Summer Youth Soccer Camps: NOGA Camps

“And we’ll have fun, fun, fun

‘till her Daddy takes the T-Bird away”

                In my opinion, the best way to keep our kids from having fun with the T-Bird (or any other thing not in their best interest) is to keep them active and involved.  What better way to keep them involved than a local youth soccer camp offered by one of the oldest and most respected Youth Soccer training programs in the area?  NOGA is a name that has always come up over the years whenever I inquired about quality training for my son. The whole purpose of this blog is to make life easier for most soccer parents and coaches by providing you information and experiences that took me 8 years of asking questions, succeeding and failing in trying different things and dealing with different people.  Today, we get to learn together about NOGA and their Summer Youth Soccer Camps.   This post was one of my favorite ones to write, and it also involved the most research.   

 I have learned that NOGA was, if not the first, one of the first programs to develop the concept of the specialist soccer camp idea.   According to their website, “For over 35 years NOGA has been providing unparalleled camp experience and specialist coaching to thousands of boys and girls.  NOGA provides two substantially different soccer camp experiences. “  So, as I said, I have been very excited to finally get to learn more about a program I have always been interested in, not just for me and my son, but for all of you also.

               NOGA offers youth soccer camps and training across the Northeast coast, but I will just focus on their camps that are offered on Long Island.  Although NOGA’s reputation, at least in my head and with the people I spoke with, is for providing a high level of soccer training for the more serious and skilled soccer player, they have soccer camps for every young soccer player regardless of their skill level.  This summer, NOGA is offering a Micro Camp (players aged 4-6 years, Beginner skill level), Community Camp (players aged 6—14 years, Beginners and Intermediates), Team Camp (teams only with players aged 8-18- All Levels), Academy Day Camp/Academy Residential Camp (players aged 7-17, All Levels), and High School Camp (players aged 15-18, Advanced skill).  Camps are run at different locations across Long Island and cost and benefits are dependent on location and type of camp.  What I found most interesting about NOGA camps is that there seems to be a great amount of opportunities for soccer youth out East in the Hamptons and surrounding areas, central locations such as Smithtown, and Nassau locations including Hofstra University in Uniondale and Long Beach.  The cost of camp runs $105-$750 for week long camps and is dependent upon type of camp and location.  A full listing of all available camps, costs, and amenities can be found at www.nogasoccer.com and additional questions should be referred to Community Camps Manager, Tom Williamson at coachtwilliamson@gmail.com or Academy Camps Manager, Paul Kelshaw at paulkelshaw@yahoo.co.uk .

NOGA provides a very specific description of their camps on their website, www.nogasoccer.com.  The coaching curriculum used by NOGA Camps aims to give the soccer campers a fun and challenging age specific environment, while the trainers and coaches employ proven soccer training methods taken from soccer academies across the world including Holland, England, and Spain.  NOGA states, “Each player is given an equal opportunity to reach their soccer potential by focusing on individual technical development while being introduced to the physical, psychological, and social demands of the game.”  All in all, NOGA appears to have a good handle on the needs of the young soccer players and has created a training program for camps that will help develop your soccer child into a soccer player who has received a well-rounded training experience.

The Community camps run 3 hours each day (with a Micro Camp running 1.5 hours).  As many of these camps are hosted by the local soccer organization, price varies and some are restricted to players from the hosting organization or township.  In addition, some of these camps are designated to specific skill and play levels, including Travel or Recreational.  Any teams of 10 or more that register at 1 Community camp as a group will be guaranteed an individual trainer for the week.  There is a very comprehensive schedule available at the website and registration or inquiries can take place by calling 516-489-3900 ext. 104 or email tom.williamson@nogasoccer.com.

All NOGA Academy (day or residential) youth soccer camps are held at Colleges or Universities around the country.  For Long Island soccer players, the Academy camps are held at Hofstra University in Uniondale.  The day Academies run Mon-Fri 9a-4pm in the summer and campers are required to bring their own lunches and they will have use of the pool, when it is available.  The Residential Academy camps run Mon thru Friday (Sunday arrival allowed for players arriving from far distance) and soccer campers are provided with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).  Residential soccer campers are also allowed use of the pool when available.  All academy soccer campers (Day and Residential) will receive NOGA t-shirt and Adidas Soccer Ball, and a specialist GOALKEEPER training is available during the camp.  The younger youth spccer players may have an option of attending a Minicamp from 9a—12 noon Mon-Friday, this is for the campers aged 4-6 years old.  Academy camp information and registration is available at www.nogasoccer.com or by calling 516-489-3900 or emailing nogasoccer@gmail.com.

Team Camps are available to any youth soccer team that is interested.  The NOGA training program uses a flexible but age-specific soccer training program to best meet the needs of each individual youth soccer team and their parent coach.  The camp runs a MINIMUM of 15 hours and breaks down in a way that works best for the trainers, team, and coach, while still maintaining the benefits of the training program.  Volunteer coaches are encouraged to interact with the NOGA coach during the week of training in order to encourage a smooth transition of the team back to the Volunteer Coach at the end of the week while allowing the team to maximize the effectiveness of the training received by the NOGA coach.  All inquiries should be directed by phone to 516-489-3900 ext. 104 or by email to tom.williamson@nogasoccer.com.

