Choosing a summer soccer camp can be a difficult decision. With so many options, how do you know which one is the right fit for your child? No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Christine Huber asks the twelve vital questions parents should pose to potential camps to ensure a rewarding and safe soccer camp experience.
ASK YOUR SOCCER CAMP THE TOUGH QUESTIONS
Experience matters. While it is not always a guarantee of a superior camp, this can be an excellent indicator of the caliber of the camp experience, its management, and its coaches. No. 1 Soccer Camps has been in continuous operation for over 40 years. VERY few camps can make this claim, and we are proud of our tradition and history.
A camp that offers soccer may have different activities and may not be focused on just on soccer. Dances, plays, and skits may be incorporated into the camp day which limits the amount of time spent on soccer. No. 1 Soccer Camps is a specific soccer camp geared towards the player who loves the game. We offer on and off the field soccer specific training, films, and lectures to make sure the camper gets the most comprehensive soccer experience. Each session we see amazing improvements in the campers’ skills in a relatively short amount of time.
Many camps play 11 vs 11 games which means some players are only getting a few touches a game. In these camps you will also see drills with long lines and campers waiting to shoot or touch a ball due to limited equipment and staff. With well thought out and designed lesson plans, No. 1 Soccer Camps plays small sided tactical games based on a recently broken down technical skill. This not only increases the amount of touches on the ball but also mentally prepares players for tight situations in the final third of the field. Field players are preparing and taking more shots while goalkeepers continuously have shots coming at them. We bring in full sized official goals to mimic the real game.
4) How does the camp challenge its players? Will the camp allow the player to “play up” if warranted?
Every player needs to be challenged physically and mentally in order to improve. A good camp will be flexible enough to adjust to the needs of every camper. During the first session of camp, our staff evaluates the campers and makes any necessary adjustments under the direction of the Camp Director and Striker/ Goalkeeper Director. This ensures each camper receives a tailored experience geared toward his/her current level of play.
A good camp like No. 1 Soccer Camps will have perfected the proper balance between training, recovery, and free time. We offer evening lectures, group discussions as well as the on the field training to create a comprehensive program geared to the mental and physical needs of the player.
This ratio is required legally by many states. A smaller staff to camper ratio will ensure your player receives the individual attention necessary to improve. No. 1 Soccer Camp aims to have a 1:6 or less ratio at all of our locations.
Not all professional coaches are capable of coaching youth players. Your camp director and staff coaches should have many years of experience in the camp industry along with coaching the specific age groups. Our No. 1 Soccer Camps Directors are leaders in the soccer community and have been an integral part of our company for many years. Several are even former campers themselves! Our Staff coaches are selected and matched based on coaching experience with a particular age group in mind for maximum success.
Most state legislation requires criminal background checks and SORI checks for ANYBODY around children. Be sure any camp under consideration meets these requirements and thoroughly checks its staff. No. 1 Soccer Camps uses a national company to perform background checks on all staff regardless of state requirements.
9) What kind of access do campers have to the camp site’s facilities besides the fields ie. indoor spaces for inclement weather, dorms, cafeterias, pool, lounges etc?
The access to and quality of these amenities are important to a camper’s overall experience. No. 1 Soccer Camps chooses its locations based on the excellence of the facilities and the needs of our campers. The quality and stellar reputation of No. 1 Soccer Camps allows us to secure some of the most coveted university and private schools locations in the nation.
Safety is a paramount parental concern and proper staff supervision is necessary to make sure campers are well cared for on and off the pitch. At No. 1 Soccer Camps our directors, coaches and camp nurse are on campus throughout out the day and night to provide supervision and assistance 24 hours a day.
11) How does the camp prepare it’s players for the collegiate experience?
Only a few camps address the many issues the college-bound player faces. Collegiate level training, recruitment, and application processes are just a few of the areas our College Showcase ID, College Prep and Sr. Academy programs address both on and off the field.
Camp is over. Now what? At many camps, once the last session is played, you are on your own. On the final day of No. 1 Soccer Camps, each camper receives a written 75 point evaluation, the most in depth detailed soccer camp evaluation in the industry. Our staff takes great pride in the quality of each camper’s evaluation and the Personal Development Plan which offers a post camp game plan for the further enhancement of each camper’s abilities. Campers and parents have the opportunity to review and discuss the evaluation with the camper’s staff coach at the end of camp creating a positive conclusion to camp’s training.
