International Soccer Schools: EduKick Tips for Players Studying Abroad

International Soccer Schools: EduKick Tips for Players Studying Abroad

Are you really ready to study abroad at an international soccer boarding school? It's something you've been looking forward to ever since you signed up or thought of registering.

To get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, EduKick directors recommend making the proper preparations first. Follow these tips to make sure you're ready for your study abroad academic year soccer program, and make sure you get full credit for it.

1) Make sure you get your passport and student visa.

First thing before studying abroad in a soccer boarding school: acquire or update your passport and your student visa. Start this process about six months before you go to allow ample time, just in case of any mishaps.

Although most of the time the visa process is pretty straightforward, there have been a few rare instances where a student ended up needing another piece of documentation at the last minute. If you've started the process early enough, then you have plenty of time to make any corrections necessary so you aren't scrambling at the last minute.

2) Talk to your school to make sure you're on the same page.

When you first decide to attend an international study abroad soccer program, talk to the appropriate person in your high school to work out credit for the courses you take while studying abroad.

You may have to share the foreign study curriculum and get your school's approval, or have them sign an agreement giving you credit for passing certain classes. This ensures you'll know where you stand with your school when you return from studying abroad in one of EduKick’s soccer schools.

3) Take summer school to make up the classes you'll miss.

Surround the study abroad soccer program with summer school two months before you leave, and two months after you get back home. The program runs from September to June, so you'll have July and August both before and after the program to take your summer school courses. This will assure that you don’t fall behind in academic credit.

Register with an online correspondence accredited high school, where you can study the key subjects that you require credit in online while abroad with EduKick. Through these accredited online High Schools, you can get credit from your home high school for the courses you do online. One that we recommend to our North American students is www.pennfoster.com. EduKick International soccer boarding schools and camps offer all students access to Internet thus making the ability to take online courses a reality!

With summer school before and after the soccer program, and two to three online courses while you're abroad, you'll be in a good position with your home school academically and won't have to postpone graduation to meet your requirements.

4) Train daily before studying abroad in a soccer camp or boarding school

It's imperative to make sure that you're physically prepared for a regular regime of daily training. Although you may think you're in good shape training two or three times a week, it's not sufficient to prepare for the strenuous daily training you'll be undergoing while at an EduKick international soccer camp.

Most students, unfortunately, aren't ready for the strain of being out on the pitch every day. EduKick coaches have seen unprepared players handle the training for only a week or so before their body starts to break down.

Ensure that you are ready by running, doing cardio, and working with the ball every single day. Vary your routine (ball work one day, gym the next), but get your body used to a good daily workout. This way, you get your body to the point that you can live with the tough physical demands of daily professional soccer development training.

Remember: discipline is a very important part of the program. This is your professional reputation as a player. You need to arrive on time for sessions and make sure that you are physically and mentally prepared for all the training.

Like many things, you'll get out of your EduKick international soccer school or camp experience what you put into it. If you push yourself both in the classroom and on the pitch, you'll come away with experience and skills far beyond your peers at home.

Getting Ready for Soccer Camp

Getting Ready for Soccer Camp

Whether it's a day camp, a weeklong sleep-away camp or a month-long camp abroad, sending your child to soccer camp for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience for the both of you. Here are a few ways to ease the transition and help them enjoy the experience.
Involve them in the planning and the prep work.

Likely there are many soccer camps to choose from, so narrow it down by your child's needs and your budget, and let your child make the final decision on where to go. If that's not possible, then perhaps he or she can pick some of the activities or classes to take at camp.

Also, let your kids pick out some of the things they'll need for camp. Whether it's practice clothes and new shin guards or a toothbrush holder and face soap, letting them help with the planning and preparation will give them some control over the situation, and hopefully stave off the worst of homesickness.

Practice getting ready for new experiences
One of the scariest things about any first time at camp is that it's an unknown. Find out what will be new to your kids and help them practice doing it. If your kids are going abroad, buy a language dictionary and practice saying simple things like "please" and "thank you" and asking for directions. If they're just going out of town, spend a day over in the town if it's within driving distance. If you happen to know or learn some of the drills they'll be doing, practice those with your kids in the backyard or the local soccer fields.

New experiences are an exciting and sometimes terrifying part of soccer camp, but practicing a little before your kids go will make the adjustment a lot easier.

