By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito Consolidated Independent School District (SBCISD) Athletic Department is gearing up for summer activities for students returning to the district for the 2026-27 school year.
This week, the Lady Greyhounds’ soccer program hosted a four-day middle school summer camp at Bobby Morrow Stadium.
Lady ‘Hounds’ soccer coach Wilbert Padron welcomed about 40 girls to the annual event.
The camp was also open to incoming freshmen. Impending weather conditions were just one reason SBCISD built its indoor facility adjacent to the stadium. Coach Padron said the camp’s second day was held under the roof.
“Participants worked on passing and dribbling drills to refine their soccer skills,” said Coach Padron. “We still had an excellent turnout today.”
Padron heads a program that’s on the rise, with its varsity team earning a playoff spot and a full roster for its sub-varsity teams.
He said that middle school students and incoming high school athletes are also having a strength and conditioning program this summer.
YOUTH SOCCER
As for the younger soccer players in this community, San Benito Parks and Recreation also began registering youth ages 3 to 12 for youth soccer this week.
“We need to continue supporting the development of our children in this sport we love,” Coach Padron said.
The City’s program is part of Major League Soccer’s GO Soccer. For more details, call the City of San Benito’s Parks and Recreation Department at (956) 361-3800.
Also, several San Benito girls earned their way into the final round of the Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament Under 9 Division (see full story on this page).
Among the elementary schools these San Benito girls attend are Dr. Cash, Ed Downs, La Paloma, and Sullivan.
RED CROWNS GIVE BACK
Bobby Morrow Stadium also hosted a complimentary soccer clinic for the Rio Grande Valley Red Crowns, serving more than 120 SBCISD students earlier this month.
According to the Red Crowns, the semi-pro men’s soccer franchise wanted to give back to SBCISD in appreciation for allowing players to practice and train at the stadium ahead of the upcoming League for Clubs’ season.
Camp activities included skill drills, conditioning exercises, goal-oriented training, team development, and group scrimmages.
Dr. Israel Vega of San Benito is a co-founder of the RGV Red Crowns and led this educational partnership.
Dr. Vega said that the ongoing partnership with local community organizations and San Benito schools remains a key goal, offering unique opportunities to engage our students.
He would like to continue doing so.
“We look forward to hosting additional free events of a similar nature to benefit children in our community in the near future,” Dr. Vega said.