When the school year starts, many youth soccer leagues across the country begin to organize game schedules and youth soccer tournaments. With hundreds of millions of soccer players around the world, summer soccer camp can be a solid lead-in to fall soccer training drills for kids and adults alike. Each summer, more than 10 million soccer players sign up for summer soccer camp; many coaches view fall as the time to drill players on skills like strength, footwork, and speed.
Although soccer is often eclipsed by more popular sports like football, baseball, and basketball, more than 10 million soccer players of every age go to soccer camp each year. Originating in England in the 1860’s, soccer has gained a foothold in America since enhanced television cable packages starting showing international soccer games. With over 1,500 colleges across America offering varsity positions to qualified students, soccer scholarships can be highly competitive.
About 450,000 high schoolers play soccer at either the varsity or junior varsity level, and while more than half of all children who participate in a sport say that they care most about forming friendships with teammates, there are some young soccer players who aspire to play soccer professionally after college.
While summer sessions of soccer camp may be primarily focused on younger players having fun on the field and getting used to the rules, soccer training in the fall may involve more running and more strength exercises for young players. Since soccer players tend to be in constant motion for up to 90 minutes during every game, many coaches look to fall training as an opportunity to build their players’ endurance.
Even experienced soccer players are advised to take time to warm up before practice or formal matches; improper stretching and overexertion may increase the risk of sports-related injuries, and younger players may not be aware they are becoming dehydrated. Parents who attend soccer games — or any sporting match — are advised to bring extra water and snacks for active young players.
