The primary goal for UTEP's youth soccer camps, particularly the Mini Miners Soccer Academy, is for children to have fun.
But after missing a year because of the COVID pandemic, that goal took on more urgency with the camp's return this week at University Field.
"We didn't realize ... yes, the pandemic was hard on us, but our kids missed a whole year of interaction and development," UTEP coach and camp director Kathryn Balogun said.
"It's really exciting to be out in the community, giving back to the kids and helping them have a good time, to smile, get some exercise, be part of our community because we've all missed each other," Balogun said
The scene Wednesday at University Field, the third of four days for the camp, was as good a sign as any that life is returning to normal.