\\\ Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding SoccerPlus Camps.

\\\ How are the students grouped during training?
The students are grouped according to ability in groups no bigger than 8 students and one staff coach. When the students first arrive at camp they will be placed into a group consisting of other students of the same age within the program. From there the staff will evaluate the talent of each individual over the first 2 training sessions and adjust the groups according to ability. For example, if there is a student within a group who demonstrates ability above the rest of the group, then he/she will be moved into a higher ability group.

\\\ Do boys and girls train together on the field?
For our goalkeeper programs, all of the camps are set up for a co-ed environment. Boys and girls will train together on the field in groups adjusted according to ability.
For our FieldPlayer Academy programs, students are first separated by gender and then by ability. There may be on occasion a limited number of co-ed groups. These will be comprised of students who seem to learn better in a co-ed environment and this will be assessed during their evaluation on the first day.

\\\ What equipment do I need to wear at camp?
All students will be required to wear the necessary equipment required to play in a real game, that means shinguards at all times. Here is a link to a list of things to bring to camp:
Items to Bring to Camp for Goalkeepers
Items to Bring to Camp for FieldPlayers

\\\ Do the students receive an evaluation?
Each student will receive an honest written evaluation from their staff coach with a score on each area covered by the curriculum from the week.

\\\ How old do the students need to be?
The Goalkeeper School starts at ages 10 and up. The NTC goalkeeper program has a different age requirement. 
The FieldPlayer Academy starts at ages 10 and up. 

\\\ Can Students bring extra snacks and drinks?
There is three meals served a day, however students can bring as many snacks and sport drinks as they want. There are no refrigerators in the dorms, but yes, you can bring those if you want as well. Here is a link to a list of items to bring to camp:
Items to Bring to Camp for Goalkeepers
Items to Bring to Camp for FieldPlayers
 
\\\ Can students show up late for camp?
The beginning of camp at SoccerPlus is very important. We go through registration, room assignments, meet the staff, and conduct the general camp orientation all before we even step on the field before the first session. The first two training session also serve as ability evaluations and determine grouping for the rest of the program. However, if a student will not be able to make the beginning of camp please call us ahead of time to let us now that you will be late. There are no refunds or partial refunds for late arrival to a SoccerPlus camp.

\\\ Can students leave during camp or leave camp early?
Every session at SoccerPlus is an important part of the week, however if a student has a prior commitment (e.g. soccer game) then you may leave camp. Students under 18 will only be able to leave with properly identified parent or guardian and this individual must be noted at registration. There are certain forms which must be completed and signed available at registration for student who must depart during the week. There are no refunds or partial refunds for early departure unless due to medical conditions which occur and are documented by SoccerPlus staff during the week. For more information regarding our refund policy, click on the link below.
Goalkeeper Refund Policy
FieldPlayer Refund Policy

\\\ Do I have to buy a Camp Ball?
Each student must have their own Size 5 soccer ball at camp. It is not mandatory to purchase a soccer ball from SoccerPlus. SoccerPlus offers a custom-made SoccerPlus/adidas ball at a discount price to students and have the ball waiting for them at the camp site. This ball can be utilized by the student during the camp week and then taken home with them. The ball will need to be ordered at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to assure an adequate ball supply for the students at registration. We cannot assure that a ball ordered less than 2 weeks prior to the start of the program will be available for the student at the very start of the program. The easiest way to purchase a ball is to check the appropriate box on the application form.

\\\ Do I have to wear adidas at camp?
Goalkeeper Students will receive an adidas Short-Sleeve Jersey and FieldPlayer Students will receive an adidas Short-Sleeve T-Shirt. There will be some sessions when the students will need to bring their apparel supplied by SoccerPlus, however, during the week students can wear whatever brand of soccer apparel they want.

\\\ How can students be contacted at camp?
During the duration of the camp, SoccerPlus employs a camp administrator. That administrator will be carrying a cell phone, is on-site 24 hours a day and in case of an emergency only will be able to be contacted at any time during the program. Some sites will give us an actual phone line that can be used as a back up to our administrator's cell phone. To contact a site's administrator, please call our Main Administrative Office at 1-800-533-7371. After office hours, a voice message will list all sites currently offering programs and the administrator's phone number. All sites will have pay-phones available so every student can call home for updates on how the week is going.

