East Otis, MA
Elite Soccer Experience in a Positive Environment
The Berkshire Soccer Academy for Girls in East Otis, Massachusetts, offers a unique overnight soccer camp for girls from New Jersey and beyond. It emphasizes skill development in a fun, positive environment with elite coaching and facilities. The camp focuses on improving players physically, mentally, and socially, incorporating balance and fun into the training regime. Campers can also enjoy elective activities like canoeing or yoga for relaxation.
Comprehensive and Individualized Soccer Coaching
The Berkshire Soccer Academy offers a comprehensive and individualized coaching approach for female athletes, focusing on technical skills, team play, and mental training. Key features include:
- Individual improvement through targeted training and feedback.
- Development of meaningful relationships between coaches and athletes.
- Emphasis on team play with competitive games and tournaments.
- A dedicated goalkeeper track for specialized training.
- Mental skills training to enhance attitude, goal setting, and emotional regulation.
Weekend Bridge Programs
The Berkshire Soccer Academy’s Bridge Program offers an engaging way to extend a camper’s experience, connecting multiple sessions with restful weekends. These Bridge weekends are designed for relaxation and fun, featuring:
- Sleep-in mornings for much-needed rest.
- A selection of extra electives to enrich the camper’s experience.
- Extended time at the waterfront for leisure and play.
- Exciting day trips to attractions like adventure parks and zip-lining.
New for 2024, campers have the option to choose between two different trips for each Bridge weekend, adding variety to their stay.
The Berkshire Soccer Academy Master Coaches
The Berkshire Soccer Academy’s Master Coaches page highlights the expertise and diversity of its coaching staff for the soccer program. These Master Coaches are professionals with significant experience and advanced certifications in soccer coaching. They come from various backgrounds, including collegiate and club coaching positions, and play crucial roles in delivering high-quality training to campers. The page details their qualifications, coaching philosophy, and contributions to the Academy, emphasizing the personalized training campers receive.
The Berkshire Soccer Academy Staff
The Berkshire Soccer Academy’s leadership team is composed of seasoned professionals dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young female athletes. Key directors include Katy Kreiner, who oversees residential life and the soccer program; Paul Titley, responsible for staff recruitment and program organization; and Dan Zenkel, the founder and president, who brings extensive camp and soccer experience. Together with founding directors Eric and Liza Wittenberg, they ensure a high-quality, enriching soccer camp experience.
The Berkshire Soccer Academy’s Cabin Counselors enhance the camp experience, serving as mentors and role models for campers. These counselors, often Assistant Soccer Coaches or Elective Staff, reside in cabins with 8-12 campers, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment. Responsibilities include promoting positive group interactions, ensuring cabin cleanliness, and participating in the Residential Life Team’s comprehensive training. This setup allows for meaningful relationships to develop between counselors and campers, contributing to a memorable and impactful summer experience.
The Berkshire Soccer Academy’s Leadership Staff support the development and well-being of campers. This team oversees various aspects of camp life, including:
- Residential Life Team: Guides and mentors cabin counselors, addressing interpersonal issues and communication with families.
- Soccer Coordinator: Manages the soccer curriculum, staff training, and player development.
- Program Assistant: Develops and organizes elective and evening programs, maintaining quality.
- Waterfront Supervisor: Ensures safety and fun at the lakefront, managing lifeguards and activity instructors.
- Health Team: Provides 24-hour support for physical, emotional, and mental health needs.
The Berkshire Soccer Academy’s Program Staff encompasses experts leading a variety of elective activities, ensuring campers enjoy a well-rounded experience. These electives include:
- Waterfront Activities: Supervised by certified staff, offering canoeing, fishing, paddleboarding, and more.
- Fitness & Wellness: Yoga, cooking classes, and soccer skills enhancement.
- Outdoor Adventure & Archery: Hiking, campfire building, and archery lessons.
- Arts & Crafts: Creative projects and friendship bracelet making.
Visiting Pros
The Berkshire Soccer Academy features a Visiting Pros program, where current and former US Women’s National Team members coach and inspire athletes. These professionals spend a day at the academy, coaching on the field, answering questions, signing autographs, and taking photos with campers. In 2024, a Visiting Pro will join during Session V (July 14–18), with more potential appearances throughout the season.
Invitational Soccer Camp for Girls
Although most of Berkshire Soccer Academy is not invitational, they recently introduced the Berky Invitational, aimed at highly competitive female soccer players entering grades 7-12. This development camp, running two sessions in late July and early August, offers intensive training, expert coaching, and top-notch facilities. Eligibility is determined by league play or a review process for those in unlisted leagues. Spaces are limited, with waitlist options available.
For more details, visit their website here.