1998 Stanford Soccer Centres of Excellence

WELCOME!

Dear Players and Parents,

We are anxious to begin our 1998 summer camp season and the 2nd year of the Stanford Soccer Centres of Excellence. We hope you choose to be a part of our fast-growing program!

The Stanford Soccer Centres of Excellence are a fantastic opportunity for players of all ages. Youngsters will be introduced to the basics of this world-wide game in our Elementary School Centres for grades K-6. The Advanced Centres place an emphasis on "mastering your first opponent...the ball." In addition, the 10th through 12th grade campers, will receive a taste of what it is like to train at the Division I collegiate level.

We assemble a tremendous staff of college, professional and international coaches and players, all with a wealth of soccer knowledge. They will not only teach you about the game, but will also become a new friend in the soccer world! Players from both the Men's and Women's Stanford Soccer teams will be great resources about Stanford University and growing-up as a soccer player!

We feel you'll find the Stanford Soccer Centres of Excellence to be a memorable experience. Apply today, as the Centres were sold-out in 1997!

Boys' Camp

Bobby Clark, Boys' Camp Director

Stanford's Director of Soccer, Bobby Clark, is entering his second year of camps on the Stanford campus and brings with him a wealth of playing and coaching experience.

In 1997, only Clark's second season as the men's head coach, the Cardinal climbed to a #15 national ranking and were selected into the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1992. The men entered the tournament with a 13-4-2 record.

Prior to his move to "The Farm," Clark was the New Zealand National Team coach where he spent two years directing all levels of their program. Clark also spent nine successful years as Head Coach of the men's soccer team at Dartmouth College. As a professional goalkeeper in Scotland, Clark played in over 800 first team games in the Premier League, 700 of which were for Aberdeen FC. Clark also was on the Scotland squad for the '70, '74, and '78 World Cups.

Boys' Camp Coordinator

Geoff Wheeler

Wheeler just completed his first year as the Men's Assistant coach and enters his second season as the Boys' Coordinator for the Stanford Soccer Centres of Excellence. Wheeler is an 1993 graduate of Dartmouth College where he was a four year varsity player and Co-captain his senior year for theBig Green. Wheeler has also played professionally in Zimbabwe for the Bulqwayo Highlanders and in the USISL for the Cape Cod Crusaders. Wheeler holds a USSF "B" coaching liscense.

Girls' Camp

Steve Swanson, Girls' Camp Director

Stanford Women's Soccer Head Coach, Steve Swanson, completed his second year at the helm of the Stanford Women's Soccer program and this summer will mark his second season as the director of the Soccer Centres for Girls.

In two seasons at Stanford, Swanson has compiled a 12-3-1 PAC-10 conference record while leading the Cardinal to one NCAA tournament bid and a PAC-10 title. His current team finished the '97 season undefeated in their last eight matches.

Prior to Stanford, Swanson was the Head Women's Soccer coach at Dartmouth College for six years. At Dartmouth, Swanson brought the program to national prominence with two Ivy League Titles, two NCAA tournament appearances and TOP 20 finishes in 1993, '94 and '95. Swanson played collegiate soccer at Michigan State University, and played professionally in both indoor and outdoor leagues in the U.S and Canada.

Girls' Camp Coordinator

Cailin Mullins

Mullins enters her fourth season as the Girls' Coordinator for the Stanford Soccer Centres of Excellence. As Swanson's assistant coach, Mullins works with all phases of the Women's program and is also responsible for training the team's goalkeepers. Mullins was a four year starting goalkeeper at the University of Maryland and a Co-Captain her senior year when the Terps finished within the top 15 in the nation. Mullins holds her NSCAA National Coaching Diploma.

ADVANCED CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE

Grades 10-12
Day July 20-24          Resident August 2-7

This camp is offered to the serious soccer player with an eye on playing college soccer and looking to improve his/her game. Players in this environment get a good feel for what the next level of competition is about. Although there is still an accent on technical work, a greater emphasis is placed on understanding the game and fitting into the TEAM. College evaluations are available at these camps.

