For young soccer players looking to take their game to the next level, no summer camp can compare to the quality of coaching present at the Wisconsin Summer Camp programs. Held at the world-class facilities at the University of Wisconsin, and under the direction of some of the nation’s top coaches, campers will learn all about the sport and how to propel their game to the next level of collegiate soccer and professional leagues.

The camp is held under the direction of Wisconsin men’s soccer head coach John Trask, an experienced soccer veteran with Olympic and MLS leadership under his belt. Having worked with top American professionals like Landon Donovan and Kyle Beckerman in the past, Trask has also enhanced his coaching expertise through spending time abroad and learning from the top soccer clubs around the world.

Bringing this knowledge back to the United States, Trask has established a series of summer camps that encompass the entire whole of soccer learning. Knowing that many players will not discover their true position on the field until their later teen years, the Wisconsin Summer Camp way is all about the holistic approach to development, meaning that players are taught the skills necessary to simply become a great player. The usual emphasis on positional tactics for players used by most coaches actually hampers young players’ growth. Instead, learning important ball skills and understanding the basics in the game are integral to moving ahead in the sport.

Another great aspect to the Wisconsin Summer Camp is the presence of many college coaches, ranging from prestigious Division 1 schools all the way down to junior colleges. This is beneficial to players in multiple ways. First, they will get top quality direction from professional soccer coaches who have years of knowledge and experience at high levels in the sport. Secondly, top players can catch a coach’s eye and begin their process of recruitment for college soccer scholarships. While such opportunities are rare, they are possible with so many colleges of varying levels represented at the camps.

Overnight summer soccer camps are certainly the top experiences for youth soccer players to push their talent to higher levels and perfect their craft ahead of the fall season. With busy soccer-filled schedules, players at the camp spend the morning training on individual and technical skills, afternoons on game tactics, and evenings on fun scrimmage matches against the staff. 

An exciting new feature at the Wisconsin Soccer Camp is the two-day Total Striking Academy, which is focused on shooting and playing the forward position. Held at the same time as Camp Shutout (for goalkeepers), the players pursuing the sport at either end of the pitch can have a focused and valuable training camp to harness those skills. 

But no matter which session you choose to attend at the Wisconsin Soccer Camp, you will quickly find that this is a place dedicated to helping you reach your full potential as a soccer player.  As Wisconsin alum and 2014 Houston Dynamo first round draftee AJ Cochran states, “I can honestly say that my time spent at Wisconsin helped prepare me for where I am today, on and off the field. I think the ability for young players to spend quality time with coach Trask, coach T. and Ian, provides them a unique and rewarding experience. Coach Trask's experience and understanding of how to improve players, makes this camp a can't miss for any player.”  Check out the entire list of dates for summer soccer camps at wisconsinsoccercamp.com.