As you can see, NOGA has the history, experience, and camp availability to meet the needs of any youth soccer player on Long Island.  Please visit their website at www.nogasoccer.com for more specific information.  I wish that I had personal experience with NOGA to share as I did the other highlighted programs, but unfortunately neither of my boys has been fortunate enough to take part in NOGA training or camps as of yet.  I can say that I first mentioned NOGA because they are a name that I have heard for years as a youth soccer coach AND as a soccer mom.  When I think of NOGA, it is always thoughts of a respected program.  I am personally grateful that they reached out to me last week after I mentioned them in the initial Summer Youth Soccer Camp post and that I have had the opportunity to learn more about their program.  I can definitely see myself sending at least one of my sons to their camps in the next few years.

 I think it says quite a bit about these large organizations, who honestly do not need the support of a small and local soccer youth blogger such as myself,  but yet they take the time to not only provide me with information about their programs to share with you coaches and parents, but they also offer and provide support to the blog to help me get my name out to the community.  It is all about our shared love of Soccer AND most importantly of improving, growing, and supporting Youth Soccer on Long Island.

As always, please comment and share below.  I am currently registering my youth soccer team for Fall season, while helping to manage my older boy’s team trip to Regionals this weekend, and having a child go to Prom and graduate.  I will be away for a few days at the Regionals, but I will be posting soon about the Rough Riders Indy Cup last weekend, their Free Goalkeeper Clinic they held this week and last, and also I will share some experiences as Coach, Mom, and Manager from the last 2 weeks in my life of LI Youth Soccer.  And….as promised….SOON “Coachra v. Momzilla” and the SHOCKING confession I must now make.  Please follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CoachMommyLI and join our Facebook page at facebook.com/CoachMommyLongIsland.  Read it-Like it-Subscribe to it-Share It!! Thanks!

Just WHO Is Coach Mommy Long Island?

As I continue to network and build relationships with others in the Long Island Youth Soccer community and my readership (hopefully) grows, I want to take a moment to introduce myself better and also make sure that you all understand just what benefits I am able to offer.  I am here to answer that DEEP and BURNING question that you all MUST know: Just WHO is Coach Mommy Long Island?

                I thank you all for taking the time to read my blog and for those who subscribe to the blog or tell a friend, thank you.  I really believe that I have something valuable to share and want to continue to build this blog and my readership.  Please continue to spread the word!

                Follow and Like the page on Facebook: facebook.com/CoachMommyLongIsland – It is an easy way to keep up with new posts on my blogs, also I often post information that I receive from different programs, including area leagues and tournaments.  Also, next week, I will be posting a “Soccer Quote of the Day” and also create occasional soccer related polls and Questions. 

                Please follow and share the Blog Twitter account: twitter.com/CoachMommyLI-On Twitter, I not only follow many local and professional soccer Clubs, teams, and organizations, but many have begun to follow me back.  I also tweet when I have new Blog posts, the “Soccer Quote of the Day”, and re-tweet valuable and entertaining Soccer and sports related information.  Please follow!

              

  Aside from my failed comedic career, (again I kid- never attempted a comedic career- recognized it was over before it ever began) I am new to the world of blogging.  After being in a car accident last summer that led to a year of pain, testing, medical procedures, and eventually major back surgery, I found myself the last few months recovering home alone in bed while the world went on around me.  I am out of work on disability temporarily and needed something that kept me interested and with a daily goal.  The challenge being I needed something not more demanding or restricting than my physical recovery would allow.  At a certain point, I will be creating a NON-SOCCER blog that will hopefully lead to some income and online teaching classes, but I needed a place to start and I knew the one topic that I had a passion for, was knowledgeable about, had a network base, and unique perspective on was Youth Soccer on Long Island.   And so “Coach Mommy Long Island” was born!

                I believe I was about 4-years-old when I started pee-wee swarm ball (I mean youth soccer) and played up to a Travel level before being injured in 9^th or 10^th grade and not being able to play any longer.  I knew that when I had kids, I wanted to be an involved mother and somehow I volunteered to coach youth soccer when my son started his pee wee career at the age of 4.  After a few years of pee wee and intramural soccer, I was asked to coach 1 of the 2 Club teams that was making the move to Interleague and eventually Travel.  Although I coached my son for about 5 years, I made the best decision ever and allowed him to move to another coach and trainer. It was the best decision I ever made as a soccer coach and a mother.  About 4 years ago, my little guy started his soccer career and asked me to coach his team.  I did so for 1 season and realized that I HATED the process of building a new team and set of parents from a young age.  I found a trusted coach and trainer for my little guy and keep my coaching to my 18 soccer sons and our team.

