What types of teams can use the facility?
The Berkshire Soccer Academy welcomes soccer, football, field hockey, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee and cross country teams as well as any other groups that can utilize our outstanding natural and artificial turf fields. Middle school, club, and high school teams are welcome. The Academy is open to boys and girls.
What is the food like? Can we have a special menu or meal?
Our food is healthy fare served buffet or family-style. There is a vegetarian option at each meal. We are happy to help design a custom menu to meet your specific needs and dietary concerns, including gluten-free options. Cookouts, campfires, and other fun food experiences are encouraged and available at your request.
Will my group have exclusive use of the property or will there be other groups sharing the property with us?
Exclusivity depends on the size of your group, the nature of your group, and the dates you wish to come. If your group is large enough to fill most of the Academy’s beds, then you will have the property to yourselves. If you come on a date when there are no other groups scheduled you may have sole use of the property, but exclusive use is not guaranteed.
What is involved if we want to do a special activity?
All waterfront and special activities that require supervision must be pre-arranged before you arrive so that we can schedule the appropriate staff. These activities do involve an additional fee. Land sports that you do on your own are included in the cost of your stay.
What optional activities does the Academy offer?
Optional activities at the Academy include, but are not limited to Stand-Up-Paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, yoga, and hiking.
Is there bus parking?
Yes.
Can you arrange bus transportation for our group?
Yes.
Are bedding and towels included?
No. Linens, pillows, blankets, and towels are not supplied. Most guests bring their own. We recommend each guest bring the following: a fitted sheet, top sheet, and blanket or a sleeping bag, at least one bath towel, one swimming towel, and a pillow and pillowcase. Linen rentals can be pre-arranged for an additional fee, but note that we do not make the beds or change linens.
Are pets permitted?
We discourage pets but permit them in certain, limited cases. Please contact us for details.
Do you provide facilitators for team-building activities?
Yes. Facilitators must be prearranged and will be provided for an additional fee.
What happens if it rains?
Soccer sessions and most other activities carry on in the rain. However, when there is visible lightning, extremely heavy rain, or strong winds, we work closely with Team Prep groups to implement a “Rainy-Day Schedule”. The training, games, and fun continue indoors until the weather improves. In the event of an extended heavy rain or lightning, we can make arrangements to transport groups to a nearby, indoor turf facility in which we have short-term rental agreements in place.
What happens in the event of a heat wave?
We keep a close watch on the weather every day. Schedule changes may occur if we decide it is too hot to train. With so many activities and venues at our fingertips, these modifications are easy to make. For instance, a technical session on the field may be moved to the evening when it’s cooler, and replaced with a swim in the lake! A mister with eight spray nozzles is situated adjacent to our fields and provides quick cooling after a heavy workout.