Goalkeeper – 
Dr. Joe Machnik is the Founder of No. 1 Soccer Camps, FIFA/CONCACAF Match Commissioner, and a 
88-54-6, including an Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) record of 49-22-2. The Panthers team qualified for seven straight conference postseasons including four straight runner-up seasons. During that time the Panthers have dominated the AMCC awards with numerous All-Conference honors in addition to Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year awards. In addition, Idland was first named the AMCC Coach of the year in 2011 after leading Pitt-Bradford to an impressive 13-3-2 record. He also was awarded the AMCC Co-Coach of the year this past season. Idland’s 2014 team set a new school record after a 15-5-0 year, which also resulted in the program’s first ever regular season championship.
No. 1 Regional Director Graeme Orr has been with No.1 Soccer Camps since 2003. In addition, he is also the 
No.1 Soccer Camp is pleased to announce our new location at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. The facilities and location of our new site are stellar – less than an 90-minutedrive from Madison, Milwaukee, Appleton or Rockford, Illinois.
rich tradition with modern amenities.The facilities are superb across the board. No. 1 campers willtrain on the immaculate soccer fields, have use of the pool, and access to the iconic Wayland Field House – a truly one of a kind facility. The dormitories are comfortable and close to the fields and dining facility – a key factor as legs tired during the week! The food at Wayland Academy is exceptional and abundant offering a variety of choices for every appetite. The combination of No. 1 Soccer Camps’ exceptional training, Wayland Academy’s state of the art facilities and our German coaches and campers joining us is going to make for a fantastic week of soccer!
they ventured into the Rain Forest for a team rafting trip down the Sarapiqui River. Day six started with a trip to the Robleato Children’s Center for community service. For players and coaches alike, it was a humbling, but incredibly rewarding experience. While there, the team the players and staff socialized and played with the children. Although children spoke English, the Americans found common ground with a soccer ball at their feet, swings, monkey bars, and other playground equipment. The highlight – and tear jerker – was the 5 year old boy who blessed the team for coming to spend the day to play with them.
Inspired by the visit, the team quickly turned it around in preparation for Game Three versus UCEM Alajuela. The team wasted no time with goals at 1:08, 8:47, 22:53, and 25:46 to move onto an impressive 4-0 win. “The game plan was to jump on them right away and score early and often given the referees no decisions in the game,” said Gregg. “We knew if we could get on them fast , we could then control the tempo and get them off their game plan.”
No. 1 Regional Director John Gregg first came to 
No. 1 Regional Director Christine Huber has been with 
Jones, who was UU’s co-captain and field general on the pitch this season, started 19 matches in goal for the Blue Knights. The 2015 All-MEC first teamer finished second in the conference in goals against average (0.81), save percentage (.803), and ranked fifth in total saves (61).
announced by the organization.
rostered, won it’s 4th consecutive NSCAA Ethics Award this season. Given annually, the award recognizes teams that exhibit fair play, sporting behavior and adherence to the laws of the game. This is reflected by the number of yellow caution cards or red ejection cards they are shown by referees throughout the season based on the number of cards accumulated divided by the number of games played.
“The No.1 Soccer Camps have stood the test of time due to the guidance and leadership of Dr. Joseph Machnik,” said No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Greg Andrulis. “From the beginning, the camp has been dedicated to providing the most advanced and compelling experience for the staff and players in attendance. Many of the country’s and the world top players and coaches have become part of the camp’s legacy. Always striving to be No.1, the search for excellence continues today. It’s a true testament to Dr. Joe that many of his current staff have been part of this experience for well over 20 years, and a few from the beginning. It’s amazing to think how many players and coaches have benefitted from the lessons and teachings of Dr. Joe. He is a true icon in the American soccer culture and his contributions are immeasurable.”
professional players and international stars, and we think about the nearly 100,000 participants, campers and staff and those that have excelled at the highest levels of our sport. But most of all, we remember the sheer joy on campers faces, the huge smiles when learning takes place and the level of satisfaction achieved in so many ways. It certainly has been a great run, and with the renewed vigor and leadership of our current Directors and Staff, No.1 Soccer Camps will continue to be on the cutting edge in providing the absolute best in soccer camp experience. No. 1 For A Reason!”
officially open for the 2016 season. As a little incentive to get the ball rolling, we’re offering a limited time Early Bird offer so you can SAVE up to $50.00 off your 2016 program fees!
Campers will be initially placed into groups based on the program that they have enrolled during registration. During the sessions on the first day, campers will evaluated on their ability, throughout the week there will be continued evaluation as the program progresses.
– Day Camp, Federalsburg, MD – Day Camp shown on left) recently produced a new podcast for SoccerOffice.com that gives listeners an inside look at No. 1 Soccer Camps.