                I hold a “C” Level Soccer Coaching license (that’s for the mid-age kids) and am now at the point I need to get my “B” level.  Although I now have a trainer who is MUCH more knowledgeable and skilled than me, I like to keep myself trained and educated.  I also know that while he excels in training the boys better, I still bring my experience, personal, knowledge of my players, and my gut to the soccer field.  I have evolved over the years as a Soccer Coach AND a Soccer parent and the process has not been easy.  I have done things right, but I have also made many mistakes, and the mistakes are always the more embarrassing as they are what everyone remembers.  It is all of these experiences and knowledge that I use to pass along to other parents and coaches such as you all.  I truly believe that I know a lot of things and with the unique perspective of being a Soccer Coach, Soccer Mom, and part-time Soccer Team Manager, I can offer knowledge, stories, and networking to help other coaches, parent, and managers.  The things I do not know, I am always willing to learn, and I LOVE people to share their thoughts and information, as we can always learn and may hear something that I never considered.

Youth Soccer Summer Camp Series- NY Red Bulls Youth Soccer Summer Camps

“It must be summer

Cause the days are long

And I dial your number

But you’re gone, gone, gone”

                I am hoping you’ve gone to a Youth Soccer Summer Camp here on Long Island.  There are so many offered and it is so much better to have our young soccer players out there being active than sitting home all day on the Xbox or PS3 (or Oovoo, Instagram, the IPAD…etc…etc…etc).  Over the last few days, I gave you some contact information for local Summer Soccer Programs and took a close look at the Summer Camps offered by L.I. Rough Riders, and today we take a special look at the NY Red Bulls Summer Youth Programs. 

                As a coach (and now a blogger), I have found the staff at the NY Red Bulls to be accessible, friendly, and willing to help.  As a Red Bulls fan, I enjoyed attending a game a few years ago and look forward to our next trip to their fields.  I know the Red Bulls share a partnership with Long Island Junior Soccer, the league many of our soccer players and teams play in, and I know that the Red Bulls have done programs in Brentwood and other Long Island Clubs.  Although they are the Major League Soccer Team and Organization for New York, New Jersey, and the smart part of Connecticut (I am assuming the lines draw for Red Bulls/Revolution fans along the same geographical lines that separate Yankees and Red Sox fans), the NY Red Bulls are active in their support of the youth soccer players in the Tri-State area.  I find this refreshing, as I have not seen any other Major League teams in our area have such a strong presence in our youth sports programs as the Red Bulls are in our youth soccer programs.  I can say from experience and by paying attention the last few years that the Red Bulls and their staff are extremely accessible to the coaches, parents, and players in the soccer communities in the Tri-State Area.

               

                 The Red Bulls were originally known as the Metro Stars and were introduced to the Tri-State area as our MLS team in 1995 and they first played for us in 1996 at Giants Stadium.  Over the next years, they made history as they brought major league soccer to New York.  In 2006, Red Bulls Company GmbH, maker of Red Bulls energy drink, purchased the Metro Stars and within a few years had built a state of the art soccer stadium for the team in Harrison, NJ, where the team continues to play and make soccer history.  During these years, the Academy and youth training programs were born.  According to their website,” The Red Bulls Player Development System is a multi-layered program that provides professional support at all levels of the game. Each level of the player development pyramid has been structured to provide extensive support to players, coaches and youth soccer organizations. Within the local community, programs are offered for players of all ages and abilities. For players with outstanding ability, there is an opportunity to progress to the academy level and ultimately, to the Red Bulls First Team.”  This philosophy is continued in the Red Bulls Summer Youth Camps.   The Red Bulls Summer Camps are the only soccer camps run by a Professional Soccer team and training staff on Long Island.

                The NY Red Bulls have one of the most descriptive websites that I have found in my research of Summer Youth Soccer camps.  I can not do it justice here in my limited space and I encourage you to visit the website at www.redbullsacademy.com  (camp info is under the Academy link on homepage)or call 1-888-370-7287.  The website includes descriptions of each different camp, includes sample daily camp schedules and provides more information on the soccer training philosophy of the NY Red Bulls for our young soccer players.  In addition, the website offers many parent testimonials and a question/answer section that is helpful. 

