Resident Camp Descriptions

Each camper receives the same basic experience at every camp offered throughout the summer. The experience is based on the assumption that every soccer player needs to focus on both technical and tactical training, as well as the psychological aspects of teamwork, sporting behavior and individual challenges. Our program, aided by an outstanding staff and well-prepared curriculum, is structured to begin with each camper’s skill level and attempt to attain the highest level possible during the week.  In addition, specialty weeks are offered for campers that demonstrate more advanced skill levels.

Goalkeepers and Strikers Week kicks off the summer of 2012 with a week of all-round soccer training led by Paul Barron, England International and outstanding goalkeeper trainer for the English Premiership. PB, as we call him, is assisted by a number of college and club coaches including Sergio Soriano, greater Seattle goalkeeper trainer. Paul and Sergio have been training goalkeepers (most notably the Seattle Sounders' Kasey Keller and the Wolverhampton Wolves' Marcus Hahnemann) at Northwest Soccer Camp for over 28 years.

Short Week is a popular week for those who want to attend camp around the July 4 holiday. At one time Northwest Soccer Camp decided not to offer camp during this week because Independence Day is the #1 family holiday of the year. A parent suggested that a "short" week be offered for those who wanted a few days of soccer without missing the fireworks. Thus began Short Week which has been in place for over 25 years. The "Touch of Dutch" was added so we can feature long-time staff member JP Verhees, who has coaching licenses obtained from the Dutch masters in his native Holland. JP's training methods are legendary, and this author, artist, and still masterful player is never happier than when on the field with Northwest Soccer campers and fellow coaches. This is a time you don't want to miss. 

Edu, from Brazil is the “pied piper” of soccer and a special guest of Northwest Soccer Camp. Edu’s connection with camp began when he and Paul Mendes (charter NSC staff member and also from Brazil) met at Green Lake in Seattle 12 years ago while Edu was conducting a day camp.  The two spent some time talking about Northwest Soccer Camp's great staff and one week later Edu stopped by for a visit.  The following year he came back and volunteered to train players and has been doing so ever since. 

Edu appeared on the Brazilian soccer scene at age 15, when he signed his first professional contract with Santos FC, Pele's club. One year later, in 1966, he was named to the Brazilian national team and traveled to England as the youngest player ever to go to a world cup. 

He was a teammate of the great Pele for thirteen years and continues to be his best friend. They were one of the most feared duos in the game and together scored over 1500 goals. 

Together with our Elite Week camps, Edu weeks are the most popular of the summer because Edu is still a magician with the ball and a master with kids!

Elite Week – in its twenty-first year, offers the elite player – as well as the soon-to-be-elite player - a week of intense, no-nonsense soccer designed to prepare him/her for advanced play as well as high school and college level performance. In addition, one of the most unique segments of the Elite Week experience is the power and explosion program directed by Dr. Kenneth Foreman, US Olympic Hall-of-Fame Coach, his wife Denise and other expert coaches from track and field programs.  These sessions are for serious soccer players complemented by an exceptional coaching staff featuring college and professional coaches from around the world.

Ultimate Week offers all the traditional benefits of our other theme weeks including Advanced, Junior Advanced, Team Training and preparation for College-bound players seeking to get a head-start on college tryouts. Finally, in cooperation with Soccer Saves and the World Affairs Council, this week will feature 13 coaches and players from Zambia who are eager to experience Northwest Soccer Camp’s unique camping programs.  This is a week you do not want to miss!