Sports at WEC Summer Programming Expands Youth Soccer Opportunities Through WEC Premier FC

Ocala, FL – Sports at WEC will expand its 2026 summer programming with a comprehensive range of youth soccer opportunities through WEC Premier FC in partnership with Florida Premier FC. Designed to serve families in the Ocala area and beyond, the seasonal offerings cater to youth development across all levels of play. 

The summer season begins with WEC Premier’s competitive soccer pathway, with tryouts starting May 1 for boys and girls ages U8 through U19, as well as a Futures U7 pre-travel program. Designed as a long-term development platform, the competitive program offers team placement, multiple weekly training sessions and participation in local, regional and national leagues and tournaments across a 10-month travel season. As Sports at WEC continues to expand, these teams will ultimately train and compete on the organization’s new multi-field campus opening later this year. Registration for competitive tryouts is open now.  

Starting May 14 through August 8, Sports at WEC will re-launch its Open Field Play pickup soccer experience. Hosted indoors at WEC Exposition Center 2, players can drop in for pick-up games from 5:30pm to 10pm on select evenings. New this year, Thursday evening sessions will be available for high school players ages 13 to 17 and Saturday evenings for adults 18 and older. Registration will open later this summer at SportsatWEC.com. 

WEC Premier’s Rec+ Summer League kicks off on May 29, delivering a structured yet accessible league experience for boys and girls ages U8 through U18. With no tryouts or travel required, the program emphasizes skill development, teamwork and enjoyment in a supportive environment led by licensed, professional coaches. Players participate in weekly training and organized games across scheduled dates from late May through July, making it an ideal option for families seeking a balance of development and flexibility close to home. Early bird registration is open now through May 15, with final registration closing May 29.  

Also beginning in late May, the HappyFeet program will introduce young children ages 2 to 8 to the game through engaging, age-appropriate sessions focused on motor skills, coordination and confidence. The program’s seven-week summer session runs from May 30 through July 25, providing a welcoming first step into sports participation for young athletes and their families. Parents can enroll their children online today.   

Summer camps will round out the seasonal lineup with four sessions offering immersive training experiences for players ages 5 to 14. Hosted indoors at WEC Exposition Center 2, week-long camps run on select weeks from June 15 through July 24 with age-specific groupings and optional extended formats. Each session focuses on technical skill development, tactical awareness and gameplay through structured drills and matches led by experienced coaching staff, providing a high-energy environment for continued growth during the summer months. Browse camp dates and sign up online.  

“Summer programming at Sports at WEC reflects our commitment to serving the local community with accessible, high-quality opportunities for youth and families,” said Wyatt Stephens, Director of Sports at WEC. “By offering a range of programs that meet athletes at every stage, we are creating meaningful experiences that encourage participation and long-term development as we continue to build a true pathway for players in this region.”  

Later this year, Sports at WEC is expanding its campus at World Equestrian Center – Ocala to support the continued growth of youth and community programming. The phased development of the new multi-field complex will bring 11 outdoor fields, including four artificial turf and seven natural grass, along with enhanced amenities such as spectator seating, dining and facilities. The expansion reflects a long-term vision to create a premier multi-sport destination that fosters athlete development at every level. 

Registration for most summer programs is open now, with early registration encouraged where applicable. Learn more at WECPremierFC.com and SportsatWEC.com.  

About World Equestrian Center 
Named one of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places, World Equestrian Center features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio. 

These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property. 

Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction. Learn more at wec.net. 

Program Contact 
Wyatt Stephens 
[email protected]