The Ray Reid Soccer School's Elite Academy at the University of Connecticut offers two sessions:

• Session 1: July 19th - July 23rd
• Session II: July 24th - July 28th

Both are available for either campers or overnight ($560) or extended day ($450). Accommodations are available for players staying for both sessions in the UConn dorms between sessions (at a small additional cost). For parents wishing to stay nearby for any reason, we recommmend the Nathan Hale Inn - click here for details.

The week-long camp Ray Reid Soccer School Elite Academy for boys ages 9-18 includes a rigorous soccer training schedule and features a number of special programs. In addition to a cutting-edge training program (players train twice a day with matches in the evening), the camp holds a College Prep Program for all high school players. During camp week, special offerings also include Strength & Conditioning and Sport/Team Psychology sessions. Led by Division I goalkeeper coach Kevin Bacher, the camp also offers specialized training for goalies as part of its Goalkeeper School.

An Elite Academy Day at The Ray Reid Soccer School:

Following breakfast in one of UConn's cafeterias, morning sessions at the Elite Academy begin on UConn's first-class training fields with a warm-up, followed by technical work, and finish with small-sided competitive matches.

After lunch, the afternoon will be devoted to tactical development and learning to play within a team structure. Tactics begin with 1 v. 1 and build up to 8 v. 8 throughout the week. Creativity and flair are stressed at all times. During the afternoon, coaches will also have time to meet with their teams to prepare them for their nightly soccer matches.

The evening will consist of matches, followed by meetings to review individual and team performances. Following the meetings, there will be nightly lectures on various aspects of the game. Youth player lecture topics will vary from those offered to the older players at camp.

During recreational time, which will vary, campers will be able to swim in UConn's Olympic-sized pools.

A special guest speaker from Major League Soccer will discuss his experiences with campers. In past years, Mike Petke (Colorado Rapids), Chris Houser (Tampa Bay Mutiny), Ralph Perez (LA Galaxy), Steve Arias (Chivas USA), Bobby Rhine (FC Dallas), and Chris Gbandi (FC Dallas) of the MLS fame have spoken at the Ray Reid Soccer School.

In addition to the MLS guest speaker, a college specialist, a sports team psychologist and the camp's strength & conditioning expert will also make special presentations to campers.

In addition to the MLS guest speaker, a college specialist, a sports team psychologist and the camp's strength & conditioning expert will also make speciaSome of the topics to be discussed include:

a) How to be recruited
b) What college coaches look for at all levels
c) The college admission process
d) NCAA rules that high school players should be aware of
e) SAT preparation and test-taking tips
f) Sports psychology (concentration, mental toughness, overcoming adversity and athlete discipline)
g) Speed training and conditioning (to complement field sessions on speed training and condition).

We will offer our younger players information on:

a) How to be identified to make your travel, premier or ODP Team
b) Training tips that you can take home and work on in your backyard
c) Sessions to improve your quickness and strength (ply metrics, cardiovascular work and agility)
d) Making youth players comfortable with the roles and responsibilities of their position as well as the other positions on the field.

Train As a Team:

Teams registering as a group can train together during camp sessions. This is a great way for teams to prepare for the upcoming season!

1) All Applications and checks must be sent in together to the camp office
2) Every player must fill out the team / group box on the application.
3) The team contact (Coach/Team Parent/Group Lead) must be the same.
4) Group discounts apply for groups of 10 or more Ð click here for details.