Adam Manning is the Regional Director at No. 1 Soccer Camps at Salisbury University – Day Camp and Federalsburg, MD – Day Camp. Adam recently stepped down as DOC of CCYSA to launch Soccer Office and Soccer Office Media, the first soccer specific podcasting company that focuses on storytelling and documentaries.
long tradition in the soccer community. Each summer we have former campers returning to bring their children to camp and campers who have gone onto play at the collegiate and professional level are returning to coach. Shown to the left is the McLaughlin family. Dad Ryan, a No. 1 veteran, brought his son Connor and daughter Callie to the No. 1 Soccer Camps in Salisbury Maryland recently. Players who attend our camps become a member of an incredible fraternity and lifelong members of the No.1 Soccer Camps family. We hope to see you and your sons this summer! 
there looks like it’s about to start. I’ll be quick!
John Adams is No. 1 Soccer Camps Associate Director. A long time No.1 staff member, Coach John has served as Goalkeeper Director and Striker Director throughout the years. He is also currently the Associate Head Coach and Goalkeeper Coach for Women’s Soccer at Albert Magnus College, where in 2013, his team reached the ECAC Finals. Adams will be directing and coaching at 
Campers will be initially placed into groups based on the program that they have enrolled during registration. During the sessions on the first day, campers will evaluated on their ability, throughout the week there will be continued evaluation as the program progresses.
the player is coachable and exhibits a lot of effort, which can be displayed in a multitude of ways. “One of the little tricks in tryouts is to always keep eye contact with the coaches during drills and when the coach is giving you their input. You also should try to implement these points immediately,” Woodard said. “A player’s work rate on and off the ball are equally as important.”
ball. In almost every instance, the second video shows a dramatic improvement in technique. The secret to the success? During the course of this session, players perform hundreds of repetitions to instill the ability to feel comfortable when put in goal scoring opportunities. This training session helps young soccer players gain confidence in their ability to correctly strike a ball and put it on target – this repetition and persistence allows them to turn their failures into extraordinary goals.
Rob Andrulis is an Associate Director for No. 1 Soccer Camps. In addition, he is also the Head Coach of Boys Soccer at Litchfield High School. Coach Rob will be at the following No. 1 locations camps this summer: 
In 1977, three years after receiving one of the country’s first “A” coaching licenses, Joe Machnik, then a coach at the University of New Haven, started the first nationally recognized camp for goalkeepers, No.1 Goalkeeper Camp. In a few short years, No.1 grew to be the “in” place for goalkeepers, and the staff was a virtual “Who’s Who” among American and foreign goalkeepers playing in both the Pro’s and collegiate soccer realms.During this time, it was not unusual at that time to see a camp of 150 – 250 goalkeepers at a single No.1 location. Within 10 years, however, Machnik and partner John Kowalski, came to the realization that the technical training, the how to perform a certain skill or technique, was not enough to advance the American goalkeeper. There was a need for more traditional training to answer the questions of “when, where and why” as that training could only be done in the presence of field players playing in match like situations. Hence, the founding of the Star Striker School, which became the fore-runner of the No.1 Striker Camp and an important component of the No.1 Soccer Camps program.By the middle 1990’s, after the World Cup of 1994 played in America and the winning of the Women’s World Cup and Gold Medal in Olympic Women’s Soccer, youth soccer became increasingly mainstream and millions of American boys AND girls now played the game. While camps were still important at that time – and were centers of fine teaching and coaching – the club system began to take hold in the US, and players could receive good coaching at the club, high school and college level. By 2000, most established players were being identified early by the club system, and many camps ceased operation as the summer soccer camp was no longer the only place to receive fine coaching and a chance to play some real soccer.
camper does not have to be the best player in order to attend. Campers are organized in mobile groups, first by age, size, and ability with adjustments to the group structure and makeup being made each day as the week progresses. More importantly, campers develop an appreciation for the soccer’s inner values as the intrinsic rewards of participation and success are constantly stressed. At week’s end, a thorough 75 point evaluation form is presented to each camper with a personal development plan citing areas to be worked on during and after the season. Machnik credits the evaluation form as a critical factor in the decision parents make to return their campers to No.1 year after year.
Camp promotes community. It creates this great space that shows kids how to live together and care for one another. There are norms and negotiation of boundaries; there are rules. Camp is a place where kids can “practice” growing up stretching their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive muscles outside the context of their immediate family. This is what childhood is supposed to provide.
one 2015 session of No. 1 Soccer Camp. The winning bid amount will be donated to the 
ground. We stress the importance of body control, core strength, mental focus and making clean contact on the ball. Players then move to their feet to hone their perception, coordination and footwork while adjusting to the flight of the ball. Finally, we teach our campers how to land safely, using their upper body and arms to cushion their landing. Of course, at the end of each lesson the campers always have the chance to then apply what they have learned in a live small-sided game.
