A Positive Indiana Soccer Camp Experience

As a former counselor, coach, and director of successful soccer camps in the state of Indiana, I’ve been asked by many parents and campers what should be considered in ensuring a positive camp experience.  Many players are looking for a camp to compliment their school and/or club soccer experiences.  This web site has been developed to share my thoughts from my 20+ years of camp experience to help you make an educated decision in selecting a soccer camp in Indiana.  Happy Camping!

Your Friend in Soccer,

Mike Freitag
Former Head Men’s Soccer Coach, Indiana University
Former Director Indiana Soccer Camp

Below are some of thoughts to some of the most frequently asked questions:

When should my son or daughter attend a summer soccer camp?
When they are old enough to enjoy and benefit from the experience.

Should we attend a day camp or overnight camp?
I believe age and interest are big factor in answering this question.  My experience is that a player should be 11 years of age before going to an overnight camp and in many cases that is too young.  If a player can’t get enough of the game, then an overnight game may be the intense environment they seek. Unfortunately, financial restraints may play a part in the final decision.

How can I ensure the quality of instruction?
Do research and ask questions.  Ask for a list of instructors at the camp and their experience.

Are summer camps a good avenue to be recruited by a college?
As a former college coach the answer is yes.  The coach will have the opportunity to get to know the quality of the camper on and off the field.  If college exposure is one of your objectives in attending the camp ask for a list of colleges that will be represented.

My son or daughter is a relative beginner in the game, what type of camp should they attend?  
I would recommend a day camp and maybe only half day to see if they like it and aren’t overwhelmed by the experience.

Who runs camps?
There are a variety of camp experiences.  Clubs, high schools, individual coaches, colleges, and pro teams all offer camp experiences.  It is important to do research and find out about their history, reputation, and the quality of the staff.

Are there just camps in the summer?
No.  Many camps offer instruction during holiday breaks and periods like spring break.  You just need to keep your eyes and ears open for these camp opportunities.

How do I know my son or daughter will be safe while at camp?
I would ask if the camp does background checks on their staff.  You should also ask about player to staff ratio and supervision on and off the field.  Also ask if they have athletic trainers available on and of the field during the duration of camp.

What are ‘Elite’ camps?
These are camps intended to draw players that play a high level of competitive soccer.  These camps are usually attended by players with realistic college potential.

What other factors should be considered when selecting a camp?
Facilities are a key factor.  The quality of fields, bad weather alternatives, housing, AC, swimming pool, meal plan, etc are all factors to consider.

What type of camp should a goalkeeper consider?
Goalkeepers should consider both GK specific camps and normal camps that offer goalkeeping training.  The reason I say both they offer different focus.  The GK specific camps will emphasis technique while at a soccer camp they are incorporate into team play.

If a camper is attending camp just to be seen by college coaches when is the best age to attend camp?
I would recommend between their sophomore and junior year in high school or after their junior year.

Will my camper get better?
Yes if you choose a quality camp and secondly your camper will get out of the camp what they put into it.

Updates and Announcements

We are sorry to announce that the scheduled 2010 camp sessions of Indiana Soccer Camp (under the direction of Mike Freitag) have been cancelled.