ATTENTION. FUN. EDUCATIONAL. TEAM BUILDING. HIGH SCHOOL. Training is Everything!
STA recognizes that high school soccer is a tradition and is woven into the fabric of local communities and the American culture. There are great high school coaches, captains and seniors who are searching for a great opportunity to prepare their team for a successful high school soccer season. With the variety of rules that legislate when high school coaches can or cannot train their players prior to the tryouts, STA is here to help. We work closely with coaches, captains and seniors to build a Preseason Team Camp experience that will get their team a step ahead on their opponents.
TWO PROGRAMS
Varsity Preseason Team Camp. This is for players that are sophomores, juniors or seniors. Freshman will be invited only after attending the Freshman Preseason Team Camp and proving themselves within that program.
Freshman Preseason Team Camp. This is for freshman only. The program provides an introduction to Staples and STA, the expectations and demands of high-level training habits, as well as begin the fantastic journey of a dedicated High School Soccer program.
While there are many objectives of the STA High School Preseason Soccer Training program, the primary objective is Team- and Program-Building. This is why it’s vital to get everyone on the same page and committed to train hard, play hard, focus on becoming a better soccer player and in turn, have the best preparation prior to the actual High School Tryouts so that Freshman, Junior Varsity and Varsity teams selected will be ready to start the season successfully.
By focusing on this primary objective, we will provide a fun, educational and highly competitive environment where players leave feeling confident and part of the team. Our goal is to have players wanting to return to the STA High School Preseason Soccer Training program each year.
TRAINING SESSION & TOPICS
All morning training sessions are designed for high technical / skill repetition and fitness training. Skill choice will be determined, as needed, by and in coordination with Head Coaches. We suggest that the following technical nuances are highlighted:
Dribbling > Dynamic Dribbling > Control Dribbling > Speed Dribbling > Feints & Fakes
Passing > Short Passing > Long Passing > Inside, Outside & Instep > Static > Dynamic
Receiving > Ground & Aerial > Inside, Outside, Instep, Sole, Thigh, Chest & Head > Static > Dynamic
Shooting > Power / Driven / Instep > Accuracy / Placement / Inside & Outside
Crossing & Finishing > Driven, Whipped, Floated > Aerial & Ground Services
Heading > Attacking & Defending
Fitness > Core Stability > Endurance > Speed > Resistance & Strength Training
The morning sessions will be physically demanding! We will push players to break through barriers and simply not be satisfied with an average work-rate. Note: on Day 4/5, we will have a 4v4 Tournament; for example, if just a Varsity program, teams will have a mix of freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors; this will help build team unity and have competitive fun among the classes –especially after a hard week of training.
All evening sessions are designed for advanced tactical / team games. Players will play 11v11 games; there will be limited ‘stops’ in action and all coaching will take place while the game is being played to best simulate ‘real’ soccer scenarios. If the number of players warrant, we will have three teams (plus a few substitutes) and we will attempt to assign one coach per team. Trainers and coaches will help the players learn advanced tactics (including formations and styles of play) as well as specific functions of positions. A tactical example may be: Team 1 will play a 4-4-2 with low-pressure while Team 2 will play a 3-5-2 with high pressure. A functional example may be: coaches ask that the left back always attack forward out of the back in a 4-4-2. Also during the evening sessions, coaches will speak to the teams and players about the strengths and weaknesses of the various formations, styles, etc.
At the end of the week, coaches will discuss what style was most comfortable and effective for this particular group of players and suggest which players may fit into specific roles. These will only be suggestions and only based on the evaluation of players, talent/ability and success during the Preseason Team Camp. This information will be provided to the Head Coach of the High School team at the end of the week.
Freshman are eligible for the Varsity Team Camp. However, Freshman must earn their spot through participation at the Freshman Team Camp. Upon successful participation, evaluation and recommendation from STA coaching staff, players will be invited to participate; Varsity Team Camp rates still apply.
COACHES & CAPTAINS – DIRECT COMMUNICATION
On the first day, typically after the first session, we will speak with the Captains to discuss the week and ideas for the week ahead. We also involve all Seniors to allow and enhance leadership roles throughout the Preseason. To build on tradition, all Captains and Seniors will get together on Day 4/5 for lunch.
We also ask that the Captains set up a private Facebook page for the participants. This will allow for players to communication and upload videos taken during the program so all can review and see/share. This will also allow for the team to send messages to each other and build camaraderie.
DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Each session will begin on time. Attendance will be taken and each session will begin/end with Announcements. Announcements may be short and to the point (or longer) depending on specifics. We will make sure that players are involved with dynamic stretching (warm-up and cool-down) as well as notified of nutrition and hydration. This time will also be used to relay announcements/information from the High School coach.
The Captains will provide announcements for the team. For example, there may be an opportunity for the team to go to lunch together or something having to do with team spirit. We will help guide them if they are having difficulty doing things together as a team. Team Bonding is our primary objective and we want to increase Team- and Program-Building.
Our staff will utilize experiences as players and coaches to help boost individual player and team confidence by providing them with more positive feedback. We also understand the importance of providing honest, constructive criticism when necessary. You will find out staff to be professional, motivating and caring.
PROGRAM CONCLUSION
We will be provide a detailed summary/notes of observations, assessments and evaluations to the Head Coach of the High School team. This 1- or 2-page summary will highlight the successes, strengths and weaknesses of the team, and players, for the week. We provide this summary to the High School Head Coach as a professional, independent and objective look at the team and players as advanced prior to their tryout period.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In case of thunder or lightning, players will need to seek shelter / get to a safe area (building if available) or cars. We will wait 30 minutes before returning to the fields. If we lose session time, we will attempt to make-up some time each day that is left during the week. If we cannot make-up the time, the program will still be considered completed, as we cannot control the weather. In the event we need to cancel a session due to weather, emails/text messages will be sent and the Captains will be contacted.
REFUNDS
All refunds are subject to a $75.00 administrative fee before June 30. No refunds after July 1.
ATTENTION. FUN. EDUCATIONAL. TEAM BUILDING. HIGH SCHOOL. Training is Everything!
August 14-17, 2021. STA Staples HS Freshman Team Camp. $350.00/player.
August 18-22, 2021. STA Staples HS Varsity Team Camp. $395.00/player.
Camp includes professional and experienced instruction, field/facility rentals, Town of Westport Camp fees, and (2) adidas climacool training shirts (navy, gray and/or white).
Click here to go to Registration.
Team Camp Schedule Times. Double sessions each day. All training at Wakeman Fields. All morning sessions are 9am-11am and all afternoon sessions are 5pm-7pm, except the last afternoon session which is 2pm-4pm.
Trainers and Coaches. Brian Kuk, US Soccer ‘A’ License and US Soccer Coaching Education Instructor. Brian Chandler, NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and former US Soccer u23 National Team. Dominic Willock, NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and former Canadian u17 National Team. All three are former professional outdoor and indoor players, as well as NCAA Division I standouts. Kevin Cash, US Soccer GK License, will train and oversee the goalkeepers.
Refunds. There are no refunds after June 30. Refunds prior to June 30 are subject to a $75.00 administration fee.