What Makes No. 1 Soccer Camps Number 1?

It’s not just a name. No. 1 Soccer Camps is #No1ForAReason. Several reasons in fact. Our players, staff and training are just a few things that have made our soccer camps a leader in the soccer industry for over 40 years.

OUR PLAYERS ARE NO. 1

In the 41+ years of being the most trusted name in soccer camps, over 80,000 players have come through our system. Some have signed professional contracts as players and coaches others have played for National teams or won the NCAA title. Our players are the driving force behind our camps and have set the high standard!

OUR STAFF IS NO. 1

At any of our sites you will find the highest quality staff alongside current college players, A-licensed coaches and coaches of current National Team players. Each week our staff coaches complete a 75-point evaluation and personal development plan for each player at camp. You will not find this evaluation or this level of quality coaching anywhere else!

OUR TRAINING IS NO. 1

If you have ever wondered about the roots of No. 1 Soccer Camps, you need to start with Dr. Joe Machnik. Since 1977, the “Machnik Method”, a distinctive soccer training method that is universally recognized and used today. Our unique “Go to Goal” curriculum with modern methodologies, we offer five distinct training levels and programs for a unique week of soccer education for field players and goalkeepers of every age and ability level.

#No1ForAReason

At No. 1 Soccer Camps, our mission is 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 more information on any of our camp locations from Connecticut to California, please visit our website at www.no1soccercamps.com.

In Memory of Tony DiCicco

By Dr. Joe Machnik, Founder of No. 1 Soccer Camps

It is a sad day today as the No.1 Soccer Camps Community has learned of the passing of Tony DiCicco, after a brief illness.

Many of our staff over the past forty years and many of our campers, as well, knew and worked for Tony, played for him and went to his camp, as campers.

Tony DiCicco has left a huge footprint on American soccer. He was an excellent player, better coach and an even better person.

I first met Tony while we were still playing, each of us selected to the All- Star team for the Connecticut State League. We combined to shut out the New Jersey State All-Star in the only game we played.

Of course, living in Connecticut, our paths crossed on many occasions. Small state with, at the time, a small soccer community.

We each ran soccer camps; and although we competed against each other in that business, we always treated each other professionally and with respect. In many ways, we had parallel careers, although Tony certainly eclipsed mine with his unprecedented success with the Women’s National Team in the Olympics and World Cup Tournaments.

Twenty years ago, our family moved from Connecticut to South Carolina and the occasions of seeing Tony on a regular basis diminished. Yes, there was the MLS Cup socials, and the NSCAA Conventions, but there was never really any time to talk, only to exchange pleasantries.

Then, by chance, both Tony and I were hired by Fox TV to work the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It was great to be with Tony at meetings and even lunch and dinners. We had a chance to sit with each other and talk about the good old days, where soccer is now and whether the USA is on the right path.

Tony really cared. And so many people cared for him.

The outpouring of grief and sadness from every corner of the soccer world is so appropriate. I just wanted everyone in the No.1 Soccer Camp community to appreciate what Tony DiCicco has done for American soccer and to recognize that Tony was one of the great ones. We should all be thankful for his work and I am thankful for knowing him. I wish we had more time together!

Team Camp at No. 1 Soccer Camps

Get the Preseason Advantage at No. 1 Soccer Camps Team Camp

Did you know No. 1 Soccer Camps offers a team camp for high school and club teams looking for a preseason edge? Our staff will work directly with your team to ensure a valuable and enriching team training experience. In addition to the positive camaraderie gained by living and playing together, we will also deliver rigorous team competition and training, all while developing the modern skills of attacking with speed and going for goal! Each individual player will receive our extensive 75 point personal evaluation for their personal use and future development.

“As a soccer coach and soccer parent, I haven’t found a better soccer camp experience than No. 1 Soccer Camps. My kids and players can’t wait each summer to attend.” – Marc Hatam Port Washington Cobras

No. 1 Soccer Camps offer exceptional opportunities for teams to attend the camp at a significant discount. For more information, contact the camp office at info@no1soccercamps.com or call 571-428-8387.

No. 1 Soccer Camps, the first national camp of it’s kind, was founded by Dr. Joseph Machnik in 1977. Since then, over 80,000 soccer players and coaches have attended No. 1 Soccer Camps and become part of the No. Family. Our tradition of excellence, professional coaches and world class facilities have made No. 1 the industry leader for US soccer camps for over 40 years.

