2012 Women's Soccer Camps

(Click on camp name for details)

Day Camps

Developmental Skills Camps

Identification & Advanced Skills Camps

World Class Soccer School

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Team Camp

Teams are welcome at all camp sessions. Our residential camps have attracted both high school and club teams from around the country. This camp experience offers an environment that allows the development of both the individual player and team dynamics. Our games approach to the camp sessions offers an ideal team camp environment. Not only will players be challenged technically, but an emphasis on group tactics and decision-making will challenge teams to work together in different game-related situations. While at camp, teams have the option to train together or teams can be split up and players can train in their age- and skill-appropriate groups. In the evening sessions, teams will come together and compete in the nightly camp matches.

Teams of 5 or more players will qualify for the $10 team discount at the half and full day camps. Teams of 6 or more players will be eligible for the $25 discount and teams of 10 or more will receive a $50 discount at the Development Skills Camp and ID & Advanced Skills Camp.

With a team registration of 10 or more players (Residential Camps Only), Carolina Soccer School will provide accommodations for one coach or manager at no expense. This includes: dorm accommodations, meals, coaching curriculum, and T-shirt.

All team members must register together. Go to the CAMP FORMS section to download the team registration form.

Please contact Mat Cosgriff at mcosgriff@sc.edu or (803) 777-1940 for information on team registration and team discounts.

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Camp Testimonials

"The whole camp process from start to finish was very well organized.

"My daughter's overall skill set improved greatly and she can hardly wait till the Fall season to bring what she learned to the field.

"The accommodations, facilities and the overall experience for our players was exceptional."

Jim Joye
Lexington Area Parent

"The USC staff and their players are very accommodating and take a sincere interest and liking to the campers.

"The girls work hard, improve their skills and most of all have fun while training.

"I highly recommend this camp for all girls who love the game of soccer and are looking to take their game to the next level."

Andrew Hammer

Shelley, Jaime, Mat and Staff,

I would like to personally thank you for the opportunity my team had at your camp last summer. The instruction that they received was outstanding. Your staff did an amazing job of pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each player, yet providing them with a blueprint to raise their game to the next level.

And what can I say about your facilities, they were second to none. Your fields, housing and dining hall gave each camper the best opportunity to concentrate on the game of soccer.

I also give a lot of credit to your current USC players. Not only were your players knowledgeable and friendly, but they also served as great role models for my players both on and off the field.

And finally, I thought level of compitition at your camp was very impressive. You had players from all over the US, and they all had the same desire - to excel at the game of soccer.

I would recommend your camp to any player or team, who is looking for a "true" soccer experience.

Thanks again,

Curtis Player
Heathwood Hall Girl's Soccer Coach
Asst. Athletics Director

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Camp Philosophy & Directors

Philosophy

The goal of the South Carolina Soccer School is to provide a positive learning environment for all participants. A competitive but enjoyable atmosphere will be encouraged. A "games" approach to teaching individual technique will incorporate small group tactics to further develop each player. Coach Smith and her staff have taught these fundamentals in New England and the Southeast over the past 19 years.

Camp Directors

Director, Shelley Smith: When Shelley Smith took over the South Carolina program in 2001, she knew that it was only a matter of time before she and her staff would turn the Gamecocks into what Soccer Buzz magazine calls "the SEC's newest threat." After the most successful three year run in program history with back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2007 and 2008, Smith took the state's flagship university to the program's first SEC championship and a berth in the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2009 due to the staff's dedication to developing talented student-athletes to play to the best of their ability. Under Smith's direction, the Gamecocks have seen the first two All-American and SEC Players of the Year in program history as Blakely Mattern took the honors in 2007 and was named a consensus First Team All-American in 2009 while Kayla Grimsley earned both distinctions in 2010. In addition, Smith has directed the program to 28 All-SEC honors since 2001. Most of her players took in their first experience with Gamecock soccer by attending the South Carolina Soccer School, a series of summer camps designed to provide a competitive yet positive learning environment for both field players and goalkeepers. Whether you're just beginning or looking to sharpen your skills for the collegiate level, there is a camp suited for you. When you leave Columbia at the end of camp, you will understand why players enjoy being a Gamecock. This is Carolina Soccer...come be a part of history!

Co-Director, Jamie Smith: Jamie is an Assistant Director of the Carolina Soccer Schools and is the Associate Head Coach at the University of South Carolina. Smith has been instrumental in developing South Carolina into one of the top defensive units in the nation. In working with the backs, Smith has turned the program into a unit that has been ranked in the top two in the SEC every season since 2007. The squad led the conference in every major defensive category for two consecutive years from 2009-2010, including goals allowed, shots allowed, goals against average and shutouts. In 2002 he was honored nationally as one of the AFLAC Assistant Coaches of the Year. A four year starting Goalkeeper at Providence College of the Big East Conference, Jamie was also a professional player in the USISL and ALeague. He has been a 4 year member of the SC ODP staff and is the current coach for the SC 91 team. Jamie holds his NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, USSF "B" License and Goalkeeping Diploma.

