Families can register their children for one week or multiple weeks. And, scholarships are available. 
“Last summer was our first youth program. It was for 10- to 14-year-olds. We had a few 9-year-old siblings who came, so we’re changing it to 8- to 14-year-olds this summer,” said Activities Manager Rick Hormann. “We’re trying to build up the summer sports camp for kids.”
Families can register their children for one week or multiple weeks. And, scholarships are available.
“Also, we’re an ESA vendor,” Hormann said. “Homeschool kids can use their credit from the government to pay for the camp. It’s like their PE.”
Espire Sports, a multi-sport, all-weather complex, opened almost two years ago in the Prescott Gateway Mall, now known as Pine Ridge Marketplace.
With more than 100,000 square feet of indoor space, there are a myriad of options for a wide variety of sports activities, including 14 premier indoor pickleball courts, (as well as five courts outside), a full basketball court, mini-bowling lanes, golf simulators, a state-of-the art fitness center, an arcade and a nine-hole putting green.
There is also an activity room for playing billiards, shuffleboard, ping-pong and cornhole.
In addition, there are luxury locker rooms and showers, a pro-shop and juice bar.
“Along with all these amenities, we have contracted with Excellence School of Jiu Jitsu that offers a variety of classes for all ages and abilities,” said Hormann.
The facility is membership-based, with a variety of membership programs and prices. Drop-ins are also welcome and day-use rates are offered at $15.
Hormann, who has coached a number of sports, says he has been around young people his entire career.
“I love it,” he said. “Getting to provide programs for kids is just so much fun. It’s my favorite part of the job.”
The weekday summer program is divided into five blocks, beginning with the 10 to 11 a.m. period, which is assigned to the basketball court for various balls games such as wiffleball, kickball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee and lesser-known games like Spud and Steal the Bacon.
The last period from 1 to 2 p.m. ends with pickleball.
Most of the young people are from the Quad Cities area and are transported to and from the Summer Sports Camp by family and friends. They bring their lunches, but not their cell phones.
“No cell phones are allowed,” Hormann said. “It’s all about having fun. We’re trying to keep kids from playing on the cell phones all day.” QCBN
By Betsey Bruner, QCBN
For more information about programs, facility rentals and event planning, visit www.espiresports.com or call 928-237-5250.
Photo by Kay Lyons: Espire founder and CEO Jim Thomas invites locals and visitors to explore the 100,000 square feet of indoor space when temperatures heat up this summer at Pine Ridge Marketplace.
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