Sailor Soccer
Advanced Training Clinic
Boys & Girls
(11-14 Yrs.)

Goals of the Camp

The ages of seven to fourteen are “The Golden Age of Learning”. Young players should be exposed to the most expert coaches available - coaches who are able to improve and motivate players. Individual Skill improvement is the foundation that all other parts of the game can be built on and that is what the Sailors Program focuses on.

The camp basic philosophy is simple: we are committed to providing the best possible soccer experience for the boys and girls who are placed under our supervision. To us it is a question of maximization: that is, we maximize both learning and enjoyment. We will work tremendously hard to provide an environment where improvement in the kid’s self-concept as well as improvement in soccer skill is accomplished.

CAMP GOALS:

• Develop skill, confidence, and creative players
• Teach sportsmanship and a respect for players, coaches and officials
• Make the game fun to practice and play.
• Work on the fundamental aspects of the game including:
  • Ball mastery - with both feet
  • Receiving/passing – improving 1st touches and accuracy of passing
  • Speed – improving agility, acceleration and power
  • Finishing – improving techniques and shooting accuracy
  • Give the kids who want to play at a higher level some exposure to advanced training techniques.

Arsene Wenger (Coach of Arsenal in the UK Premier League) has stated that the most important thing for under 14 years old is Technique

Many techniques will be explained, demonstrated, and then taught so that the kids gain both the physical and cognitive benefits of skills being taught. The kids will experience a wide variety of training techniques that will develop their skills so that they become a more complete player - a player that everyone wants on their team.

Coaches

The camp will be run under John O’Brien. John is the Director of coaching for the select program at the Sailor Soccer Club. John originates from South Africa. Growing up John represented his city and province (state) in multiple positions (goal keeper and defense). In 1984, John’s high school team won the National soccer tournament and he was selected to represent the South African High School National team. John holds an “E” license. John currently serves on the Sailors soccer Board and is a GVSA director. He is the referee assignor for the Muskegon Lakers. He referees high school and local USSF games.

John will also bring in other guest coaches to run some of the session. This will allow the kids to get some exposure to other experience local coaches in the area.

Duration & Location

The camp will be broken into 2 sessions with the boys starting on the 15th of April 2008 and the girls starting on the 18th April 2008. Thereafter the camps will be on the same day of the week and a further 5 weeks (so there will be 6 run consecutive weeks during the regular season). The camp will be limited to 30 kids in total (15 kids for each group) on a first come, first serve basis.

Each week will have a different focus:

To accommodate the kids’ regular team practice, the camp will be held from 7.30 to 9.00pm in the evening - under the lights. The camp will be based at “Smitty van der Plow” field on Porter Rd, Norton Shores, Michigan.

Cost

The cost for the camp is $50 per player. Kids are encouraged to attend all 6 sessions, but if they want to only come to a few sessions, the cost will be $10 per session. Checks are payable to: Sailor Soccer

Download the Registration Form:

2008 Advanced Training Clinic

For  more information, contact  John O’Brien .