The NY Red Bulls Youth Summer camps offers different types of camps including: Mini KICK Camp (players 5-6 years old), Skills Camp (Recreation, Travel, and Select Players), Team Camp (designed for entire teams), Extended Day Camp (Advanced Player Camp for players who prefer to travel each day and not stay at residential camp- is NOT available for RDS Residential Camps), High School Camp (specifically designed for High School teams and in coordination with team’s High School Coach), and RDS Camps and Residential Camps (Regional Development School (RDS)  day and residential camps for competitive and elite travel team players).  The average age of campers is 5-14, but most camps are for players aged 8-18, while the Skills Camp takes players aged 7-14, Team Camps will take teams with players as old as 18, and Residential Camp is for players aged 9-15 years.  Most camps are 1 week long and the camps can run 3 hours, to a full-day to an extended day of 8:30a-8:30p, the length of camp depends on type of camp.   In addition to the high level of skill and technical training each soccer player receives, campers will also receive an Adidas branded camp t-shirt, soccer ball, and companion ticket to a Red Bulls game.  Players who take part in the residential camp will also receive an Adidas branded uniform , t-shirt, Adidas soccer ball, Companion ticket to a Red Bulls game at Red Bulls arena, end of week performance evaluation , Daily player awards and prizes , 3 meals per day/unlimited buffet, and additional non-soccer activities offered during “fun” time including swimming, tennis, basketball etc. (this only offered at certain camps and should be verified prior to registration).  The RDS camps offer elite soccer players the opportunity to possibly be chosen to take part in additional Red Bulls activities as described on the website.  The cost of the camps are very comparable and range as low as $120 (MINI SKILLS) to $640 (residential), with the average skills camps running about $155 for 3 hours  and $245 for all day camp.  Some of the camps on Long Island are taking part at the LIJ Soccer Park in Plainview, there are many additional camps run by local clubs and may be open to all soccer players.  The cost of these camps varies and are listed on the website.

 

 There are so many different camps and locations offered not only on Long Island, but in other parts of NY, NJ, CT, and parts of PA, it is best to visit www.redbulls.com and under the “Academy” selection is where you will find all the schedules and pricing.  Prices vary based on type of camp and when registration takes place.  You can also email them at training@newyorkredbulls.com.

                The Red Bulls philosophy is a great one: Create a FUN and CHALLENGING environment where players have the opportunity to learn.  I have wanted to send my older boy to a Red Bulls Camp for a few years, but to be honest, I believed the cost was outside of my ability.  It was surprising to discover, during my research for this blog, how affordable and comparable in cost these camps are to others in the area.  Although my sons have never attended any of the Red Bulls Youth programs, I have heard good things about the training, and I know at least one of the trainers and he is a quality trainer (he trained my son for many years and would still train him of the Red Bulls had not scooped him up).  I would recommend the NY Red Bulls organization and program.  I want to mention that the NY Red Bulls also has a year-long Academy program for players U14 and older which is subsidized for the players.  In addition, the RDS year-long training program on Long Island is free for LIJ players, but both of these programs require players to try-out and be accepted. These camps are a good opportunity for parents and players to get a sample of the quality of training these programs offer, as well as allow the trainers to get a look at the player prior to tryouts.  According to the Red Bulls, their Youth Soccer Academy program is the #1 program in the MLS. Overall- the NY Red Bulls have so many great opportunities during the summer and year-long for our Long Island soccer youth and I strongly encourage you to take a look at their website at www.newyorkredbulls.com.

                As always, please share and comment below with any additional questions or information you may have.  Tomorrow, we will take a special look at the NOGA summer camp programs.  I was excited to hear from them after I did a small mention in my first Summer Camp special.  They helped me learn more about their program, and not only was it a great way to learn more about a program I have heard great things about for years, but it also felt GREAT to know that my blog is not only reaching parents and coaches, but that organizations are paying attention and are willing to help me provide you all with not only accurate, but varied information so that you all have everything you need to determine what is best for you and your soccer player!  Also, coming soon, a look at the LI Rough Riders free goalie clinic, this past weekend’s Indy Cup, AND the MUCH anticipated “Coachra v. Momzilla” (I was dared this past weekend to share a certain story and I will very soon!)  Say tuned and as always, share it-like it-subscribe!

 

Youth Soccer Summer Programs and Camps Series: LI Rough Riders

“summer summer summertime

time to sit back and unwind”

                   Unless, of course, you are a mom and DEFINITELY not if you are a mom to a soccer player.  Summer time is a GREAT time to get some extra work on skill and prepare for the fall season, and for our older kids- many will prepare for School Tryouts.  If you haven’t noticed already, you will learn in time that I am a STRONG believer and advocate for team and coach/trainer loyalty.  That is exactly why the summer is such an exciting time for soccer kids.  There are SO many opportunities and options in different summer programs and types of training that the kids can take part in while still remaining loyal to their team and coach. To me, summer is the smorgasbord season for soccer players.  Because, as much as I preach loyalty, I ALSO believe that young players should get some variety in the types of training they receive.  The other day, I gave you some information on just a FEW of the many local area Youth Soccer training programs and camps on Long Island.  Today, I am going to take a more detailed look at the Youth Soccer Summer Camps offered by the L.I. Rough Riders AND I have a 20% OFF Camp Cost Discount for you at the end…(YAY!)

 

                The L.I. Rough Riders are the ONLY Soccer franchise on Long Island.  Created 19-years-ago, “currently, the Rough Riders Men’s Team plays in the Premier Development League (PDL) of the United Soccer Leagues (USL), designed to showcase the top collegiate and professional players in the nation. The PDL is the largest professional / amateur league in the United States, with teams competing for a National Championship each season.”  The Rough Riders also have a Woman’s Team and a Youth program that has different training and team opportunities for youth to take part in Tournaments and the Super-Y (Youth version) of the PDL.  The great part of the Rough Riders program is that the Youth teams are made to compliment and support each player’s home club/team and not take the young player away from the coaches and teammates that helped them become the players they are today.  In addition to the Youth teams, the Rough Riders have a variety of camps and training year round, including their Summer Camp series that starts in the next week.