Nicholas DeMarsh is the No. 1 Soccer Camps Striker Director at our West Conn site. In addition, he just concluded his 13th year as the head coach of Buffalo State’s women’s soccer program in 2014, leading the Bengals to the SUNYAC semifinals for the second season in a row. DeMarsh, the 2010 SUNYAC Coach of the Year, has guided the Bengals to winning seasons in seven of the past 11 seasons and has a career record of 102-108-32.
different each year?
The coaches at No.1 are definitely top notch coaches – in my opinion they are among some of the best in the country. The training sessions at camp were very good, and I felt like I was being challenged every session. The Camp Directors 
Women’s College Cup for Florida State to give them their first Soccer National Championship. Can you describe that moment and feeling?
goalkeeper’s demeanor during training. The training ground is where the goalkeeper becomes hard or soft; it is where the goalkeeper works out problems and imprints habits; and it is where the goalkeeper has the most candid and unrestricted exchange with the coach and other goalkeepers. Ideally, the majority of this attitude toward training is learned holistically through example – almost as if by osmosis. Top end goalkeeper camps like 
Work hard, but relax. Often, when a young goalkeeper first “catches the bug” and wraps her head around a training ethic, she will over do it. That is to say that she might work so hard that she becomes frantic and her performance suffers as a result. There is nothing good about a frantic goalkeeper. But, refining this youngster’s approach is not very difficult and it is fun to do! The young player must learn to recognize the difference between a controlled high work rate and going crazy. This is one of the elements of the goalkeeper’s training mentality that can be coached directly. Again, the best way is by means of example. A young, accomplished staff coach’s (or perhaps an older, more experienced player’s) demonstration paints the best picture here. Put him in a training exercise and let him go to work. As he is playing, point out to the young goalkeeper how controlled his movement is. He is always focused. His feet, for example, are always precise in their movement and set at the right times. Yet, he is always pushing the pace at which the training moves: making saves and bouncing right back up for more; returning balls accurately and swiftly to the server; playing just a bit faster than the serve so as to ask the server to test him more on the next one. These traits are the embodiment of the very valuable lesson to work hard, but relax.
Mike Idland
Mike Idland tackles mistake management and troubleshooting common reactions to technical and tactical mistakes by goalkeepers.
Another very simple adage I use over and over again with my goalkeepers is Always the next ball. If during the periods between action, the keeper’s frame of mind and focus is always on the next ball, then she will give herself the best chance possible to perform to her full ability at all times. This must be the approach whether she has just made the biggest blunder of her career or the greatest save of her life: Always the next ball. The maturity that this requires does not usually come to goalkeepers on its own until they are quite old and the development of humility, as a natural piece of their personalities, comes to be. But, it can be taught at a relatively young age under the following conditions: the goalkeeper has an open mind; the goalkeeper coach knows and understands the goalkeeper as a person; the goalkeeper coach knows and understands the type of goalkeeper with whom he is working; and the keeper trusts her coach (and her team). Before going into more depth on types of goalkeepers and mistake management, it is worth stating something I think everyone in the goalkeeper’s sphere (the team, the coach, the fans, and the keeper herself) will agree on after a mistake: everyone wants to get the next play right, so everyone will be happy if the goalkeeper is able to is able to bounce right back into the game and get the next ball! Big time goalkeepers such as the professionals and internationals mentioned before understand this, and this is what keeps them playing at a high level even after they let up a howler.
highly-technical goalkeeper “giving up” in the middle of an awkward situation such as a scramble in front of the goal. It is easy for the coach to jump to the assumption that the keeper doesn’t care because of her actions, and that is an understandable reaction. But, this scenario is usually a bit deeper than that and understanding the inner workings of this problem for the goalkeeper will go a long way in helping her and, consequently, helping your team in the long run.
mentality,” and this would not be incorrect. But, the goalkeeper’s approach, her focus, extends so far beyond training that the term “training” seems to limit the psyche unjustly. In a sense, the goalkeeper almost has a governing philosophy or a world view. We can say of many great goalkeepers – whether at the youth or senior levels – that “she carries herself like a goalkeeper,” or, “you can just tell she is a goalkeeper.” Why is that? Why is it that the good ones act like goalkeepers even when they are not practicing their craft on the field of play?
