No. 1 Soccer Camps Enters 41st Season

No. 1’s 41st Season Of Soccer Excellence

In 1977 under the direction of former college, professional and World Cup coach Dr. Joe Machnik, No.1 Soccer Camps was born. That first year, Machnik started the No. 1 Goalkeeper’s Camp with 39 goalkeepers from thirteen states participating in a one week session. Coaches John Kowalski, Shep and Roy Messing, Mickey Cohen, Peter Johnson and Danny Gaspar joined Machnik in putting the young goalkeepers through their paces.

By 1995, it became evident that goalkeepers had progressed in technical areas, but tactical decision making abilities, which could only be tested by field players in match situations was missing. In addition, the lack of goal-scoring abilities was rampant in America and a striker’s curriculum was needed to provide players with opportunity to enhance technique and composure in front of the goal.

Accordingly, Machnik and Kowalski incorporated field players into the No. 1 Soccer Camps program with the addition of the Star Striker’s School which was the forerunner of the No. 1 Striker Camp program. Within no time, field players came from all over the country and the world to attend the unique No. 1 Soccer Camps program.

Machnik and his experienced professional staff continue to refine the program and update the methodology utilized to get results on both sides of the ball. In 2016, in response to age group and field size mandates from US Soccer, No. 1 Soccer Camps responded with steps to assist players and teams throughout this important transition.

“Entering the 41st year of the camp,  it’s amazing to see the positive impact that the Machnik Method and philosophy has had on the development of goalkeepers and goalkeeper coaches throughout the US and the world,” says No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Greg Andrulis.

“Teaching methods that have had a profound effect on the development of goalkeepers at every level from club to National team players was the hallmark of the No. 1 Soccer Camps from its early days. Now with the combination of field players and goalkeepers competing in our unique “Goal to Goal” curriculum has set a new  standard for specialized training for players regardless of which side of the ball players compete on.

Andrulis, who also serves as Head Coach at George Mason University, has witnessed firsthand the camp alumni successes, “The number of players who have benefited from our camps and who are actively competing at the highest level – youth national teams, college and professional teams continues to grow.”

Dr. Joe Machnik recently reflected on No. 1 Soccer Camps’ 41 season and secret to the camp’s enduring success: “The success and longevity of No. 1 Soccer Camps has been due in a large part to our continued pursuit of the most up to date and forward thinking curriculum for our participants. We have endeavored and have achieved a reputation for being innovators in all aspects of the environment that we create for strikers, field-players, goalkeepers, boys and girls, coaches and staff.”

“This year for the first time, some of our national teams will hold mini camps for goalkeepers and strikers in order to create an environment where strikers and goalkeepers alike can hone their skills in specific specialized sessions. Having recognized the need for this environment and intensive training that is possible with our Go to Goal  curriculum, our camps have been providing this opportunity and related format for over 40 years.”

“It gives us a great sense of satisfaction to see that each year players and staff of the No. 1 Soccer Camps continue to have a significant impact on the success of soccer at all levels in the US as well as abroad. Our staff coaches and directors have had tremendous personal success with their own programs. We continue to have numerous players each year become professional players, national team players and achieve athletic scholarships, make their club teams and achieve personal satisfaction with their development. We are proud of the positive impact that the No. 1 Soccer Camps has had on the soccer landscape and we will always strive to stay true to our Mission:

To provide the most valuable experience possible using instruction and positive reinforcement in match related games and situations regardless of which side of the ball the camper plays on in a mutually satisfying atmosphere where learning takes place in a spirit of camaraderie; goalkeeper and striker, boy and girl, staff coach and camper, fostering soccer development and the encouragement of an appreciation of soccer’s intrinsic values.

For 2017, No, 1 Soccer Camps offers Youth Academy, Junior Academy, Senior Academy, College Prep Performance Academy and College Showcase ID  Camps in locations across the US.