               

Not only have the Rough Riders been kind enough to contribute to this post, but I have worked with this organization as a Coach and parent for many years.  As a Coach, their tournaments are some of my favorite to take my team to, and I also have recommended their camps to many of my players.  This is because as a mom, I sent my oldest to their camps for 3 summers.  I find their staff knowledgeable about soccer, forthcoming with information; and most importantly, my son not only learned about soccer at their camps, but he enjoyed them and you could tell that the trainers put the kid’s interests first in all of the trainings. The above is a mom’s testimonial, and while it may sound biased for a blog- that is the point of CoachMommyLI.   I am fair, but when I have an experience to share,  I will.  It is understood that each parent and coach will look for different things in their trainers and programs, and we all have different levels of tolerance for certain things.  For me, the Rough Riders were exactly what my son needed when he attended the camps.

                Ah yes….I DID promise you actual information about the camps.  I step away from the love fest and return our focus to the LI Rough Riders Summer Camps.  They have many different types of camps and the camps will meet the needs of different levels of payers from recreational or beginner to a higher level of soccer skilled player.  For the majority of campers, any of their Indoor Soccer Academy, Futsal Academy, Soccer Academy, Ball Mastery, and Striker/GK will be appropriate. For the more skilled and serious player, LI Rough Riders Summer Youth Camps offers Elite camp versions of all of the camps named above.  All of the camps will focus on ball skill, knowledge of the game, and shooting, while some will focus more on certain skills.  Each camper will receive a FREE Adidas T-shirt and all Full Day Campers receive a FREE Soccer Ball.

 

                     There are 38 camps offered during different weeks of the summer at 10 different locations in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.   Locations include the Soccer Park in Plainview, Mitchel Athletic Complex (Museum Row- Nassau; Indoor Fields), Eisenhower Park, and Cantiague Park (swimming may be available at this site).  There are other locations and the schedules are too much to list here, but a full list and camp description can be found at www.liroughriders.com/camps.  Each camp is a week-long and some are during the day, while some are  Part-time camp held in the evening hours.  According to Daan Oomen, the Camp Director, the average age of campers is 5-12 and 8-15.  A few camps have sold out, but they have added some indoor day camps.   The cost runs from $375-$150, but there are sibling discounts and also the 20% Discount available to any of my readers who may choose to register online for a camp.  (CODE RRGAME20 AT END OF BLOG)

                This summer, the Rough Riders are very excited that they have 3 NEW Camps they are offering which are unique, and they sound fun and interesting.  They are welcoming 4 coaches from Germany to help with the new camps.  The first camp is the “Moves & Skills” and utilizes the philosophy of the Dutch and the Coerver Technique and focuses on helping the players learn and master basic skills of soccer as a way to develop the advanced soccer moves.  Another new camp will bring the German training methods in the (appropriately named) “German Soccer Camp”.  (Hey- it worked for the Champions League Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund as they invaded Wimbledon this year).    This camp will utilize the German Coaches knowledge and focus on “proper technical execution, smart defensive composure, and quick transition”.  The last of the NEW camps for Summer 2013 is “Soccer School” (personally I am trying to figure out how to sneak into this camp because it sounds like a lot of fun and interesting stuff.)  “Soccer School” focuses on Theory and Practice and learning as much as there is to learn about soccer culture, history, and skills from around the world.  This camp uses not just field exercises and trainings, but games, videos, and even has a TEST!  You really can’t call yourself a soccer player or fan if you don’t know anything about your sport!

                As always, soccer clubs, teams, and most organizations can contact the Rough Riders directly about hosting a Rough Rider Community Camp.  To get more detailed information about the camps, including costs and times/dates/locations, check out www.liroughriders.com/camps. If you have questions, feel free to bother…I mean call… my buddy Daan Oomen at 516-622-3900 ext. 1003 or by email at camps@liroughriders.com. He has been kind enough to share with us a discount code that you can use for online camp registrations to save 20%.  Use the discount code (are you ready?......) RRGAME20.  Also PLEASE let them know that you heard about them from me, CoachMommyLI (that way maybe they will continue to share great deals and information with us!!)

               

                I will also be writing soon about their FUN FREE Goalkeeper Clinic that they held last week and are having again this Tuesday.  Also, tomorrow my son’s team and I are attending the Rough Rider Independence Cup at the Bethpage Polo Grounds (my FAVE tourney and FAVORITE soccer fields).  Also, in the next few days, I will post special looks at the NY Red Bulls Youth Summer Soccer Camps and also the NOGA Youth Soccer Summer Camps.  As always- please comment, like-share-subscribe!

