Capital Soccer:
Building Community Through the Game
Interview with George Cook
How did Capital Soccer first start? Who leads the organization?
Capital Soccer was founded in 1999 when I was coaching girls' soccer at Montpelier High School, and Peter Kim was coaching boys' soccer at Spaulding High School. We met playing pick-up soccer in Montpelier and were both surprised that there wasn’t an organized soccer program in the area.
Coming from more populated regions—Peter from Amherst, NY, and me from Manchester, CT—we had both played soccer our entire lives. Wanting to bring the sport to Central Vermont, we decided to run a camp at Rowe Field in Waterbury. Not a single person signed up.
Later that year, I received a call from Dr. Dick Butsch, who told me about a new multi-purpose arena, the Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center. They wanted Capital Soccer to be a key part of the organization. In March 1999, we held our first season on the turf there, and the rest is history.
Today, Eric Bagley oversees the day-to-day operations of Capital Soccer. He took on this role a few years ago and now serves as the club’s full-time employee.
What led to Capital Soccer’s growth? What programs do you offer?
Capital Soccer has grown by staying committed through both great and challenging times. We’ve always focused on developing both the player and the person, creating a fun, positive, and reliable environment that families trust.
Today, we offer a nine-month club program, after-school clinics in Berlin and Montpelier, an indoor soccer league, an April Spring Break camp, and a full schedule of summer camps—a long-standing tradition in the community.
The pandemic and recent flooding were major hurdles, but they also reinforced how important soccer is in kids’ lives. In difficult times, the game brought normalcy, connection, and joy—and that’s what keeps us going. We truly feel like Central Vermont’s soccer club and are grateful for the community’s support!
Why is soccer important for communities? What is its value?
Soccer is a global game with a local impact—it brings people together and provides kids with a healthy, structured activity. At Capital Soccer, we’ve built a strong, dedicated team of adults who help create a positive and welcoming environment.
Many of our players stay with us for years, and some of our current college coaches started in our summer camps as 4- and 5-year-olds. While our club teams love to compete, winning is never the sole focus. The true value of soccer lies in the connections and relationships it fosters—something I’ve personally experienced through my years with Capital Soccer.
Do you have important events or projects you want the community to know about?
Capital Soccer Club is committed to making soccer accessible to all kids, awarding $12,000 in scholarships this year to families in need. But to continue this support, we need to replenish our scholarship fund—a challenge we face every year.
We’re also building a third field at The Ice Center in Waterbury, which requires an additional $10,000 to outfit it with goals, nets, benches, and flags.
To support these efforts, we’re raising $20,000 to fund scholarships and field development. Donations of any amount are deeply appreciated, and contributions over $50 will receive a Capital Soccer pint glass, cap, or winter beanie as a thank-you.
Visit our booth at the Central VT Memorial Civic Center in Montpelier over the next two weekends to donate in person via cash, check, or Venmo. Every dollar helps kids play the game they love!