ADVANCED CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE

Grades 7-9
Day July 20-24          Resident July 26-31

This camp is geared toward the player who is starting to evolve as a serious soccer player. These players should already be competing at the select, club or ODP level. The format at this level places an emphasis on developing skill and technique, while also teaching individual tactics through the game.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CENTRES

Grades K-6
1/2 Day (9am-12pm)  
April 6-10,  July 13-17  and   July 20-24

This camp's main emphasis will be on learning through FUN. Small-sided games are the theme. Youngsters love to play games and the Stanford Staff will ensure that these youth players develop all the necessary soccer techniques through 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 and 4v4 games.

STAFF

Stanford Soccer Centres are fun, learning resources for every player. In addition to the Stanford coaching staff, the camp will feature coaches from various universities, former professtional players and college standouts. Members of the Stanford Men's and Women's soccer teams will be present at all sessions and will interact closely with the campers throughout the week.

The following were a part of our 1997Stanford Soccer Centres of Excellence staff:

Tommy Wilson - Develop. Officer Scottish Football Assoc.
John O'Connor - Men's Head Coach U. of Chicago
Andy Nelson - Women's Head Coach Wellesley College
Mary-Claire Robinson - Women's Head Coach U.C. Davis
Julie Shackford - Women's Head Coach Princeton U.
Kelly Blasius-Knudsen - Women's Head Coach Dartmouth
Laure Schingen - Women's Head Coach DePaul U.
Jason Batty - New Zealand National Team Goalkeeper

GK TRAINING

Specialized goalkeeper training will be conducted during residential weeks. A quality staff will focus on technique for 7-9 grades, and develop more of the tactical aspects of goalkeeping for 10-12th grade keepers.

CAMP LOCATION

Stanford University is located in Palo Alto, CA, approximately 30 minutes south of San Francisco. The University is home to numerous Olympic athletes, NCAA Champions and a winner of three consecutive Sears Cup victories which designates the #1 athletic department in the country. Resident campers live in Stanford dorms and all camp sessions are held on Stanford athletic fields.

HOUSING

Residential campers are housed in double occupancy rooms. A roommate request may be made on the application. Each dorm level is staffed by several coaches who reside in the dorms with the campers. Meals are provided by Stanford Food Services.

Medical Supervision

Qualified athletic trainers will be on duty throughout the duration of camps to care for minor injuries and sickness. Trainers also reside in the dorms during the overnight sessions.

Each Camper Receives...

This year each resident camper will receive a free NIKE camp ball, 2 t-shirts, a pair of shorts and socks. Day campers will receive a free camp t-shirt and ball. Additional soccer gear will be available for purchase during residential camps.

Teams

We encourage teams of all ages to attend the Soccer Centres of Excellence. They will stay together and be trained as a unit. We also welcome the team's coaches to observe our sessions at no extra charge.

Cancellations

Cancellations must be requested in writing, explaining the reason for cancellation, in order to receive a refund. Cancellation requests due to illness or injury must be accompanied by a doctor's note. All refunds will be less a 15% administrative fee.

Typical Day

Resident Centre             Day Centre
7:00am  Rise & Stretch      8:45am  Gather & Stretch
7:30    Breakfast           9:00    Warm-up
9:30    Morning Session     9:30    Morning Session
11:45   Lunch               Noon    Lunch
12:30   Rest in Rooms       1:30pm  Afternoon Session
2:00pm  Afternoon Session   4:00pm  End
5:00    Dinner
6:00    Match Preparation   Elementary Centre
6:30    League Play         9:00am  Gather & Stretch
8:45    Pizza               9:30    Skill Work
9:15    Meeting/Lecture     10:30   Break/Snack
10:30   Lights Out          10:45   Fun Games
                            Noon    End

To Apply

To apply, print and complete the application in full. Be sure to indicate which camp you plan to attend, note the tuition for that camp and indicate the amount of tuition enclosed. Once your application is received and processed, a confirmation packet with additional information will be mailed to you.

Resident campers may reserve a space with a $75 deposit. Day and Elementary School Centres must send full tuition with the application.

Please mail application and tuition to:
Stanford Soccer Centres of Excellence
Dept. of Athletics
Stanford, CA 94305-6150

For More Information... 650/725-9161 or cailin@forsythe.stanford.edu