When we’re looking for a soccer camp for our child, we often can’t tell at a glance what the pros and cons of the available options are—and, above all, why there’s such a wide range in prices between one camp and another. This is especially true when we compare a standard summer camp with soccer camps run by major teams.
Broadly speaking, the goal of all camps is for young people to have the most fulfilling experience possible, play their favorite sport, make friends from different cultures who share their interests, and never stop learning and having fun every day.
However, if we examine the specific features of each camp, we can appreciate the added value offered by soccer camps organized by a prestigious club.
These camps strive for excellence, but in what ways can we clearly see the added value these types of camps offer?
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The Brand
The fact that the camps are backed by a prestigious club is a guarantee, since it is their reputation that is on the line, and therefore they strive for the highest quality in all their services.
This also influences the price, driving it up. For example, when we buy the official jersey of our favorite team, we know the product will be high-quality, but we also know that a significant portion of the cost is for the brand.
Quality of the Facilities
As we mentioned earlier, the fact that the camp is backed by a prestigious club is a guarantee, and this is particularly evident in the quality of the facilities.
This is a crucial factor when choosing a camp, as it affects not only the child’s happiness but also the peace of mind parents need when sending their child away for several weeks.
The soccer camps run by major clubs choose the best facilities for their activities.
Many also offer accommodation, training, and other activities on the same premises, creating a very safe environment for the young people, as they only leave the camp for weekend excursions.
The accommodations are usually university dormitories that are vacant during the summer, so in addition to being very comfortable, they are equipped with all the amenities, and the kids can enjoy not only the rooms but the entire complex (lounges, sports facilities for a wide range of sports, a pool, internet, a cafeteria, game rooms…). For example, in England, many camps choose to be based at large, prestigious independent colleges whose facilities are incredibly good.
The soccer fields they select for training are also top-notch; for example, the Real Madrid camp holds its training sessions in Valdebebas, and the Royal Spanish Soccer Federation in Las Rozas.
Quality of Training
The training programs are very comprehensive and cater to all levels of soccer. Thanks to the large number of participants these camps host, the groups of children are divided by age and skill level. This ensures that the training sessions are maximized.
The daily sessions are very similar to those conducted by professional teams.
Coaching staff
The coaching staff for these camps is carefully selected. They are experienced professionals who know how to instill in young players the club’s philosophy of play, healthy lifestyle habits, and all the values the club upholds. Additionally, coaches or members of the technical staff from the club’s youth teams often participate as well.
Other camp staff
The camp staff plays a vital role, as they are the ones who interact with the children daily, caring for them, guiding them, and providing support whenever needed.
Counselors
In addition to being experienced, the camp counselors speak several languages and have the necessary knowledge to handle any situation that may arise at the camp.
The safety of our children is priceless, and therefore the selection of specialized counselors is vital to the smooth operation of the camp. They are the ones who comfort the children when they miss home, who provide care at any time of day, and who supervise them during field trips.
One very important factor to consider is, for example, the counselor-to-child ratio, because the more counselors there are, the better the children will be cared for—and the higher the camp’s price will be.
English Classes
Camps that offer English classes partner with top-rated language schools, which are responsible for teaching the classes and selecting the best teaching methods so that the children can make progress as quickly as possible while still having fun.
Specific details to look for when evaluating a camp’s price
- Field trips
- The number of training hours and the counselor-to-child ratio
- The number of hours of English classes and the number of children per group
- The staff-to-child ratio
- Cleaning or laundry service
- Camp gifts
The excellence of every little detail transforms the soccer camp into a truly unique and immensely enriching experience for the young people.
Now you’re surely in a much better position to evaluate the features of each camp—and, consequently, their prices.
How to choose the best camp for our children?
Given the wide range of camps available, we know it’s difficult to take the plunge and make a choice; doubts always arise about whether our child will train enough, learn enough English, feel comfortable, etc. In this video, we’ll share some guidelines for choosing the right one and what to look for to make the right decision.
At Ertheo, we strive to help young people build a better future and become responsible citizens. Through the programs we offer in the summer and year-round, your children can learn languages, improve their athletic skills, or prepare to become professionals in the world of soccer, tennis, or golf.
If you need help choosing a summer camp, you can call us at (34) 902 750 359 or send an email toinfo@ertheo.com.
