such valuable experience.

On the final day of camp, the four coaches split the kids up into four different teams for a scrimmage.

It was during the exhibitions when the attention to detail and talent level of the players really shined.

"I was really impressed with the talent level," McNeely said. "I was happy the kids were able to expose their talent and were still able to learn because the game is all about learning."

The level of attentiveness from the youth that were at the camp was astonishing. Every kid had their eyes up listening to McNeely and the coaching staff. They'd also listen to their advice and apply it.

"One of the themes for the camp was respect," McNeely said. "Respect for each other, respect for the game, and respect for yourself. All of them showed great levels of respect. They were helping each other out and helping the coaches out. It was something you just love to see."

McNeely plans on holding another camp in August. He extended his gratitude to Gamble and others who have helped during the process.

"I really appreciate just how awesome these kids are," McNeely said. "Along with how great the community is here. I just love Sandpoint and I just want to watch the sport grow."