Are University and College Soccer Camps Going to Happen This Summer?
As of April 2021, the overnight soccer camp landscape is still unsettled. Before 2020, hundreds of universities or their affiliates operated overnight soccer camps for girls. All were canceled in 2020. We surveyed 20, high-profile university camps across the country. Some have set 2021 dates, some have canceled all residential camps, and a few have opened registration. This is due, in large part, to the fact that universities have yet to determine whether camps will be allowed on campus in summer 2021.
“All 2021 Villanova Soccer Camps will be non-residential, with the exception of an off-campus residential option for the College ID – Premier. That will have an option that includes off-campus housing & transportation. – Villanova Soccer Camps
“Harvard has yet to make a decision on use of the athletic facilities for the summer of 2021. As a precaution, we have local back-up facilities available to us in the event that we cannot host the camps on campus.” – Harvard Soccer Camps
Developmental and ID Options for Girls at University & College Camps
Most university-affiliated camps offer both ID camps and development camps. ID camps are typically open to girls finishing 7th through 11th grades. Current players at the University serve as coaches as do players and coaches from nearby schools. NCAA rules require these camps to be open to all players, regardless of ability, but many campers attend with the intention of capturing a coach’s interest. Overnight ID camps typically last 1 to 2 nights. Developmental camps, which generally last 3 or 4 nights, are typically open to girls finishing grades 4 through 11. The majority of girls who attend are above average players looking to improve their soccer, and ability levels can vary.
The tables below show girls soccer camps located at high-profile universities in 4 different regions. *Updated 4/29/2021
Which University Soccer Camps Will Be Open This Summer?
Developmental Overnight Camps for Girls
Unlike the university-based girls overnight summer soccer camps, the Berkshire Soccer Academy for Girls (“BSA”), located in Otis, Massachusetts, has announced its 2021 dates and is open for registration. Located on its own, summer camp site, with extensive soccer facilities and a private lake, BSA is the only overnight girls soccer camp to infuse balance and fun into a world-class soccer camp experience. In addition to 4-5 hours of daily soccer instruction and games, girls enjoy relaxing electives like swimming, cooking and yoga, try new activities and build their confidence off the field. Athletes also form meaningful personal relationships with other campers and coaches. The unique mix yields extraordinary results. Indeed, in 2018 and 2019, 98% of BSA athletes reported improvement in their soccer.
There is More to Camp than Soccer