Long Island Youth Soccer Summer Camps and Programs: Local Academy Programs

              Spring season and most tryouts are over, Regents, Finals, and school picnics are ending, kids and teachers are rejoicing and we parents are freaking out.  WHAT are we going to do with these kids this summer?!?  Or maybe many of you already have plans for your kids, but you are considering getting your young soccer player some extra training this summer.  While many competitive teams will continue to train over the summer, many will take time off as players and coaches go on vacation and rest.  Some parents may have a young kid who has an interest in soccer, but has never actually played the sport.  I have information for you that will offer a solution for ALL of the above dilemmas and many more.

 I have for you some information on different summer soccer camps and programs on Long Island and a **SPECIALIZED** look (over the next few days) at the camps offered by LI Rough Riders and NY Red Bulls.  While I have some knowledge of some of the places I will discuss below, none of the programs offered any information for this Blog.  LI Rough Riders AND NY Red Bulls have been VERY helpful and provided information for their camps, which is why they each have earned a specialized and individual look.  In addition, LI Rough Riders has GENEROUSLY offered all of my readers 20% OFF any summer camp they register for online.  Use the code “RRGAME20” and mention that you heard about the camps from Coach Mommy LI and get 20% off any and all camps you register for with the LI Rough Riders.

Youth Soccer on Long Island has evolved into a marketable business and with that our options for camps and training have grown, but with that we also must be mindful of programs and trainers that are not keeping our kid’s best interests in mind or do not have the proper experience and Certifications.  While LI Rough Riders and NY Red Bulls are the Semi-Pro and Pro Soccer teams and Youth programs in our area, we also have local and smaller training programs available in our neighborhoods.  Now while I cannot mention every program, I can mention the ones I found on an internet search and will include comments if I have any knowledge of the program.  I am in no way endorsing any program and specific camp types, dates, and prices you will need to find out by contacting the program directly.  Please do mention this blog Coach Mommy Long Island when you contact them and maybe next time they will also offer discounts to my readers ;).

INTERNATIONAL SOCCER ACADEMY: Smithtown, 631-864-3088, www.isasoccer.com

                Weekly camps with extended care and meals available.  This is an indoor camp and is soccer specific with the majority of the day dedicated to soccer skills and training.  My boys have trained here for years and they have quality and certified trainers.  If you are looking for camp activities or swimming, this is not the program, it is soccer specific.

NOGA SOCCER:     516-489-3900 ext. 104  www.nogasoccer.com

                Variety of summer programs and training.  I have no experience with this program, but I can say they are one of the first programs I was ever recommended and know they have been around for many years.  It appears that their programs are going to be very soccer training specific and they have programs for all skill levels and also offer team trainings.

SUSA:   Suffolk County 631-592-8771 (ask for Bouba)  www.susaacademy.com

                Variety of summer programs and training, very soccer specific.  Again, I have no experience with this program, but I have been impressed with their teams skill and sportsmanship at tournaments and I have heard GREAT things about the trainers at this program.  If my sons did not have trainers, this is where I would take them.

INTENSE SOCCER ACADEMY:   Commack,  631-462-6999 www.intensesocceracademy.com

                Variety of programs and soccer specific.  I have no personal experience with them, but I hear their teams are very skilled and this is a true Academy which is considered its own Club in the NPL.

COASTAL SPORTS:    Hauppauge, 631-623-6535 www.coastalsoccerusa.com

                This program opened a few years ago nearby and is not soccer specific, although I believe at least 1 of the owners is or was a Youth Soccer Coach.  I had registered my younger son for a football camp there and it was cancelled due to low registration.  The communication was handled well.  They offer camps and training in many different sports.

FUTURE STARS SUMMER CAMPS: Long Island, 914-273-8500 www.fscamps.com

I receive a mailing every year from this camp and believe it is held at local college campuses.  I do not know the true level of skill training at these camps.  It sounds like a good camp for beginners or those kids wanting to test the waters of the sport, but I could be wrong and there may be a higher level of training.  Anyone familiar with the camp, please comment below.  I will say it was always a fun looking camp that I was interested in sending my sons for the whole camp experience.  It has an 8 week program and locations at Southampton College, Farmingdale College, and Old Westbury.

KK SOCCER: Farmingville and Brentwood,  www.kkathletics.com

I have used the facilities for winter training, but I have never sent my kids to their trainings or camps.  They seem to have some good partnerships, but the risk with the partnership is that you never know who you are dealing with or their soccer ethics.  So while I have never had an issue with KK Sports, I do know they use many third party programs under their name and this is something I would question when inquiring about camps or training.  When I was on their website, I did not see any camps advertised, but you can probably call the location of choice and inquire what summer programs they have and ask who is running the program.

