The Ocala Stampede is the closest thing to a professional team that you’ll find in Marion County. But it’s more than just sports. The Ocala Stampede will serve Ocala through the game of soccer. Each game will have a theme related to a local charity that will share in the proceeds. For example, on “Interfaith Night,” a portion of the proceeds will go to Interfaith Emergency Services.
Game days will have an atmosphere of fun for the entire family. Much like what is done in minor league baseball, half-time will include fun games for audience participation.
During summer camps, the players will give their time to encourage youth in the game of soccer. As positive role models, the players also will interact with the youth on a spiritual level, guiding them toward good moral behavior and bearing the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ.
Though candidates came from other parts of Florida and as far away as Mexico and Brazil, the Ocala Stampede also has committed to looking at local athletes as well. Several area high school and college soccer players have been considered for the team. Among them was Lex Craggs, a 17-year-old junior at Forest High School. Lex already plays with the Forest Wildcats and the Belleview United Travel Soccer Team. To play with the Ocala Stampede will open many doors for him to realize his dream to go pro.
Such is the atmosphere of this elite soccer team that looks for the most talented players while also maintaining a high spiritual standard for them. After the season ends in July, several players will be chosen to go to a high profile competition that draws scouts from professional teams. The athletic ability of these players, along with their Christian testimony, will carry a message beyond the boundaries of Marion County to other parts of the state and possibly the world.
