Soccer camp is a major introduction to the sport for kids.  It can be a great way to enhance soccer skills and socialize with other kids.

* Do your homework.  Speak to other campers, parents and your child's coach.  Direct your questions to one of the camp directors.  I think we have gained a pretty good relationship with parents and campers over the years.  I would encourage you to talk to past campers and parents of campers.  We are also available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

* Check out the camp's philosophy.  Is it what you are looking for? From day one seventeen years ago our philosophy has been very simple and has always been to provide our campers the best possible instruction by the best possible staff in a professional and fun atmosphere.  We teach the "how to" and the "proper way to" do things so our campers will have a better understanding and enjoyment for the game.

* Inquire about the background of the instructors, experience, age, soccer background.  Our staff is made up of college coaches and college players and from time to time we have had pro coaches work the camps when available.

* Find out about the camp structure.  What is the staff to camper ratio? Our camp ratio is between 1:12 and 1:15.  In some cases smaller with 4-6 year olds.

* Make sure there is sufficient water or other refreshments.  It gets very hot in the summer. We have regularly scheduled water breaks through out the day and we also make sure campers get plenty of the RIGHT fluids in them at lunch time.

* Make sure the camp is insured and do they have sufficient first aid provisions.  Winthrop University REQUIRES each camp to carry accidental insurance ($10,000 per accident) and liability insurance ($1,000,000) as secondary coverage.  This is important to know.  There are many people running fly-by-night camps out there with no insurance of any kind. We also hire a certified athletic trainer on staff each week.

* Does the camp provide licensed staff?  Since our staff is made up of college coaches, most have their coaching license or are working on it.  All of the current Winthrop staff has their USSF A license.

* What type of supervision do they provide? Campers are supervised very closely from the time they arrive at the fields until they leave.  A camper is never unsupervised.

* Can parents or coaches watch the sessions? Yes.

* What should my child bring to camp? Pair of indoor shoes in case of inclement weather, change of clothes, and a smile and good attitude.

* How do I register? You can call the Soccer Office at 803/ 323-2129 ext. 6236 or email us at posipankor@winthrop.edu or ridenhourd@winthrop.edu  to have a brochure sent to you or you can download an application from this site above.

* How long has the camp been established? We will be starting our 19th summer this year.