As I said before, this is just some programs I have heard of, even if I have no direct experience or knowledge of the programs.  I encourage you to check out the websites and call and ask questions if you have interest.  If any of my readers have comments or knowledge of any programs, please comment below.  Let’s try to keep it positive and even if the experience wasn’t a good one, let’s try to just warn against the program while not bashing anyone.  Everyone is looking for different things and willing to deal with different things.  Tomorrow I will take an IN-DEPTH look at LI Rough Riders camps and remember all readers can get 20% off any of their camps, just mention the blog and use code “RRGAME20” when registering online.  Friday, I will have an IN-DEPTH look a NY Red Bulls camps, another great set of training options for our players on Long Island.

 

Post Tryouts- The 2 Hardest Weeks

                 

A pretty Soccer Rainbow I offer as apology

Unfortunately, you have all learned the hard way the reality of  the life of a Youth Soccer Coach and broken promises/intentions every June.  I promised you my "Soccer Summer Camps on Long Island" special as well the much anticipated "Coachra v. Momzilla" posts.  They are still on the way, but I should have known better than to make you promises the Toughest 2 Weeks for any Soccer Coach. 
                   We have made it through the end of the season and we should be taking and giving our players and families a few weeks to regroup.  Unfortunately, it is June and the Fall Registration Deadline is just a few weeks away in July.  This means that instead of laying by the pool, we were at the soccer fields running or attending tryouts, and for us coaches, we then face what we dread, the soccer tryout call backs AND even worse, the registration process.  For me, this was the first year in many that we not only had only a small number of open spots on my roster, but we had a few in-house issues to address with a few players and their families, AND we had 26 players show to tryout for basically 18 open spots.  Reality being that all 16 of my players returned to tryout and at this age, we do not cut returning players due to lack of skill, but we will not invite them back for lack of commitment, which is an issue we had to deal with this year.  So not only would I be having a difficult conversation with 1-2 of my players and their parents, but I would be calling about 8 players to notify them they did not make our team. This is the part that we rarely think about or talk about as coaches.
                 

                 Once we make it past the difficult conversations and phone calls, we then get to enjoy the calls we make to the players we are inviting to return to the team and the few new players we are adding to the team.  These phone calls are the fun ones.  As a coach, I got to enjoy about 15 minutes of good news until my next dreaded Youth Soccer Timeframe began- REGISTRATION...a DREADED time for most coaches as we must chase down players and parents and make sure they have PROPERLY registered online at the Youth Soccer Club Website, provided all the necessary pictures, notarized birth certificates, and signed releases.  THEN we get to play collection agent and track down parents to pay the registration fee.  Just because 16-18 players and parents TELL you they are registering for the next year, but all coaches will tell you we do not breathe easy until all registrations are complete, paperwork in our hands, and registration money paid.
                     

                 Basically, the point of this post is one big excuse as to why I have been MIA the last 2 weeks ;).  It is also my personal vent as I dealt with my personal guilt yesterday while I made the difficult phone calls and may have broken a young soccer players heart, while I also take deep breaths and deal with the hundreds of phone calls and texts that I will deal with the next week until registration is complete and I have walked each player and parent through the ritual 6 billion times, the SAME process we have done every year for the last 4 years...not that I am complaining...
                   
                   Please- share your Tryout or registration story or rant below.  Also check back soon for the promised Summer Series AND I will be reviewing the Rough Riders FREE Goalkeeper Clinic and Tournament this weekend!

Coaches: Tips for a More Efficient and Organized Youth Soccer Tryout

Last night was the first tryout for my Long Island Youth Soccer team this year and I decided to share some of the information with my fellow soccer coaches that I have learned over the years.  I can only chuckle at how far I have come since I ran my first youth soccer tryout about 4 years ago.  Every year is a learning process and every year some new issue comes up that I figure out a better way to handle the next year.  I hope that by sharing what I have learned, it will benefit either a new soccer coach or even a seasoned youth soccer coach who has run into the same problem and needed some help figuring out a better way to run the tryout next year (or if time, this year).

Every Long Island Youth Soccer Club handles tryouts differently and some run the tryouts as a Club and some allow the individual teams to handle their tryouts.  In my Soccer Club, the Club schedules and runs the Tryouts, but as a Coach, I still am involved as if I am running the tryout.  The ups and downs are that I have no control over the date and time of the tryouts, but I also do not have to worry about locating additional coaches/trainers to run the tryout and I can focus on the players and observing my team and our new options as they are taken through a tryout run by someone other than me.  Fortunately, I am given final decision making power. Although I take the suggestions of the Third-Party Trainers VERY seriously, if I chose not to listen to their suggestions, I can choose whichever youth soccer players I want.

Regardless of who schedules the tryout, the following suggestions can be used by all to help ensure you have an organized and efficient tryout, which will help you roster a team that not only is skilled, but that will also have all positional needs covered and hopefully has some chemistry.  It is easier to do this when you have a set plan and enough people and the proper equipment to have a good Youth Soccer Tryout.