\\\ Can students from outside the US attend camp?
Every summer SoccerPlus gets a few students who will attend camp even though they live outside the US. As long as the student speaks English or brings an interpreter then he/she is welcome to attend. The language requirement is to protect the student's safety during the week of camp. Contact your local US Embassy for visa information.

\\\ Why Should I choose SoccerPlus over another camp?
SoccerPlus Camps is the best camp in the country, but don't take our word for it. Our camp provides the best soccer experience in a safe and humanistic learning environment. Utilizing the best soccer instructors and curriculum, SoccerPlus Camps presents a series of challenges to our students, designed to expand their physical and mental soccer abilities while delivering success and building self esteem on and off the soccer field. 

\\\ What is the average age of the SoccerPlus Student?
From 2002 to 2005, the average ages were:
Advanced National Training Center Program = 18 years, 1 month old
National Training Center Program for goalkeepers = 16 years, 7 months old
Competitive Program for goalkeepers = 14 years, 0 months old
Challenge Program for goalkeepers = 14 years, 7 months old
FieldPlayer Academy average age = 14 years, 4 months old
Here is a link to more info on SoccerPlus Students:
Goalkeeper School Students
FieldPlayer Academy Students

\\\ Can I switch to another camp after I have already applied? 
Students can switch to another camp as long as the camp they would like to switch to is still open. One major consideration is making sure you tell the SoccerPlus office as soon as possible. If a student attempts to switch to another camp too close to the opening of the original camp then the student will have to forfeit the deposit to cover prepaid food and housing to the original facility. Each case will be handled individually.

\\\ How can I get a message to camp?
SoccerPlus employs a camp administrator who is at camp 24 hours a day. That administrator will be carrying a cell phone, is on-site 24 hours a day and in case of an emergency only will be able to be contacted at any time during the program. To get a non-emergency message to a student at camp, you can always call us during the day at 1-800-533-7371, 9:00am to 5:00pm east coast time when that camp is in session. We will assure that the message is transferred to that student. After office hours, a voice message at that toll-free number will list all sites currently offering programs and each site's administrator phone number. 

\\\ When is the deadline for getting in my application?
There is no deadline for submitting an application to camp. However the camps are very popular and will sell-out, so when you determine what camp is best for you, it is always a good idea to get your application in as soon as possible.
Here is a link to our schedule page with an updated list of all sold-out camps: Schedule

\\\ How long is the camp?
The camps cover six calendar days. All run from Saturday to Thursday. Here is a link to our full Schedule

\\\ Does SoccerPlus have a waiting list for sold-out camps?
SoccerPlus will accumulate a waiting list of about 6-12 students for each camp after the program has sold out. We do start a waiting list because for various reasons students may drop out of camp. The only down side to the waiting list is that there are no guarantees that a spot will open up. To get a spot on the waiting list you need to submit an application. Note: your deposit will only be taken if a spot opens up at the camp of your choice.

\\\ Does SoccerPlus conduct any off-campus trips?
No, everything we do during the week is done on campus. The fields, dorms, and cafeteria are all located within the campus. The only exception to this is during the two-week academies, when we do take supervised trips into the nearby town or to the movies.

\\\ What discounts are available?
Discounts are available for students who attend more than one camp, for students who attend camp from the same immediate family, and for teams of at least 10 students from the same team. Here is a link to our Program pages with a list of all discounts available at the bottom of the page:
Goalkeeper School Programs
FieldPlayer Academy Programs

\\\ What happens if it rains at camp?
If it rains we will still train, however if the weather becomes dangerous (lightning, high winds, extreme heat, etc.) then each facility has options for alternate training facilities. SoccerPlus will be able to conduct a session within the facilities indoor facility or gymnasium.

\\\ Can parents watch during camp?
Parents are welcome to watch their children at camp. Parents need to let the Director know who they are when they arrive at the camp facility so we know that they are there. If adults want to observe the entire week of camp then they would need to enroll in the Coach's session for the week. 

