Land is vast and the population is sparse in Montana. Hayfields can be turned into soccer fields. That is exactly what Mike Stebbins did in the spring of 1998.  An orthodontist by profession  with a son at the U-16 level, he wanted to create more opportunities for the team he had coached since they were U-11. How to get better training, fields and competition in the Big Sky of the Treasure State? Why not take half of your own hayfield and make it into your own soccer field? Make a camp that local kids can afford and bring the training and competition to them.

The first year 40 boys participated. Next, girls were added and the time was shortened to a more manageable two weeks. To help out the younger players, an evening “kids” camp was added in 2001 for elementary age campers, with high school and college players helping out. In past years the camp has had players from as far away as England, Minnesota, and California. A girls team from Seattle has trained at the Flathead Soccer Camp and a U-18 Montana combined team has also attended.

Stebbins’ Flathead Soccer Camp , a non-profit endeavor, is helped by its spectacular location just 30 miles outside of Glacier National Park. Billy McNicol, involved from the beginning, has landed several top staff members for Stebbins, including college coaches, former professional and college players, and ODP coaches. All are attracted by the natural beauty, and the camp’s morning/evening schedule. During their afternoons off they can water ski, golf, ride wave runners, go whitewater rafting, hike or fly fish. It is easy to mix work with play in the beautiful Flathead Valley.