Co-Director, Mat Cosgriff: Mat is an Assistant Director of the Carolina Soccer Schools. He serves as the Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Coach at the University of South Carolina. He has developed GKs at USC to become some of the best in the SEC, most notably Laura Armstrong, Mollie Patton and Lindsay Thorstenson. Under Cosgriff's tutelage, South Carolina has earned five SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors, an SEC All-Tournament selection and two Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Season selections at goalkeeper. Since the 2006 season, his efforts have steadily crafted South Carolina into a top defensive team in the conference, culminating in having the SEC's top defensive unit in 2009 and 2010. Thorstenson was named the NSCAA national player of the week in 2007 after becoming the first GK to shutout North Carolina ever in a home opener while Patton holds the SEC record for consecutive (7) and single-season shutouts (15). She finished her career ranked No. 3 in the SEC for career shutouts while Armstrong finished her career No. 3 in the SEC for career goals against average. Mat is has been a part of the SC ODP staff for the past 3 years. Previously he was the Assistant Coach for the men's program at the University of Maine before coming south. Mat was a Goalkeeper for the University of Maine and played with Vermont Voltage of the PDL. He holds his NSCAA National Diploma.

Our enthusiastic Camp Staff is comprised of nationally licensed coaches with college and/or top high school/club experience. They will be assisted by some of the best collegiate players in the Southeast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know a spot has been reserved for me?
A confirmation email will be sent as soon as your registration is processed. All necessary details and camp information (what to bring, registration information, directions, transportation services, medical forms, etc.) will be emailed to you.

Can parents or coaches come to watch sessions?
Yes, all sessions are open and we encourage parents and coaches to visit. Copies of the curriculum are always available.

How do I get to camp? Is there an airport shuttle?
The Carolina Soccer School is located on the U.S.C. campus in Columbia, SC. Columbia Metropolitan Airport is located 15 minutes from campus. Shuttle service can be purchased through the soccer school for $10. If you choose to fly into Charlotte Douglas, there is a Charlotte to Columbia shuttle. Please visit www.ColumbiaCharlotteShuttle.com for more details.

Will there be other college coaches at camp?
Our enthusiastic Camp Staff is comprised of nationally licensed coaches representing Colleges, Clubs, and High Schools from around the country. Coaches from the following colleges and universities have been part of our staff in recent years: Francis Marion University, College of William & Mary, Georgia College, Newberry College, High Point University, Winthrop University, Coastal Carolina University, UCLA, University of South Carolina Upstate, Samford University and others. They will be assisted by some of the best collegiate players in the country.

Are commuters welcome at the overnight camps?
Commuters are welcome at all overnight camps. Commuters will receive a $75 discount.

Are teams welcome and is there a team discount?
Teams are welcome at all camp sessions. Our residential camps have attracted both high school and club teams from around the country. This camp experience offers an environment that allows the development of both the individual player and team dynamics. Our games approach to the camp sessions offers an ideal team camp environment. Not only will players be challenged technically, but an emphasis on group tactics and decision-making will challenge teams to work together in different game-related situations. While at camp, teams have the option to train together or teams can be split up and players can train in their age- and skill-appropriate groups. In the evening sessions, teams will come together and compete in the nightly camp matches. Teams of 5 or more players will qualify for the $10 team discount at the half and full day camps. Teams of 6 or more players will be eligible for the $25 discount and teams of 10 or more will receive a $50 discount at the Development Skills Camp and ID & Advanced Skills Camp. All team members must register together. With a team registration of ten or more players (Residential Camps Only), Carolina Soccer School will provide accommodations for one coach or manager at no expense. This includes: dorm accommodations, meals, coaching curriculum, and T-shirt. Please contact Mat Cosgriff at mcosgriff@sc.edu or (803) 777-1940 for information on team registration and team discounts.

How do camp discounts work?
Please call (803) 777-1940 if you have any questions regarding discounts.
• All team discounts will be handled through the team registration.
• Commuters at the Developmental Skills Camp or ID & Advanced Skills camps will receive a $75 discount.
• Siblings will each receive a $10 discount.
• Campers that register for both sessions of a camp will receive the Multi Camp Discount. Day campers will receive a $25 discount off their second camp and Developmental Skills or ID & Advanced Skills campers will receive a $50 discount off their second camp.

I lost my forms. How do I get new ones?
All forms can be downloaded. There is a Camp Forms link at the top of the Women's Soccer Camp web page at www.GamecocksOnline.com.

Who is eligible for camp?
Camps are open to any and all entrants, limited only by grade, age, gender and number of campers.

Are camp refunds available?
Camp refunds are available up to your $50 or $100 *nonrefundable deposit. We do allow you to transfer your deposit to one of our other camps in the same or following year. *If a camper becomes injured and is unable to participate, we are able to refund the deposit but we must first receive documentation from a doctor. Please call (803) 777-1940 for more information.

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Camp Forms

Forms

• 2012 Camp Brochure - Coming Soon!
• Medical History
• Medical Waiver
• Team Registration
• Driving Directions

Camp Letters - Coming Soon!

• Half/Full Day Camp Session I
• Half/Full Day Camp Session II
• Developmental Skills Camp Session I
• Developmental Skills Camp Session II
• Developmental Skills GK Academy Session I
• Developmental Skills GK Academy Session II
• Identification & Advanced Skills Camp Session I
• Identification & Advanced Skills Camp Session II
• Identification & Advanced Skills GK Academy Session I
• Identification & Advanced Skills GK Academy Session II

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