\\\ What is the student to staff ratio?
The groups at camp are guaranteed to be no bigger than 8 students to a staff coach (except for the Competitive program which has a student to staff ratio of 6 students to a staff coach and the ANTC program which has a student to staff ratio of 6 students to each director)

\\\ How much is the camp?
There are several different programs and each has its own fee. Here is a link to the programs pages where you can find program descriptions and fees:
Goalkeeper School Programs
FieldPlayer Academy Programs

\\\ When is the balance due?
Balances for camp are due no later than 30 days prior to the start of camp. Shortly after registration, you will receive a confirmation letter outlining your balance amount and due date after you apply to camp. You will receive no other reminder. No payments will be accepted at camp.

\\\ Will Tony DiCicco be at camp?
Tony is the President of SoccerPlus Camps and remains dedicated to the programs. He is also currently involved in several aspects of soccer both nationally and internationally. Tony's schedule will be clearer as we approach the summer but he will be at as many camps as possible.

\\\ Does SoccerPlus Camps have a refund policy?
SoccerPlus Camps has a Formal Refund Policy. For more information, please see:
Goalkeeper Refund Policy
FieldPlayer Refund Policy

\\\ Why doesn't SoccerPlus have a camp in my area?
To maintain a high level of staff at each of our locations we limit the number of camps that we conduct during a single week. During the summer, all weeks offer at most 2 sites. There are only 10 weeks of camps during the summer and it is impossible to have a camp in every state. We try to hit most major regions in the country. We are always looking a new site to conduct camps, if you know of a facility please let us know. 

\\\ Will there be College Coaches at camp?
Many of the staff coaches at SoccerPlus are currently Head Coaches or Assistant Coaches at many different Colleges and Universities all over the country, however there won't be any Collegiate Coaches who attend camp just to watch the students. Because many of our staff are collegiate coaches, it would be an NCAA violation for SoccerPlus to provide a College Recruitment Service.

\\\ Who are the staff at SoccerPlus?
The SoccerPlus Camps Directors are the engines that will propel you to new levels of play and success. They recognize the special talents in each player and have incredible skills for teaching and motivation. These Directors have reached incredible levels as players and coaches and are in constant demand around the country. SoccerPlus requires our staff to have played at least one full year of Collegiate Soccer before they can work a camp. Here are links to the Staff pages for both Programs:
Goalkeeper School Staff
FieldPlayer Academy Staff

\\\ What is the schedule?
SoccerPlus conducts 18 week-long summer programs in 11 different states during the months of June through August. Here is a link to our full Schedule. Other events may be scheduled through our Community Clinics program or during the winter months at our year-round training facility in Connecticut. More information is available
Goalkeeper School
FieldPlayer Academy

\\\ How do I apply?
You need to fill out our application to begin the registration process. Here is a link to our Secure On-Line Applications:
SoccerPlus Goalkeeper School Application
SoccerPlus FieldPlayer Academy Application

\\\ What programs are available?
The Goalkeeper School has 4 different Programs for all levels of goalkeepers from beginner to very advanced.
The FieldPlayer Academy has 1 Program for intermediate to advanced Field Players. Here is a link to the programs pages where you can find program descriptions and fees:
Goalkeeper School Programs
FieldPlayer Academy Programs

\\\ What is the typical day at camp like?
Here is a link to the pages outlining the typical day in each program:
Goalkeeper School Typical Day
FieldPlayer Academy Typical Day

\\\ What is the daily routine at SoccerPlus?
Each day is basically set up the same, 3 field sessions and an evening classroom session designed to get the most out of the week. (note: the first day there are only 2 field sessions and the last day there is only 1 field session) Here is a link to the pages outlining the Daily Routine for each program:
Goalkeeper School Daily Routine
FieldPlayer Academy Daily Routine

\\\ What is covered in the curriculum?
The curriculums have been designed to cover all aspects of the position whether you are a Goalkeeper or FieldPlayer. Here is a link to the pages outlining the curriculums for each program:
Goalkeeper School Curriculum
FieldPlayer Academy Curriculum 

\\\ What is the average size of enrollment at camp?
The average student base at camp is around 125 students. Some camps are as small as 75 and some as big as 200 students.

