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 Joins Bolton Wanderers at English Football (Soccer) School

EduKick England’s new cultural exchange program and football (soccer) school will operate in conjunction with the famous Bolton Wanderers FC Academy and be hosted by the English Premiership Professional Football Club. The Premiership is the world’s most profitable football (soccer) league and the most watched sporting league in the history of professional sports.

Professional soccer training with EduKick and Wanderers is a dream come true

Known for its ability to harness the competitive edge of international football (soccer) to its comprehensive soccer training programs, EduKick was a natural partner for the Bolton Wanderers Academy. Joey Bilotta, Vice - President of EduKick Inc., is proud to work with this distinguished English professional team and believes the partnership will attract some of the world’s best youth players.

“Obviously it’s a great honor to work with the Bolton Wanderers FC through our soccer development programs in England,” said Joey. “Training daily at their professional facilities and under their technical coaching staff is a dream come true for kids around the world.”

EduKick’s General Manager, Jon Morgan, a former semi-professional and native of England says, “This is a wonderful and rare opportunity for young soccer players to get exposure to the life of a professional footballer and understand exactly what is required to reach that level and succeed there.”

EduKick England’s unique program

EduKick offers several innovative football (soccer) and English language development programs in Bolton & Blackburn (Northwest England, near Manchester and Liverpool). Through EduKick, soccer players from around the world will have the opportunity to experience English culture and increase their English language abilities while improving their soccer skills, experience and knowledge.

Elite soccer training at EduKick England

Players at the English football (soccer) school will train for 2 hours a day, 4 days a week with competitive play on the fifth day. Designed for competent soccer players with a good level of fitness, the program builds on all aspects of a player’s abilities. The EduKick and BWFC coaches are dedicated to helping each player reach their full potential on the field through physical conditioning, mental strategy, and technical skill.

Training tomorrow’s international football (soccer) stars

Students at EduKick’s Soccer school England can look forward to more than English culture and world-class football (soccer) training. They’ll also have opportunities to be catapulted into international football (soccer) stardom. Because EduKick’s program will be hosted and closely watched by club representatives, there is a chance for recruitment in either of their professional partnership teams, Bolton Wanderers FC or Blackburn Rovers FC.

Reserve your place on the EduKick team today

With its winning combination of world-class soccer training and unique English cultural experience, EduKick England’s year-long soccer school and summer camp will draw elite, soccer crazed youth players from around the globe. Will you be in the game?

Take your shot today and score a goal with EduKick! Join the world’s best players on their quest for excellence at http://www.edukick.com/soccercamps.asp?cat=130.

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

How to Choose a Soccer Training Program for Your Teen

How to Choose a Soccer Training Program for Your Teen

Quality soccer training programs for young players are in high demand but short supply. While the number of youth teams on the field continues to grow there are relatively few educated, professional coaches available. While well meaning parent and school gymnasium coaches may be able to teach your child the basics, high-level competitive skills can only be obtained from an expert.

Proper Training is a Must for Developing Soccer Players

If your child has ambitions beyond recreational soccer the wrong training can be devastating. Unbalanced training can leave your player lacking in crucial areas. Coaches who are either brutal or unmotivated in their methods can really damage a young players self esteem and sportsmanship, dulling their competitive edge.

Probably the greatest danger to your child from poor training is injury. Because children and teens are still developing physically, overtraining or incorrect technique can cause lasting and serious damage. One injury from bad training could end your child’s future in the game and lead to a lifetime of problems.

How to Find the Perfect Training Program

Look for coaches that are licensed, educated in sports training, and have played professional soccer, preferably at an international level. Coaches with dynamic qualifications are more likely to understand the specific needs of competitive soccer players. These instructors will impart wisdom and experience to young players. Make sure the program specializes in youth training and understands the fitness needs of growing kids.

A balanced program should focuses on:

· Strength and Conditioning
· Technical Precision
· Tactical Development
· Sport Psychology Coaching.


How to Get Even More from a Soccer Training Program

Some soccer training camps and schools offer international programs that allow students to travel abroad and study language and culture alongside the game. The international soccer scene is incredibly competitive. Programs that expose young players to international teams offer a wealth of experience that simply can not be gained elsewhere.

Furthermore, traveling abroad is an unforgettable experience and will enrich your child’s life immensely. In today’s diverse society, cultivating appreciation for foreign languages and cultures can be a major advantage for your child. Keep this in mind as you are deciding on the right program for your player.

To learn more about high-level competitive soccer training for young players and full-immersion soccer and language study visit http://www.edukick.com/soccercamps.asp.