How to prepare your child for a Soccer Camp Experience
Generally, the entries in this blog are intended for both our camp participants and parents. But, in this case, we want to address especially to the latter to discuss concerns or questions regarding their children. Let’s see how to prepare your child for a Soccer Camp Experience.
First of all, we remind you that we have a Frequently Asked Questions post already published, related to logistical issues, schedules, etc. But what about the emotional and psychological part?
Soccer Camp preparation depends on age
It may not seem like it, but the age of the child attending a soccer camp greatly influences his or her experience. As a reminder, the camps are open to participants between the ages of 6 and 16, and once at the event, coaches organize groups based on that.
If your child is young, he or she is likely to be overwhelmed by such an experience. They are going to face a lot of new things: meeting people, learning from a new authority (the coaches), having to accept criticism about the way they play, and having to adapt to environments away from home and their parents. There are many elements that can cause anxiety and worry during the soccer camp preparation.
If, on the other hand, he is older, he is more likely to have faced similar experiences (adventure camps, high school trips, easier to make friends…). However, it depends a lot on their personality and how they socialize in their day-to-day life. A Soccer Camp can be very different depending on whether they are introverted or extroverted.
How can we help them to make the Soccer Camp unforgettable?
The main task as parents is to listen to their doubts and concerns. But it is true that at certain ages and depending on their personality, children tend not to express themselves so easily. It is not advisable to harass them, but to let them know that you are by their side and motivate them to live this experience, since it will help them in several areas of their lives.
In the end, leaving the comfort zone is always an adventure, and it is normal to have fears. But any of these soccer camps is a smooth way to do it, since they are morning days and the boys and girls can go home in the afternoon. Of course, everyone is different. If you feel your child needs help from an expert or can already talk to one, that person can give them the perspective they need to dare to face the experience.
Likewise, when in doubt, it is always good to sit down with them and draw up a list of pros and cons of going to a soccer camp. We can already tell you that there will be more pros: making friends, improving their soccer skills, learning the values of legendary clubs, etc. Once they do one, they’ll want to do more.
Above all, be there for them in the process
At Soccer Camps Pro we will always be available to solve your doubts and concerns, as well as theirs, obviously. In case of any problem that may arise before, during or after the camp, we are your contact to solve them.
But, above all, in those moments at home when we can’t get there, you, the parents, have to accompany them in the process so that they don’t feel alone. They need to know that you are by their side and that you motivate them to attend the camps. If, on the contrary, you transmit fear and worry to them, they may back out.
That is not to say that there is no possibility of them getting injured, not fitting in with the other kids, etc. But, for that, the coaches will analyze each situation and will be available to take care of them and organize the groups and dynamics in the best possible way.
In short, how to prepare your child for a Soccer Camp Experience is not a complicated matter. But don’t forget that they are children, or very young teenagers. They see the world in a way that we have all experienced at that age, and we must not forget that what seems easy to us as adults, can seem like a world to them.
On our website, and through our contact, you can solve any of your doubts and concerns.
