Summer Camps

AYSO Soccer Camps provide a number of programs including full-day, half-day, and mini camps; as well as goalkeeper and striker clinics, advanced training camps, and team camps. With the help of UK International Soccer Camps, our camp provider, we deliver these programs through professional coaches that are trained and certified according to AYSO standards, including Safe Haven.

AYSO Soccer Camps began operations in 2004 in order to provide the children of the American Youth Soccer Organization with professional coaching, the AYSO way. It is our goal to use the summer camp experience to fulfill the AYSO Vision and Mission Statements.

Each year Diamond Bar AYSO hosts two week-long half-day and full-day Camps at Paul C Grow Park. During these exciting, fun-filled Monday thru Friday camps more than 50 children from 4-14 enjoy skills, drills, trivia contests, wacky hair days and daily rounds of a “World Cup” tournament.

At the conclusion of the week each participant (even the youngest ages) receive a participation certificate and skills evaluation. There are also daily competitions for Player of the Day and everyone wants to be on the “World Cup” winning National team.

Summer Camps are traditional held the last week in June and then again at the tail end of July/beginning of August. The second week of Camp marks the kick-off to the traditional Fall AYSO season as coaches contact their players and practices can begin on August 1st.

In addition to friendly Diamond Bar staff the Summer Camps feature 3-5 talented young coaches from the United Kingdom. “The Coaches” are generally 18-22 year old university students who have played in their home country and often on a semi-professional level. Campers love to hear the accents; the funny nuances in the English language and hear about the Coaches’ hometown & family.

The Region and AYSO Soccer Camps are always looking for Host Families to provide room/board for one or more of the coaches during the actual week of camp. Coaches arrive on Sunday evenings (about 6pm) and depart the following Saturday afternoon (about 1pm). No “minimum requirements” exist to be a Host Family other than a love of soccer and AYSO. Contact Summer Camps Coordinator Jean Ritchie if your family would be interested in welcoming a young coach into your house next summer. It is an amazing experience your family will never forget!

The AYSO Residential Soccer Camp is distinctly different from others, in that the focus is on the complete development of a player both on and off the pitch. Held only one week each year, athletes learn key elements needed to be a successful team player, as well as develop the level of personal responsibility needed to succeed in high school, college and beyond. The AYSO Residential Camp is designed for soccer players between the ages of 12 - 15, who not only want to learn about soccer, but also about leadership and life skills.

Two U14 players from Diamond Bar were among the 45 kids from around the United States who took part in the 2011 Residential Camp was held the week of July 31-August 5th at Chapman University in Orange, California. Andrew Ellis and Sabrina May spent more than five days participating in both the classroom lessons and intensive field work led by former AYSO National Coach John Ouhlette and National Referee Tom Bobadilla.

Players roomed in the dormitories, ate in the mess halls and trained on the regulation-size field used by Chapman athletes. Players were divided into six “teams” which participated in daily World-Cup matches and competed for the distinction of Camper-of-the-Day and Camper-of-the-Week. Andrew Ellis received Camper-of-the-Day on August 4th and received a commemorative mini soccer ball signed by all members of the Residential Camp coaching staff.

SOCCER: The curriculum for the soccer portion of the AYSO Residential Soccer Camp will include the four attributes that make a good player.

•TECHNICAL The AYSO Residential Soccer Camp provides a progressive training program, focusing on improving the technical skills of each individual player.
•TACTICAL The players develop an understanding of their role on a team and further their understanding of the importance of different tactical approaches during a match.
•PHYSICAL The AYSO Residential Soccer Camp stresses the importance of conditioning and physical training. It also focuses on what it takes players to develop their bodies in order to maximize their performance.
•MENTAL The AYSO Residential Soccer Camp stresses the importance of a healthy positive attitude towards training, teammates, opponents, and most importantly, the Game. Players learn how to play their best under any conditions.

LEADERSHIP AND LIFE SKILLS: The second component of the Camp curriculum focuses on what it takes for a player not only to be a good soccer player, but also a positive role model and leader.

• LEADERSHIP & ACADEMICS Through the use of lectures and group activities, players develop an understanding of what it means to be a part of the team, both on and off the field. They develop leadership skills, including listening, team management and decision making. Players also learn time management, communication skills and many other tools they can use in their careers.

• HEALTH & LIFE CHOICES Players learn about nutrition, hydration and positive eating habits. They will understand which food and fuel will help increase their performance and more importantly, a healthy life.

•PERSONAL & COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY Players learn the responsibilities they have to themselves and their communities. Activities will emphasize the importance of personal and community responsibility.

Applications for the 2012 Residential Camp will be available for download in early 2012 and space is extremely limited. For more information contact Steve Herman.

Character • Leadership • Personal Responsibility • Ethics • Good Sportsmanship • Team Work

Camper-of-the-Day

Andrew Ellis