\\\ Does SoccerPlus have any camps or clinics outside of the summer months?
We do have the ability to conduct clinics in your area through our Community Clinics program or during the winter months at our year-round training facility in Connecticut. More information is available at the link below:
Day Academies
Winter Indoor Clinics

\\\ Do the goalkeepers play any games at the Goalkeeper School?
There are 3 field sessions per day for the goalkeeper school. The morning and afternoon sessions are practice style sessions, where the other keepers and staff will shoot on the students, however the evening session is reserved for games. Although there will only be goalkeepers in the goalkeeper programs we have created and adapted games for them to play during the last 20 years of conducting camps on a national scale. For example: if we cover catching techniques and distribution during the first day then that night the Director of the program may play a type of modified Team Hand-Ball game. Where the training groups of 8 students will play against each other. There is a goalkeeper in each net and for teams to advanced the ball the players on the team must use proper goalkeeper distribution and catching techniques that were taught to them during the day. If for example a player drops a ball or doesn't pass it correctly then it would be a turnover. Then of course there is plenty of shooting on net where the goalkeepers will make a variety of saves. These games vary from director to director however they will always re-teach what was taught during the day but in a fun and competitive environment. More information on the goalkeeper programs.

\\\ Does SoccerPlus have any Licenses to operate youth camps?
There are several states in which SoccerPlus needs to submit an application to the state to be able to conduct a youth camp within the state. The following is a list of states and contact info:

CT - SoccerPlus must obtain a license to operate a youth within the state. Records are available at the State of Connecticut Department of Heath in Hartford, Connecticut.
MA - SoccerPlus must comply with regulations of the MA Department of Public Health, 105 CMR 430.000, and be licensed by the Franklin and Easthampton Boards of Health. Information on 105 CMR 430.000 can be obtained at 617-983-6761.
NY - SoccerPlus must obtain a license through Colgate University to operate in the state of NY. These records are available for you to view by calling the Madison County Health Department at (315) 366-6065.

In states where there is no camp license, we still choose to operate our programs to the same exacting standards as in states with licensure.

If you have any other questions regarding state regulations or any other policy such as discipline and security, please feel free to call us at 1-800-533-7371.

More information on the individual camp sites

\\\ How are the students supervised when they are not on the fields?
All staff stay on campus during the entire time the programs are in session. The staff at SoccerPlus will be eating in the same cafeteria and will also be sleeping in the same dorms. There will be a Staff member on each floor of every dorm at camp. If there is a problem, a SoccerPlus Staff member is always easily accessible.

\\\ Where do the students eat?
We use the cafeteria facility located on campus.

\\\ What is the food at camp like?
At our programs, you will find regular cafeteria food that you would find in any college or university cafeteria. There are usually a few entrees offered. Fruit, vegetables, and salad are almost always available.

\\\ How much money should I bring?
Students do not have to bring any money, however things that you might want to use money for are: Quarters to call home at pay-phones, Camp Store, coin operated laundry machines, or pizza.

\\\ Is there a pool at camp?
Some sites do have a pool, however we usually will not be able to use the pool. Because of state regulations, we can only use the pool if we have a certain number of certified lifeguards per students, if the pH level of the water meets State regulations and if we conduct swim assessment sessions for each student at camp. You can bring a bathing suit, but we may not use the pool.

More information on the individual camp sites

\\\ Where do the SoccerPlus students sleep?
The Students will be housed in the dormitory facilities on campus. The Staff will be staying in the same dorms as the students and there will be at least one staff member on each floor.

\\\ How can I request a roommate?
We will attempt to honor any roommate request if we are able. Both students must request each other and only each other for us to be able to honor that roommate request. Some sites only offer single rooms or limited double rooms and we would therefore be unable to honor any request for roommates in that situation. Most site do not offer rooms with more than 2 beds, so we can not honor multiple roommate requests. 
There is a space for roommates on our on-line application, however if you have already applied you can simply send us a note or give us a call. 

