Soccer Camp Offers Recruitment Opportunities
The University of Kansas Women’s Summer Residential Soccer Camp began on Sunday, July 17, 2006. One of the last soccer camps of the summer, the residential soccer camp boasted it’s largest numbers yet with approximately 130 women, ages ranging from 9 to 18.
The first full day of camp began with breakfast from 8 a.m. to 8:30, followed by an indoor technical skills session that lasted the rest of the morning. In the afternoon attendees participated in a tactical skills session outdoors. After an hour break for dinner they were broken up into teams and scrimmaged on Super Target Field from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Attendees were divided into groups corresponding to their age and ability.
“Most of the groups now have been set where the girls will be challenged based on their ability relative to the rest of the group,” Mark Francis, University of Kansas soccer coach and camp director, said.
While the fundamentals of the game and skill building exercises are emphasized through training and scrimmages, those in attendance hoping to play soccer on the collegiate level, the prospect of recruitment weighs heavy.
“I talked to a lot of trainers and they said a lot of coaches come here,” said Stephanie Rogers, first-time attendee.
Rogers’ parents, Ed and Jerilyn watched on as she scrimmaged.
“I’m hoping that there will be a lot of good soccer players down here so that she can get some good competition,” Jerilyn said. “And hopefully get a good look from a coach,” Ed added.
Coaches on-hand for the camp include Mark Francis, head coach for the University of Kansas; Tim Collins, head coach for Washburn University; Kat Conner, head coach for Texas State University and Mike Cook, head coach for the University of Central Oklahoma.
Coach Francis was quick to say that some of the women here are definitely playing at a collegiate level and that the increase in attendance over previous camps was largely because of increased interest from high school players.
“A lot of our recruits that we’ve signed we’ve gotten from camp,” Francis said.
Team captain Michelle Rasmussen is an example of the camp’s recruiting power. From a small club team in South Dakota, University of Kansas recruiters noticed Rasmussen during her attendance to one of the summer camps.
“Camp’s a great atmosphere for us recruiting mainly because we get to see them in many different atmospheres—camps, games, and we get to see them several times in one day,” said Kelly Miller, assistant soccer coach for the University of Kansas.
For the hopeful athletes and parents the presence of schools from both Division I and Division II provide more options for recruitment.
“If you’re not right for Division I you might be right for Division II and there’s junior colleges. It’s easier to find what you’re looking for,” said Hannah Groom, goalkeeper.
This marked Groom’s third University of Kansas Soccer Camp. During the camp she hoped to improve her general foot skills and perfect her diving technique.
“I’ve been to other camps. It’s just not as fun. The coaches just don’t seem to care as much. And I don’t get sunburned lips here,” she said.