Guymon promotes Brazilian soccer camp for local kids at Nash Complex

Guymon is turning Nash Soccer Complex into part of its summer youth safety net, promoting a Brazilian Soccer World Cup Camp as a structured option for local children while school is out. The city posted the notice June 11, and the camp is scheduled for July 13-17 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Nash Soccer Complex, where Brazilian Soccer Corp will run the program.

The pitch is practical as much as recreational. City messaging said the camp gives kids a chance to build skills, stay active and enjoy the game, and the location matters because Nash Soccer Complex is one of Guymon’s most visible recreation investments. The city describes the site at 1518 E. Hwy 3 as a 14-acre park with three tournament-size soccer fields, concession stands and a playground. Fields 1 and 2 are reservation-only so they can stay in top condition, while Field 3 is open to the public.

The complex sits in southwest Guymon just south of U.S. Hwy 412, and the city has promoted it as a newly constructed, all-turf facility rather than a simple neighborhood field. That makes the camp more than a one-off activity. It is also a test of whether the city can keep a major recreation asset active enough to matter to families across Texas County, especially during the long summer stretch when childcare, work schedules and travel can complicate daily routines.

The broader local context helps explain why Guymon is leaning on programs like this. Guymon had 12,965 residents in the 2020 census, and more than 61 percent identify as Hispanic or Latino. Texas County’s economy remains tied to agriculture, with 37 percent of employed residents working in agriculture-related manufacturing, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society. In that setting, a summer camp with fixed hours and a central location offers more than soccer instruction. It gives families a predictable place for kids to be engaged.

Nash Soccer Complex itself reflects a longer public and private investment that has taken years to mature. The Nash Foundation contributed $750,000 toward the project, and earlier reporting said the city and its partners expected the complex to open for play sometime in 2021. Another report said the land donated by the foundation totaled 17 acres and that city leaders wanted better fields for games and tournaments. Phase II planning has included parking, bleachers, shade structures and a walking path, underscoring that Guymon sees the site as a long-term civic asset, not just a summer backdrop.