How To

How to Choose a Good Youth Soccer Camp

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 6

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

  7. Step 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.

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