Mass Athlete Performance wrapped its Summer Youth Soccer Academy at DeFazio Park in Needham on Aug. 13, capping a busy summer stretch for the local organization that serves roughly 1,000 athletes per season.

The four-day academy, run in partnership with the Needham Soccer Club, brought players from pre-K through eighth grade to the DeFazio Complex at 400 Dedham Ave. from Aug. 10 through Aug. 13. Sessions ran 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.

MAP followed the camp with a Pre-Season Prep Clinic at DeFazio Park on Aug. 14–16, targeting players in grades 6–8 and 9–12 with morning sessions from 9 to 11 a.m.

Co-owner Lee Popper, a four-year starting goalkeeper and captain at Union College who now coaches goalkeepers for the Nobles boys varsity soccer program, discussed the academy and MAP's community initiatives in a video interview with Needham Local published Aug. 17.

The organization was founded in 2017.

Based at 47 Newbury Park in Needham, MAP offers year-round programming including strength and conditioning, clinics and camps. Its coaching staff has included former MLS professional Clyde Simms, who made 182 appearances with D.C. United and 39 with the New England Revolution between 2005 and 2013 and represented the U.S. national team.

Beyond on-field training, the organization runs the MAP Passback program, which collects gently used cleats, jerseys, shorts, socks, balls and other gear. Barrels of donated equipment have been shipped to six countries including Antigua, Colombia, El Salvador, Ghana, Honduras and Jamaica, according to the organization's social media. Fall programming at 47 Newbury Park, including strength and conditioning and private training, is underway.