I get a lot of calls from parents of potential collegiate players asking if the college ID camps that are becoming so popular with college coaches are worth it. My answer is always, 'Yes'. The reasons are really quite simple.
1. You are on the campus of the school and as such get a chance to see if the 'feel' is right to you. Choosing a college program is challenging--doubly so for GKs--and the opportunity to get a taste of what the campus is like is' key'.
2. You have a chance to play knowing full well that the coach is watching. Often at showcase tournaments, the coaches don't have a chance to see you as much as you would like--again, particularly as a GK. The ID Camp insures that eyes will be upon you.
3. Usually there is a training session in addition to game sessions, so you have a chance to prove to the coach(es) that you are a hard worker. Remember, 85% of college soccer is spent training. So, college coaches will always appreciate a player that trains hard and with conviction each and every day. College coaches can easily spy a player who loafs during training--don't be that guy--you don't want that label attached to you, no matter how good you are in a game. For GKs, training sessions allow coaches to see you real strengths in goal, and also areas of your game that need improvement.
4. Costs. Generally ID Camps last only a day, so camp fees are low in comparison to a full week camp. Yes, there is travel cost involved, but you would have that for a week long summer camp as well so it all evens out.
Generally, ID Camps are in the late Fall, Winter, and early Spring. (Usually Saturdays). Be sure to have all the necessary gear and footwear for these events, as weather is often a factor. You can usually find info on ID Camps at the soccer websites of the schools you are interested in.
Good luck, and GKs--remember to "Catch the Ball!"
May the ground beneath your dive be soft. May the forwards always shoot right at you. May your goalposts be 3 feet wide.
All the Best--EV
1. You are on the campus of the school and as such get a chance to see if the 'feel' is right to you. Choosing a college program is challenging--doubly so for GKs--and the opportunity to get a taste of what the campus is like is' key'.
2. You have a chance to play knowing full well that the coach is watching. Often at showcase tournaments, the coaches don't have a chance to see you as much as you would like--again, particularly as a GK. The ID Camp insures that eyes will be upon you.
3. Usually there is a training session in addition to game sessions, so you have a chance to prove to the coach(es) that you are a hard worker. Remember, 85% of college soccer is spent training. So, college coaches will always appreciate a player that trains hard and with conviction each and every day. College coaches can easily spy a player who loafs during training--don't be that guy--you don't want that label attached to you, no matter how good you are in a game. For GKs, training sessions allow coaches to see you real strengths in goal, and also areas of your game that need improvement.
4. Costs. Generally ID Camps last only a day, so camp fees are low in comparison to a full week camp. Yes, there is travel cost involved, but you would have that for a week long summer camp as well so it all evens out.
Generally, ID Camps are in the late Fall, Winter, and early Spring. (Usually Saturdays). Be sure to have all the necessary gear and footwear for these events, as weather is often a factor. You can usually find info on ID Camps at the soccer websites of the schools you are interested in.
Good luck, and GKs--remember to "Catch the Ball!"
May the ground beneath your dive be soft. May the forwards always shoot right at you. May your goalposts be 3 feet wide.
All the Best--EV