\\\ Can I room with someone from another program?
SoccerPlus students can room together regardless of which program they are enrolled in.

\\\ How are the students grouped in the rooms?
The Students are paired-up in the rooms with someone their own gender and as close in age as possible, unless they request a roommate.

\\\ How many students stay in each room?
State regulations limit only two students in most rooms. There are a few rooms that are set up as suites where there may be 3 students per suite, these suites are not always available to us and because of that we can not take roommate requests for more than 2 people per room. 

\\\ How are the boys and girls housed at camp?
There are separate dorms or floors for the boys and girls at camp. The boys dorm area is off limits to the girls and vice versa. Female staff stay in the same area as the female students and male staff stay in the same area as the male students.

\\\ Are the rooms air-conditioned?
Some of the sites do have air-conditioned rooms, but most do not. We suggest that you bring a fan no matter what site your are attending. Most sites in the northern half of the United States do not offer air conditioning.

\\\ Will SoccerPlus pick students up from the airport?
SoccerPlus will pick up and drop off students during select times from the designated airport only. To arrange for the shuttle service: Please call New Haven Travel Service/American Express Rep. at 1-800-243-1806 or 1-800-255-1994 or 203-772-0060 and ask for “The Soccer Desk.”
They will make your flight arrangements, coordinate the arrival and departure times and schedule your shuttle with SoccerPlus for a $40 fee. If you book the flights by yourself you must still give the student's itinerary to New Haven Travel and not the SoccerPlus Office, so they can add the student to the camp pick-up itinerary. Reservations for shuttle must be made at least 15 days prior to the start of camp. Reservations made within 15 days of the camp may be subject to an additional charge.
Travel Info

\\\ What are the directions to the camp?
Every confirmation packet sent out to students after the receipt of their application will include a map to and of the campus they selected. Please click here for our Schedule Page with driving directions to each camp site. You'll see a link under each location for a map of each site.

More information on the individual camp sites

\\\ How can I become a SoccerPlus Staff Member?
The first thing you need to do is send us your soccer resume, here is some more information for you:
Staff Information
Certified Athletic Trainer Staff Information

\\\ What are the minimum requirements for a SoccerPlus Staff Member?
There are 5 basic requirements to become a SoccerPlus Staff member. For the complete list of requirements and steps to become a staff member use the links below:
Staff Information

\\\ What is the advantage of SoccerPlus vs. a Collegiate camp?
SoccerPlus will offer the best learning environment possible with the best staff available. Collegiate camps will be taught by the Coaches from the University and their players. The learning experience will not be as rich as it is at SoccerPlus however if you want to be noticed by that particular Coach then going to their camp will give you direct exposure to him/her.

\\\ How long has SoccerPlus Camps been doing camps?
The Summer of 2007 will mark the 26th year of conducting camps nationally for SoccerPlus Camps.

\\\ Does SoccerPlus give out awards at camp?
Every student will arrive at camp as an individual, however SoccerPlus creates a family environment and promotes a team atmosphere at camp to allow each student to gain personal goals and awards. To give out individual awards at the end of camp would belittle the team atmosphere that the staff and students worked hard to establish during the week together.

\\\ Does SoccerPlus Have any Books or Videos?
SoccerPlus does produce a 3-part Goalkeeper DVD Series (The DiCicco Method), a Goalkeeper Training Handbook and a 3-part FieldPlayer Video Series (The Champions Series) in addition to hardback and paperback editions of Tony's book "Catch Them Being Good". Here is a link to the Camp Store page where you can see more information on SoccerPlus Camps Products. 

\\\ Where is the SoccerPlus Office?
Our home office is in Farmington, CT which is just west of Hartford.

