Sports have brought communities together since the first Olympic Games in ancient Greece, and that tradition continues today — including in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Roaring Fork United, one of the largest sports clubs in the region, is working to break down barriers to make “the beautiful game” accessible to all youth. With more than 80 teams, 125 coaches and nearly 2,000 players, the valley-wide soccer club connects kids from Rifle to Aspen on the same pitch.

Formed through the merger of four local clubs, Roaring Fork United was created to pool resources and offer more consistent, high-quality soccer opportunities. It has since grown into what many consider the unofficial youth soccer club of the Western Slope.

“The club’s mission is simply to provide the appropriate level of soccer for everybody in the club,” Executive Director Kevin Jardine said.

The club’s first summer camp of the season kicks off Monday at Crown Mountain Park in El Jebel, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels to sharpen their game in a fun, supportive environment.

All players are welcome and will be grouped by age: 6-8U, 10-12U and 13-15U.

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“We have one summer camp per month,” Jardine said. “The first one starts on Monday and it’s a skill-based camp run by our director of coaching. Registration is still open, and it’s just a way to get kids outside and playing with the ball.”

In addition to camps and clinics, Roaring Fork United offers fall and spring competitive club teams. From instructional U4 leagues to high-level U19 squads that compete against top Front Range programs, the club provides opportunities for players at every level.

More than just soccer, the club helps foster a unique sense of community. Jardine said it’s meaningful to see players from different towns bond during the club season — then face off as rivals during high school matches.

“It’s really cool to go to high school games and see the kids play against each other,” he said. “There are all these high school rivalries that have been ingrained in the valley for years, but when the game is over, they always go over to their teammates, give them a hug and start catching up.”

Fall season registration is open until mid-August. For more information about camps or teams, visit roaringforkunited.org.