How to Choose a Good Youth Soccer Camp

Soccer camp is a major introduction to the sport for kids. It can also be a great way to enhance soccer skills and socialize with other players.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Do your homework. Speak to other campers, parents and your child's coach. Direct your questions to the camp director or other senior staff members.

2. Check out the camp's philosophy. Is it competitive or noncompetitive? Your child may get enough competition in his or her other soccer outlet.

3. Inquire about the background of the counselors: their training, experience, age and soccer experience. The majority of counselors should be at least 18 years old and have high-level soccer playing experience.

4. Find out about the camp structure. What is the counselor-to-camper ratio? (The younger the camper, the higher the ratio should be: from 1 to 8 to 1 to 10.) Will players be grouped according to skill?

5. Ask to see a daily schedule. You want to know that there is a complete lesson plan and that the players are not just doing vague drills for hours on end.

6. Make sure there is sufficient water and other refreshments. Camps are usually held in summer, which means hot weather in many places.

7. Check that the camp fulfills general soccer safety rules, such as staking goals properly and making sure players wear shin guards.

Tips & Warnings

• Be conservative when signing your child up for soccer camp. One week at a time is best. You can always sign up for more time later.
• Make sure that the camp is licensed or accredited and that it has sufficient first aid provisions, such as an on-site nurse.
• Check out soccer publications, or the Internet, for their camp listings.
• Do not be swayed by glossy brochures. If a camp advertises celebrity soccer players, owners or coaches, ask whether these people will be at the camp full-time or whether they will merely make occasional appearances.