\\\ What is the SoccerPlus Office phone number?
You can call us toll free Monday Through Friday 9AM - 5PM all year round at the following number:
1-800-KEEPER-1
1.800.533.7371
You can also contact using any of the following:
SoccerPlus Camps
11 Executive Drive; Suite 202
Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: 1.800.533.7371
Fax: 1.860.677.0460
Email Form: SoccerPlus Camps
Email Address: info@soccerpluscamps.com

\\\ Can I get some info in the mail about SoccerPlus?
We do have a very extensive 16 page brochure. Here is a link to the page where you can order your FREE SoccerPlus Camps Brochure and be placed on our mailing list.

\\\ Do students need a medical form?
Every student needs to have a completed medical form signed by a licensed physician to be able to participate at camp. The medical form must have the parents signature, insurance information, immunization history, and physicians signature to be valid. A SoccerPlus Medical form will arrive with your confirmation packet after you apply.

\\\ What if a student does not have medical insurance?
Every student must have some form of medical insurance if they are going to participate at camp. The main reason is if that student needs emergency medical attention, most hospitals will only give the student the necessary attention if the student has medical insurance. We will not allow a student to participate at camp without valid medical insurance to insure the student's safety. If the student does not have any insurance you can purchase as little as a one week coverage plan from your local insurer.

\\\ What happens if a student is seriously injured?
We have a plan of action for every emergency including serious injury. SoccerPlus and the host facility have an agreement with the local hospital near each camp site. Students are transported to the designated local hospital after our certified athletic trainer (ATC) has determined that the student needs emergency care. Since we have the completed medical form and insurance info. there will be no delays at the hospital. A SoccerPlus Staff member will accompany the student to the hospital and will contact the Parents immediately. For more information regarding our Policy and Procedures regarding medical care at 1-800-533-7371.

\\\ Can I bring the medical form with me to camp?
You always want to bring a copy of the medical form with you to camp, however, the completed medical form is due at SoccerPlus 30 days prior to the start of camp. If your physical exam is scheduled after the due date you can bring it to camp with you, but fax a copy to our main office as soon as the physical is completed (but absolutely no less than 14 days prior to the start of the program). In this situation, we suggest that a student makes a copy of our medical form and fill out the left side of the form (parent signature, insurance info, who to contact, immunizations, allergies etc.) and send a copy of the partially-completed Medical Form along with a note telling SoccerPlus that you will be bringing the completed form to camp with you. The danger of doing it this way is that if you show up at camp without a fully-completed medical form, the student will not be able to participate in any camp activities until the medical form is supplied.

\\\ What happens if a student gets sick during camp?
SoccerPlus will have a certified athletic trainer at each site to tend to injuries and minor ailments. If a student becomes too sick to participate in more than two consecutive sessions at camp then we will call home with an update. If it is determined that the student will not be able to continue then the student will be picked up from camp and a credit only will be issued based on time missed from camp less the deposit.

\\\ Can SoccerPlus handle students with special needs? 
SoccerPlus will give every effort to make a week of SoccerPlus available to every student who applies. We have had students with diabetes, hearing disabilities and more. There are several state regulations about the administration and storage of prescription drugs, please call us with any questions concerning your individual situation. The trainer checks every medical form during registration and will address any special needs at that time. If you have special needs to participate at SoccerPlus, whether due to disability or for any other reason, please contact us via E-mail or at 1-800-533-7371.

\\\ What will be at the SoccerPlus Camp Store?
SoccerPlus will conduct a Camp Store available to the students to pick up great select Soccer Gear at discounted prices. There will be everything except footwear at the camp store. Students will be able to buy shirts, shorts, socks, shinguards, goalkeeper gear and more. Students can pre-order a camp ball that will be waiting for them at the Camp Store. You can order items right now from our On-Line SoccerPlus Camp Store.

\\\ What is the best way to get around the web site?
The Site Map has a link to every page on the SoccerPlus Web Site. From there you can easily navigate the entire site. Here is a direct link to the SoccerPlus Site Map.

\\\ Does SoccerPlus have a Free E-mail Newsletter?
SoccerPlus does offer a FREE Email newsletter that will contain news about SoccerPlus, its students and staff, announcements of special offers, and Soccer Tips. Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter.

In addition we have a periodic newsletter for goalkeepers called, The Keepers' Line.
Past issues of TKL
Subscribe to TKL

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