National Soccer Camps offer a channel for kids interested in soccer to pursue higher levels of competition, gain exposure to many coaches (often world class coaches), a chance to build unique memories, and to gain exposure on a much larger stage for those interested in college or professional soccer careers. This experience is not for everyone, but for those it serves, it can be a life changer. Our club, the Damascus Soccer Club in Maryland, formed a partnership with Global Image Sports (GIS) and the Stoke City Potters Academy in England to bring camps like this to players in the Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and DC region. Several kids came though our first camp this summer. A handful of kids qualified. I traveled with them to Georgia as they completed their National Camp experience. What follows will give you an insiders' look at the process we went through to bring National Camps to our region, to play through them as a player, and to coach through them as a coach. Getting To CampGetting to a National soccer camp is a process. The big steps are (open the tabs to see the bullet points within): Laying the Groundwork* Getting the player ready* Getting the agreements into place* Getting the Club ready* checkEstablishing session plans* checkGetting fields reserved, equipment and support staff into place* checkMarketing and communications* check Executing on logistics like airport pickup, housing, food, safety, etc.* check Customer service / problem resolutionHosting ID Camp* Bringing in coaches* Field setup* checkAge groupings* Managing sessions* checkSun and youth protection* checkSignage* checkField cleanup* checkEquipment storage* checkWeather contingenciesInitial Performance and Evaluation* checkTechnical / Tactical* Simple to complex training* checkBall handling* checkRecognizing space* checkGame intelligence* checkPhysical* checkSpeed and agility* checkPsychosocial* Off-the-field elements like sportsmanship, attitude, and fitness* checkEmotional* checkWho really wants to be here?* checkComposure* checkApplying and increasing pressure* Sorting * checkContext specific activitiesSelection* Most of the same elements found in Initial Performance and Evaluation* Emphasis on what was established (what to look for) in step 1 * Top 20% from the state levelPayment and Travel* checkInitial ID camp starts the process and this should be $200 or less* Everyone who gets an invitation pays to get to National ID camp. Expect between $600 - $1,000.* Travel and lodging for parents and guests is not included* Logistics for getting to/from public transportation like airports or train stations* checkAdditional road trips before or after campPerformance and Evaluation* checkTechnical / Tactical* Simple to complex* checkBall handling* checkRecognizing space* checkGame intelligence* checkPhysical* checkSpeed and agility* checkPsychosocial* Off-the-field elements like sportsmanship, attitude, and fitness* checkEmotional* checkWho really wants to be here?* checkComposure* checkApplying and increasing pressure* Sorting * checkContext specific activitiesSelection* Most of the same elements found in Performance and Evaluation* Emphasis on what is needed at the next level (what is needed to play in development or academy)  * Top 5% from the national levelGetting a single player to a National camp like the one we just participated in takes a a team of people several months to coordinate. It can take years, depending on local competition, for coaches and players to get individual players ready to compete effectively for the slots available. The process from a player's perspective is pretty simple. 1. Get into shape and have the desire to compete. 2. Find a Club in your area that's hosting a camp 3. register 4. Pay special attention to those non-technical items like attitude, sportsmanship, work ethic, etc. 5. Show up and give it your all!From a parent's perspective,