Talk to them.
Are your kids worried about camp, that they won't be as good as the other players? Are they excited? Both? Sit down and talk with them about it. Let them know that it's OK to have mixed feelings about going. Talk about homesickness, but be positive and encouraging about all the new things they'll learn and experiences they'll have.

If they're worried about keeping in touch with friends and family, give them some stationery and an address book, or a phone card so they can call. Or, try giving them a journal so they can write down their soccer camp adventures, and they can share it with their friends when they return.

And don't forget to have fun!
Scary as it may be, the first time away at soccer camp can also be a fun and rewarding experience that will have your kids begging to go back year after year. By taking a few steps to make the transition as smooth as possible, you can make sure they get the most out of their time at camp.

About the Author
EduKick's mission is to provide intensive soccer development training programs that also teach youngsters about cultural diversity and foreign languages. For more information about soccer camps and boarding schools, or to register for a soccer camp abroad, visit EduKick.com.

Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Soccer Camp Experience

Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Soccer Camp Experience

Author: Joey Bilotta

The soccer camp you choose should depend on what you want to get out of the experience. Somebody who just wants to get away for a week and play a little soccer wouldn't get that experience at a camp that focuses on intensive training...

Soccer camps are a great way to improve your skills, get some exercise, and make memories with friends. However, not all soccer camps are created equal, no matter what the paperwork says.

The soccer camp you choose should depend on what you want to get out of the experience. Somebody who just wants to get away for a week and play a little soccer wouldn't get that experience at a camp that focuses on intensive training. Before you sign away your time and money, ask yourself a few questions about what you want from a soccer camp.

Do you want to goof off with your friends, or get in shape?
If you'd like to get in better shape for soccer or other sports, look for camps that put an emphasis on physical training and conditioning. Make sure you get a physical to verify that you're in good shape for the camp.

However, if you just want to have fun and make some memories with your friends, look for a cheaper camp that's not as intense.

Do you want to improve your basic skills, or do you want more than that?
Getting better at basic skills may sound like something you can get at any soccer camp, but getting them perfect is something that takes time, dedication, patience and a lot of correction to learn. Look for a camp with lots of coaches who will take the time to correct your problems.
On the other hand, if you'd like to improve your tactical sense, like when to pass and shoot and where to move, it's a good idea to look into longer camps or even soccer boarding schools. Tactics aren't something that can be easily taught, and they take a lot of time and mistakes to learn.

Are you looking for more than just soccer training?
If you'd like to get a little more out of camp than just soccer training, then see what else they offer. Some soccer camps combine a cultural experience abroad with soccer training, and some even offer the chance for exceptional players to try out for professional teams. Do a little research into the camps to find out what else you'll be getting out of them.

Find the right camp for you
Keep in mind that all intensive soccer camps should provide four aspects of skill development: strength and conditioning, technical precision, tactical development and sport psychology coaching. By taking a little time to research the other aspects of the camp, you'll find just the one you need to make your experience fun, beneficial and memorable.

EduKick’s mission is to provide intensive soccer development training programs that also teach youngsters about cultural diversity and foreign languages. As professionals, soccer fanatics and fathers, Joseph Bilotta and Corey Zimmerman wanted to create a program that maximized the

EduKick youths' time abroad; instilling a sense of independence and pride through experiencing international travel, structured language study, cultural excursions and daily professional soccer training. For more information about soccer camps, or to register for a soccer camp abroad, visit EduKick.com

Edukick Opens Enrollment for Unique Israeli Soccer Camp

“We are very excited to announce the opening of EduKick Hebrew Language Immersion Summer Soccer Camp in Israel,” said Corey Zimmerman. “As President of EduKick Inc. and a Jewish-American, I am very proud to offer other Jewish families this unique opportunity in Israel.”

A once in a lifetime experience for youth

Edukick continues it’s tradition of combining international soccer training with once in a lifetime cultural experiences in this new Israeli summer soccer camp. It is the world’s only summer camp program combining intense Hebrew language instruction with high-level soccer training, complete with caring supervision and trusted security.

EduKick Hebrew Language Immersion Summer Soccer Camp in Israel is for boys and girls 12 – 17 years old. Tuition includes transportation while in Israel, room and board, daily soccer and language tutoring, regular cultural excursions, social activities and much more.