Teacher, Trainer, Coach: What’s the Difference?

By No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Greg Andrulis

In the sport of soccer, we often have teachers, trainers, and coaches who each have a specific set of responsibilities for the development of their players. Looking at each title, there seems to be an overlapping and co-mingling of responsibilities that go with the job description. A teacher can have a more formal role in the development of their players and teams. A coach helps a player or team achieve success on the field, and a trainer is the facilitator of new skills. Can one person be all three? Absolutely!

If you have been fortunate enough to attend a training session that has been put on by Anson Dorrance, head coach at the University of North Carolina, former World Cup Coach and the winner of 21 National Championships, then you have been fortunate enough to have seen one of greatest teacher, trainers, and coaches of our generation. What makes this type of coach, teacher, and trainer so special? Is it their ability to articulate the message? Their communication skills? Their intuitive nature? Their knowledge of the game? Yes to all of the above.

No. 1 Soccer Camps John Amorim Teacher Trainer Coach — Former professional player and current US U14 National Camp Goalkeeper Coach, John Amorim was one of the inaugural participants in the No. 1 Soccer Camps as a camper in 1977.

At the recent Connecticut Junior Soccer Association Annual General Meeting, those in attendance were introduced to a person who clearly fits comfortably into the role of Teacher, Trainer and Coach. John Amorim is currently the head goalkeeper coach for the Region I ODP Staff. While watching Coach Amorim run his session, it was striking to observe a man comfortable being a teacher, a trainer and a coach – sometimes within the same sentence. Putting on a training session in a hotel ballroom is never easy. Add in the dimensions of training players that you are unfamiliar with, being surrounded by coaches who are only somewhat interested in your topic and those in place for required CEU’s, and you have an environment that is demanding to say the least.

John presented a goalkeeper session that at its basic level was not challenging in its format with one major exception – his delivery. John was able to present a multi-layered session that challenged each participant at the physical, technical, and psychological spectrum at every step of the progression. His delivery was as a teacher to the coaches in attendance explaining the exercise, as a coach to the players; he was working with and as a trainer executing drills and exercises. His session was exceptional. His knowledge of the position is at a very high level. Those in attendance were witness to an outstanding presentation, by an extraordinary teacher, coach and trainer.

His ability to layer each exercise with each dimension of the spectrum is a gift. The players had to think, react and make decisions related to each ball. The session was not the type of session that we often see put on by trainers at these type of events. More commonly we see sessions where the ball is constantly struck with mind numbing repetitions and little to no level of distinction as to the reason, method or purpose, other than to create the illusion of success.

At this session it was clear and refreshing to see an educator (a unique combination of teacher, coach, and trainer) present a session that was simple in concept but complex in methodology. If you are looking for an individual to be part of your staff or work with your child, strive to find someone with the capacity to incorporate all the ingredients for a successful session – someone who can teach, someone who can coach and someone who can train. All will benefit from that experience.

Coach Andrulis is a coach and teacher who has had the good fortune to have worked with and trained some of the best goalkeepers in the United States. His goalkeepers have played at all levels, including World Cup and national teams, professional, collegiate and club. As a 40 year staff member of No. 1 Soccer Camps, Coach Andrulis enjoys the opportunity to spend time working with the next great generation of players each and every summer throughout the United States.

Youth Academy Meets Distinct Needs of Younger Players

You Asked, We Answered: No. 1 Soccer Camps Youth Academy

For years, parents have requested a soccer camp for their younger children, and No. 1 responded. No. 1 Soccer Camps Youth Academy is designed for players aged 7-10. Based on our 40 years of soccer camp experience, No. 1 Soccer Camps created a curriculum specifically constructed to meet the distinct needs and abilities of the emerging player.

The participants at our Youth Academy benefit from a positive and encouraging setting. We create a fun, nurturing environment and ensure no 3 L’s. No lines, no laps and no lectures are a mainstay of our youth curriculum. We understand our younger players have specific needs that if taught properly can insure a greater appreciation of the game. Fun, exciting, and engaging activities are all part of the week. We achieve this with individual and small group activities with the introduction of entertaining technical exercises and games that are engaging and relevant for the age group and ability level.

No 1 Soccer Camps Youth Academy is available at many of our residential camps across the country. Half day and full day options are available for greater flexibility and to meet families and players individual needs.

For specific locations and dates for No. 1 Soccer Camps Youth Academy in 2017, please visit our Youth Academy page here.

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.

Tag: soccer