CAMPS
U12-U17 Emerging Athlete Camp
Emerging Athlete Camp (U12-U17 Boys + Girls)
Hey players! Are you looking to take your soccer skills to the next level? Our Emerging Athlete Camp is aimed at experienced players wanting to upskill their play.
The Emerging Athlete Camp is comprised of four game-based technical and tactical activities, two skill challenges that will be done twice in the same camp to try to improve scores the second time around, and a mini-World Cup style small-sided tournament for last hour. The fifth and final day will feature only the four stations and an extended World Cup SSG tournament. Players will be matched (as much as possible) with other players of similar strength.
The camp challenges players on technical and tactical abilities through game-based curriculum following the learning principle of Repetition without Repetition. The camp also features an integrated goalkeeping component (separate work and then match play) by Lars Hirschfeld. The game-based and skill building curriculum is created by Sherwood Park District Soccer Association (SPDSA) Technical Director Bart Choufour. Bart has a National A coaching license and 16 years of experience with Vancouver Whitecaps FC in various roles, including Technical Director Academy Centres and Prospects Camp Head Coach.
The camp will also be led by SPDSA technical staff that may include:
Lars Hirschfeld
Director of Goalkeeping. Lars has had a 21-year professional career, taking him to Norway, Leicester City, and Tottenham Hotspur and, is the former Canada Men's National Team Goalkeeper from 2000-2013. Lars has National B, UEFA B, UEFA A and National Goalkeeping A licenses.
Bernie Soto
SPDSA Phoenix Grassroots Boys Director. Bernie is a former UofA player and FCB Escola (Barcelona FC) Academy Coach. Bernie's credentials also include a COER Youth Diploma, National Youth License, National Youth Goalkeeper License, MEd. - Leadership, BSc., and BEd.
Payton Ross
SPDSA Phoenix Grassroots Girls Director. Payton is a NCAA Division 1 varsity player who grew through our Phoenix program. She is also the head coach of the Alberta Summer Games Girl's team for 2023. Payton has a BKin. focusing in exercise science with a minor in nutrition and has her National Youth License.
Dhee Govender
SPDSA Phoenix Director U13-17 Girls. Dhee has his National B license and is also the head coach of the NAIT Women's Soccer Team.
Vikram Kaushal
SPDSA Phoenix Director U13-17 Boys. Vikram is one of the new members of the SPDSA technical staff. Vikram has experience as a former FC Edmonton technical staff, as the head of Alberta Soccer's Regional Excel (REX) Program and has his C license.
Thiago Silva
SPDSA Director of Soccer Innovation and Creativity. Thiago is another of the new members of the SPDSA technical team. Thiago was a former professional player in his native country of Brazil before coming to North America on scholarship. Thiago has had experience coaching in Edmonton and Calgary and joins us as the former FC Edmonton Manager of Partnership and Fan Engagement. Thiago has his C license and a Masters in Football Business.
Josh Pynten
SPDSA Community Soccer Director. Josh is another of the new members of the SPDSA technical team, coming from a nursing background as an RN, and experience coaching Grassroots Programs in Calgary's CMSA. Josh has his C license.
Support staff will include SPDSA technical and junior coaches.
Age: U12-U17 Boys and Girls
Cost: $299
Location: Millennium Place Outdoor Fields
Dates: July 17-21
Time: 9:00 am -12:00 pm daily
Required Equipment:
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Shinpads
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Proper footwear (running shoes are acceptable)
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Bring a snack and ample fluids.
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Dress for the weather.