Edukick puts safety first

Parents can rest assured that Edukick takes the safety of its students abroad very seriously. The Hebrew Language Immersion Summer Soccer Camp is conducted in the heart of Israel, just forty minutes from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Students will play and learn at [Kannot Youth Village] [http://www.kannot.org.il/], an agricultural community for young people. This secure, gated community provides the perfect educational environment for youth. Professional security is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All outings are supervised as well.

The full-immersion Hebrew language experience

There is no better way to become fluently bilingual than through full-immersion language instruction. Edukick has teamed up with Israel Experts, the leading provider of educational tours in Israel to provide professional bilingual instructors and coaches for its Israeli Soccer Camp. Students will be surrounded by the Hebrew language and culture, constantly hearing and speaking the language.

World renowned soccer training

Players at Edukick’s international soccer camps receive the best youth soccer training available worldwide. Edukick’s Israeli Summer Soccer camp is no exception, offering at least two hours of professional soccer training each day. Edukick players will also compete with Israeli youth teams, gaining experience on the international field and embracing new friendships.

Edukick youth in Israel will be coached by former professional Israeli soccer player and longtime youth coach, Mr. Paritzky Isaac. Coach Paritzky has fifteen years of experience training young soccer players and has served as an instructor in Kannot Youth Village for twenty-five years.

Enrich your son or daughter’s summer vacation with culture, independence, and physical fitness. [Register today] [http://www.edukick.com/soccercamps.asp?cat=91] for EduKick’s, Hebrew Language Immersion Summer Soccer Camp in Israel.

EduKick Pod Cast Interview - International Soccer Camps & Soccer Boarding Schools

Listen to EduKick V.P. & Owner, Joey Bilotta, describe EduKick Soccer programs on a recent POD CAST Interview...
http://www.xeal.com/blog/index.php/2007/03/21/soccer_summer_camps

Contact EduKick today to register for 2007 programs at 1-866-338-5425!

Where to Get the Best Soccer Training When it Really Counts

Although soccer is rising in popularity throughout the U.S., we could certainly learn a few things from the Europeans. North America loves soccer but Europe is absolutely mad for it. Because of soccer’s popularity it is highly competitive abroad and demands excellence, even in youth players.

Whether you’re raising a soccer star, or a child who is simply mad for the game, you know how important and challenging it can be to find the right soccer training. EduKick International Soccer Academy meets this challenge, exposing students to professional soccer training that is designed to be intense as well as fun and educational.

Beware of Bad Training

Youth players are at great risk from poor training practices by uneducated coaches. At the very least, victims of poorly coached programs will have wasted valuable time and money. Worse yet, because children and teens are still developing physically, they are prone to sports injuries from over training or incorrect technique. One injury from bad training could end your child’s future in the game and lead to a lifetime of problems.

EduKick soccer coaches are all licensed professionals. Many of them have played pro-soccer themselves at an international level. They strive to provide balanced soccer education, with equal attention given to strength and conditioning, game psychology, technical precision and tactical skills. The staff at EduKick is dedicated to delivering the highest level of soccer instruction in adult supervised, secure, safe, and nurturing environments.

What Experienced Will Your Child Bring to the Game?

Every player on the field has something to offer the team as a whole. Your child’s experience in the sport determines what he or she has to offer. At EduKick International Academy students receive quality training that is unmatched. EduKick players have an opportunity to scrimmage with other youth teams around the world and meet professional soccer players who are successful in the international arena. That sort of experience is hard to beat.

Quality Soccer Training Creates Success On and Off the Field

Research gathered by the American Sport Education Program indicates that participation in youth sports builds social competence and self esteem. Kids who train at higher levels develop a mature sense of responsibility, excellent physical fitness, a strong drive to succeed, and the emotional strength to cope with set-backs. By helping your child achieve excellence on the soccer field, EduKick helps them achieve excellence throughout life.

International Soccer Broadens Your Childs Horizons

In today’s diverse society, an individual’s appreciation for foreign languages and cultures can be a major advantage. EduKick provides full-immersion foreign language study and unique cultural exchange alongside excellent soccer training. Traveling abroad is an unforgettable experience that will enrich your child’s life. With EduKick, that experience can also lead to victory on the soccer field and the unwavering confidence to succeed at any goal your child can imagine.