1.        Once you set up 2-3 dates for tryouts, ADVERTISE THE TRYOUT.  This can be done by word of mouth/reaching out to players you may be interested in, and by posting the tryout son your club website and public sites such as www.backofthenet.com or if your team plays for Long Island Junior Soccer League, you can post the tryouts at www.lijsoccer.com.  Be sure to include age, league/division, and your email and phone number so prospective players or parents can contact you prior with any questions.

2.       Schedule to have 2-3 other qualified adults to run the soccer tryout.  If you have a team trainer, the soccer trainer should be the one running the tryout and you and the trainer should agree on 1-2 other trainers or soccer coaches in the club that you trust.  By trust, I mean that you know will show up for all the soccer tryouts and whose soccer knowledge and opinion you trust.  The best Tryout is when you, as the coach, can focus on the paperwork and observing the players work with the other coaches/trainers.

3.       Prior to the Soccer Tryouts, prepare (or purchase) soccer scrimmage vests  (2 sets of different colors) numbered 1-25, unless you expect larger numbers of soccer players at tryout then have enough to for each player to have their assigned number in both colors (reversible vests with a number are best).  We have tried different numbering options over the years including taping numbers to jerseys and shorts, pinning number cards, writing numbers etc.  What we found is that sweat and forgetful kids mean that none of the above options are reliable.  What works best is to use construction tape to number pennies or if you know you will be holding Tryouts over years (or maybe share with another coach) order reversible scrimmage vests (pinnies) with numbers screened on both sides of the vests.  This allows you to keep track of the players with numbers assigned to each player and the ability to split into separate groups by color.  A local soccer catalog/internet company (American Challenge www.achallenge.com) has a few different styles of vests available and for a small additional charge will put numbers on the soccer scrimmage vests.  I have used this company for many years and have purchased warm ups, sweats, balls, and equipment for my team.  In addition, I have purchased items for my sons and have used them to add numbers to t-shirts and jerseys.  The quality of their work is excellent and I have never had a problem with their customer service.  When I emailed them through their website, I received a pricing quote back to me within 30 minutes.  I had sent two other companies requests for pricing quotes and never received a response.  Depending on the vest  you choose and numbers your price per vest will run you about $4-$12 a vest (discounts on larger orders) and numbers would be an additional $1.50/vest- 6” numbers 1-99 and $2.50/vest-6” numbers- 100+.  Searching the web, I found another internet store that sold them www.soccergarage.com at a discount price of $5.25-$16 a vest without numbers, and www.amazon.com had them in sets of 12 from $12.75-$99 and individuals prices about $5.50, without numbers.

4.       The Day Of Youth Soccer Tryouts- arrive at the fields about 30 minutes prior to tryouts and have players show up about 15 minutes prior to tryouts.  Make sure that you and your trainer/Asst Coach have discussed the specific warm-ups, drills, and games they will run the players through.  You want to typically break up your tryout into 15 minute warm up, 15 minute drills, 30 minutes small sided games, and 30 minutes full field scrimmage (if enough players), and 15 minute cool down.

5.       While your assistants set up for the actual tryout, you should have a pre-printed sign up sheet that would include- Pinnine number, Players full name, Date of Birth, phone number, and email.  You may also want to include a spot for previous team.  **MAKE SURE PLAYERS DOB FALL WITHIN YOUR AGE GROUP**.  As players arrive, have them fill in the form and issue them their numbered pinnie to correspond with the number they signed up under.  At the end of the tryout, collect all pinnies and at the beginning of the next tryout have the players sign-in and give them the same numbered pinnie they had the prior Soccer Tryout.

6.       After signing in all players, take some time to walk around and observe the tryout and different players.  At some point, you will want to take 15 minutes to meet with the parents and discuss the team and answer any questions they may have.  It is surprising how many parents are not aware of the financial and time commitment that Travel Youth Soccer requires.

7.       Conference with your trainer/other coach during the tryout to see which youth soccer players each of you are interested in getting a better look at.  At the end of the second tryout, you and them will create your final roster and always choose 2-3 alternate players you all agree would be good choices if any of the chosen players declines the invitation to the team.

8.       I recommend that once the decision is made, you contact the parents and player that night or a minimum of 24 hours after the end of tryouts.  In addition, set up to collect the registration money and paperwork from all players (including returning players) within a few days of the end of tryouts.  Although you get verbal commitments to the team, it is not definite until you have the paperwork and money.  This is why it is important to collect everything so soon to the end of tryouts.  This way if any player does not provide the money and documentation, you should have time to find other soccer players to make the commitment to the team.

Somehow, this post has once again gone so long, but I feel it has a lot of great information for Long Island Youth Soccer Coaches on how to have a more efficient and organized Youth Soccer Tryout on Long Island.  Everyone has a different style, and you do not have to take my advice, but when I was starting out and even the 2^nd and 3^rd year, I would have liked to have a post like this to read to give me some ideas on how to run a better tryout.  Good luck!  Please share any comments or other suggestions below!

Coming soon- the MUCH anticipated- “Coachra v. Momzilla”, and a look at the summer programs/camps offered by Long Island Rough Riders and NY Redbulls Youth Academy.