Philly KiXX bring
summer camp to Parkwood

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

For two decades, Steve Wacker has lived, breathed and dreamed soccer. He has showcased his skills throughout the country and competed against some of the prestigious athletes in the game.
Wacker, a midfielder for the Philadelphia KiXX for the past four years, is now helping others score their own goals on the soccer field.
"I like it a lot. Working with kids is great," said Wacker, who taught a KiXX summer camp program at the Parkwood Youth Organization last week. "Growing up, I never saw myself coaching, but now that I’m getting older and helping out, I found out it’s something I love to do. Being able to give back is definitely rewarding."
Wacker and teammate Pat Morris and former KiXX player Tim O’Neil shared their skills and knowledge with children ages 4 to 14 during the weeklong summer camp, which was held July 14-18. The youngsters also received a KiXX T-shirt and soccer ball and tickets for two KiXX games next season.
"I think it was a great week," said Wacker. "But it was hot! Us and the kids, we’re all out there in the heat. It was tough. But we’re mostly just trying to get the best out of the kids. We only have them for one week and we want to help them as much as we can during that time."
Working alongside youngsters isn’t anything new for Wacker. The 24-year-old athlete also works part time as a sports performance coach, training young athletes at the Philadelphia Sports Club in Chalfont, Pa.
"I teach the importance of endurance and strength," he said. "I love playing soccer, so obviously I love coaching. It’s something I can see myself doing for a long time.
"When we were growing up, there weren’t too many coaches around, so it’s great to help out," he continued. "And seeing the expression on the kids’ faces feels awesome."
Wacker got his first kicks on the soccer field when he was 5. After playing for the North Catholic High School Falcons for four seasons and graduating in 2001, he continued his career at Temple University.
Over the next four years with the Owls, Wacker started for the varsity squad and led his team as captain during his senior year. In 2004 he was named the Philadelphia Soccer Seven Academic Player of the Year and also was honored with the Academic All-Atlantic 10 and ESPN Second-Team All-America selections.
"I just love the competition of soccer. I love to compete," said Wacker, who graduated from Temple in 2005 with a degree in kinesiology.
That’s when Wacker made a breakaway to the big time, being drafted by the Philadelphia KiXX that same year.
"I always knew I wanted to play soccer as long as I could," he said. "So this was an incredible opportunity."
Over the next three years, the 5-foot-5, 150-pound midfielder competed against the elite in the Major Indoor Soccer League. Last year he scored four goals for eight points as the KiXX finished the regular season with a 17-13 record during that memorable year, scoring the third seed in postseason play. They booted the Chicago Storm out of the semifinals and then sent the Detroit Ignition packing, claiming the MISL championship with a 13-8 triumph victory.
It was the second crown in Philadelphia KiXX history.
It certainly was a moment to remember — followed by a season to forget.
During the squad’s latest season, the defending champs struggled and finished 12-18. The playoffs weren’t even a thought.
"I know that we all want to get back to the playoffs," said Wacker. "We went from winning the championship to not making the playoffs, which was really tough. Once we get back, then we can make a run for it again."
In the meantime, Wacker is staying busy with his various coaching jobs. He gets to his alma mater as much as possible.
"My first two years after graduating from college, I helped coach at North," he said. "Growing up, I had some great influences there and I try to get back as much as I can."
Wacker is reminded of the good times at North Catholic every time he suits up with the KiXX — thanks to forward Don D’Ambra and defender Pat Morris, two former Falcons.
"It’s awesome to have fellow Falcons here," said Wacker. "I grew up here and stayed local at Temple, so I’ve definitely been a Northeast guy my whole life. And to have other local guys on the same team is really fun."
The KiXX roster also boasts some athletes from various parts of the world. Take, for example, defenseman Nigel Marples, who was born in British Columbia, or midfielder Angel Rivillo, who calls Toulouse, France, home. Forward Jonathan Steele is from Northern Ireland; forward John Barry Nusum is from Bermuda.
"We’ve met guys from all over the world," said Wacker. "It’s great because you learn a lot about these guys and they can learn from you.
"Being part of the KiXX has been great," he added. "I’ve been an athlete my whole life, so I love being active and moving. I don’t like days off. I don’t like to sit around. But I love to play soccer." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com