To learn more about EduKick Soccer and Language Education programs, receive a free soccer training newsletter, or to register your soccer fanatic today, please visit http://www.edukick.com/register.asp?cat=66

Soccer Schools Help Players Sharpen Skills while Traveling Abroad

Young soccer players around the world can sharpen their soccer skills and get a stamp on their passports while doing it. EduKick offers soccer players the chance of a lifetime to attend a full-year or half-year academic soccer school in destinations worldwide. Players can learn about foreign cultures, train with professional soccer coaches, and even learn a new language.

Students who attend any of the EduKick soccer boarding school programs get the chance to gain a broader outlook while living overseas. Not only do players become more skilled in their soccer game, they live the daily experience of another culture, from speaking a new language to the foods they eat. Students learn to be a part of a team outside of their families.

In a recent press release, Richard Hough, whose son is in the EduKick program in the U.K., said: “We are very impressed with EduKick’s soccer school program. Our son is currently enrolled in an EduKick year-long football course and it’s everything EduKick promised and much more! My son is receiving quality professional soccer training daily and the Football Studies course at the college is just perfect for him.”

The EduKick boarding schools are located in fantastic countries such as Italy, Brazil, England, France, and Spain. Each country offers a very unique experience to the players and the players learn the style of soccer specific to that country. EduKick offers phenomenal foreign coaching through its affiliated professional coaches and clubs; including the Blackburn Rovers Football Club in England, the family of Luis Aragones (coach of Spanish national Team) in Spain, and Ascoli Calcio of the Italian Serie A in Italy.

The EduKick soccer schools are designed for competitive soccer players, both male and female, who aspire towards playing collegiate and/or professional levels of soccer. The boarding schools are for both high school and university level students between the ages of 10 and 24.

Enrollment is now open for EduKick’s soccer schools program. Visit www.EduKick.com or call 866-338-5425 to get started on an exciting international soccer career.

Balanced Mind and Body Training Develops Excellence in Today’s Youth

Balanced Mind and Body Training Develops Excellence in Today’s Youth

Most parents believe that self-esteem is directly related to success in life. Yet, it is one advantage they can’t directly give their children. Self-esteem is gained through personal accomplishment and the expanding confidence of children as they take on more responsibility.

However, parents can give their children experiences and education that encourage achievement and independence. A combination of activities that challenge a child’s mind and body are a perfect way to help children grow into confident, well rounded adults.

The benefits of participating in youth sports

Research indicates that participation in sports often promotes healthy development in kids and teens. According to a study done by the American Sport Education Program, athletic training builds an appreciation of personal health and fitness in young people. They also found that it improved self image, social skills and taught children how to cope with disappointment.

The advantages of athletic training at professional and international levels

Kids that show an affinity for a particular sport, such as soccer, can really benefit from professional training at an international level. The world of international soccer is highly competitive and offers new opportunities for achievement to youngsters who love the sport.

Look for camps, schools and training programs that are lead by coaches with experience playing soccer professionally in the international arena. Full-immersion international programs are especially desirable since they give children an opportunity to strengthen athletic skills and expose them to another language and culture

The benefits of learning foreign languages

Students who learn foreign languages tend to score higher on the standardized tests in English. Thus, learning a new language actually improves a student’s grasp of English. Evidence also suggests that children who study a second language are more creative and better at complex problem solving.

Americans fluent in other languages have a deeper understanding of our culturally diverse world and more career opportunities. In addition to sharpening a child’s mind, learning a second language can directly impact their chance of future success.

The advantages of full-immersion language learning
Full-immersion language programs are a fast growing, wildly successful way for kids become bi-lingual. In these programs, students travel abroad and spend a great deal of time speaking and listening to a second language.

Immersion programs are possibly the most effective type of foreign language instruction available. Students involved in such programs can be expected to achieve more fluency than those studying in traditional settings. These advanced skills foster pride and pave the way for adult accomplishments

Full-immersion sports and language training uniquely encourages kids’ potential

Traveling abroad is an experience that gives a sense of independence in children, a key aspect to creating self-esteem. When this is combined with the advantages of professional sports training and serious foreign language study kids are destined to win in the game of life. EduKick offers a full-immersion soccer and language experience in several European countries. (http://www.edukick.com)

Visit http://www.edukick.com/soccercamps.asp?cat=122 today to register your child for a full-immersion soccer and language experience. You can also sign up for a free newsletter about international youth sports and studying abroad at http://www.edukick.com.