SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Players at the Western New England Soccer Academy spent Friday afternoon competing against one another ahead of the first game for the U.S. Women's National Team at the Women’s World Cup Friday night.

Women's soccer has continued to grow over the years and for these kids, there's plenty of reasons why.

"I love the enjoyment of victory," said Maddie Fleury. "And being able to win and celebrate with teammates and just get that team bond too."

"It's fun," said Addison Hensingeo. "And you get to hang out with all your teammates."

"It's fun and some of your friends are on your team," Lyla Solowinski said. "So you get to play soccer with them."

Western New England Soccer Academy runs for two weeks during July and the camp is open to boys and girls all over the country between the ages of 6 and 16.

Some of this year’s players have come from as far as Michigan and Colorado. For the coaches, it's been a pleasure to watch the program grow.

"It's also great to see how much this camp itself has grown over the years," coach Julia Frappier said. "I think this past week was one of the biggest sizes we've had in the past and that's awesome to see."

As the U.S. Women start their World Cup run, both players and coaches say they're excited to watch their home team play.

"I'm only going to sit in my living room and watch from the TV," Stella Pannisco said. "But everybody is gonna be there."

"We're having a bunch of friends over," said Finleigh Lennon. "And all my family." 

"I'll probably spend time with my friends," said Julia Frappier. "Have a bunch of friends over and watch the world cup with them. We're all big soccer players so we're excited for it."