The thing is that the goalkeeper rarely does anything without the attention of the team and coach on her. So, if she is to succeed in the context of the team, she must wear her heart on her sleeve and handle any of the above situations and the countless others that may arise with the utmost poise. When the team trusts the goalkeeper (and there must be trust between the goalkeeper and the team if there is to be success), they will often model their own demeanor after how the goalkeeper reacts to key moments. That is to say, if the goalkeeper is confident and composed at a critical moment, then the team is likely to be confident and composed. If the goalkeeper is panicked and defeated at this moment, then the team may lose heart. For some goalkeepers, the feeling is that this is an unfair element to goalkeeping; they would rather just go about their business quietly, blending in, with no more or no less responsibility than any other player on the team. But, the thing is the goalkeeper occupies a position that is different from the other players. And with this position comes what has elsewhere been termed the burden of responsibility. In other words, like it or not, the goalkeeper will be looked to as an example by the team and the coach.
Soubrier was recruited to 
the benefits of Soubrier’s on and off the pitch talentsin 2014. From running sunrise PT sessions, to demoing drills to making sure each camper was properly cared for, Soubrier found a perfect professional fit with No. 1 Soccer Camps.
thinking about the outcome and dwelling on the consequences. A fear of failure may creep in and affect the performance in the must score situation. This effect is prominent regardless of a player’s status, but has an incredibly negative effect on players of elite status. Examples are plentiful – Maradona, Platini, van Basten, Roberto Baggio all were soccer legends who got it wrong when it mattered the most.
Camp in Urbana again this year. To use their words, they had an “amazing” time. Each year, I hear stories for days about their good times on and off the field. This year was even more special because of the World Cup games they viewed with the entire camp. The boys always agree that the competition level, and the soccer instruction are the most intense at No.1. Needless to say, knowing Marc and Max, they love it! I appreciate knowing they are fine with you and your staff and having the opportunity to hear their stories each year. This was their third year in attendance, and I am sure they will be back for more! Thanks again!” – Susan, No. 1 Soccer Camps at Urbana Parent 
“I just wanted to share with you that Melanie thought this was the best soccer camp she’s ever attended. She said that she got so much more out of it than the ODP Developmental camp in May, so you and the coaching staff should feel especially proud! The player evaluation form was much more detailed and individualized as compared to the ODP form. Melanie has been given more specific insights on how to improve her performance this season and beyond. The only thing she could think of to make it better would be more camps in Vero throughout the year to hone her skills. Looking forward to the next camp.” – Cindy, No. 1 Soccer Camps at Vero Beach Parent 
camp last week. They have attended No. 1 camps for years at several different locations. They said that the talent of the players was the best they have seen and enjoyed the experience. They want to attend again next year so we will see how the schedule works out. Thanks for putting on a great camp!” – Camille G, No. 1 Soccer Camps at University of Dallas Parent
Beach, Florida from 1986-1989 during which time his team was the only boy’s team in the school’s history to reach the Final Four. In 1988, he was selected to travel to Brazil as a member of the USA Select team for international training and friendlies. After high school, Mike continued his playing career at Division 1 Mercer University where he was a four year starter. During his time in goal for the Bears, the team won the conference championship in 1992 going undefeated, and Mike was a three time All- Conference player.
Mike’s coaching career is just as remarkable spanning the high school, club, collegiate and professional level. With 17 years of high school and club coaching experience, he coached several State Champion teams. As Head Coach at Mount De Sales High School for the Boys Varsity team from 1993-1995, the team won two State Championships; as an Assistant Coach/GK Coach for Satellite High School Girls Varsity team from 2001-2006, the team was a two time State Champ. Mike has had success as a Head Coach at many clubs and in many age groups in Florida including: Satellite Beach Lightning U17 Boys in 1997-2000, Indialantic Force U18 Girls 2000-06, and SCUSC U18 Girls 2006-10. He is currently the Goalkeeper Director for Space Coast United Soccer Club as well as the Head Coach for the U15 Girls NPL/Elite Team.
A long time fixture at No. 1 Soccer Camps, Mike Potier brings his wealth of playing and coaching experience to No. 1 Soccer Campers each summer. Thousands of goalkeepers and field players have benefitted from his instruction, experience and firsthand knowledge of the game.
academically and athletically. Brian, captain of San Jose Earthquakes U18 Academy, graduated early from Vintage High School with honors a semester early in December 2011.
team pool in 2008 and just completed her sophomore season playing in goal for St. Bonaventure University. No. 1 recently asked Ti a few questions about her playing experiences from club through college. 
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