Choosing College ID Camps For Soccer

College soccer ID camps can be beneficial or a waste of time and money.

Is it just a money grab for the colleges? Sometimes. But, in the right situation, it can be helpful in the recruiting process.

Do you need to go to ID camps to get recruited? Nope. There are more effective ways to get recruited. Showcases and actively reaching out are great ways to get recruited.

In this article, I’ll dissect the ins and outs of college ID camps for high school aged players.

What is the Purpose of an ID Camp?

College ID camps are designed to allow players to showcase their skills and abilities to college coaches.

These camps are usually held on college campuses and organized by the college’s coaching staff.

For active recruits, these camps allow the coaching staff to see the player in person. They want to see their skills, get to know them better, and figure out if they would be a good fit for the college’s soccer program.

Not recruited yet? Attending an ID camp can be a way to get noticed. It’s not a sure thing but it might help.

Types of ID Camps

There are two main types of college ID camps:

1. Multi-school ID camps
2. Single college program ID camps

Multi-school ID camps are usually held on a college campus or a large soccer facility. Coaches from multiple colleges are in attendance.

These camps are a great way to get exposure to a variety of coaches and programs.

If you’re looking to get exposure to a variety of programs, a multi-school ID camp may be the way to go.

Single college program ID camps are held by a specific college’s coaching staff. This is the more common type of ID camp.

If you’re interested in a specific college, a single college program ID camp may be the best option.

How Do I Select the Right Camp?

When choosing the right college ID camp, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.

Researching Camp Options

Start by identifying your top dream and safety schools.

From here, Google ID camps for the specific schools. You’ll also want to give a heads up to the coach that you’ll be there.

If you are unsure where you want to attend, you may want to look into multi-school ID camps in your region.

Research the Coaching Staff

The coaching staff at the ID camp can have a significant impact on your experience.

It’s best to have the head coach be in attendance. This is usually the case.

Do your due diligence in researching coaches. There may be a small connection that you can leverage in your communications.

Camp Costs and Budgeting

Attending an ID camp can be expensive. It can also suck up most of your summer.

Look for camps that fit within your budget and offer good value for money. For a player that is getting recruited, a school may comp the cost for you. It never hurts to ask!

What Are the Best ID Camps to Attend?

The best ID camps to attend are those that you are getting actively recruited by. Or, those schools you have a strong interest in.

I would also stay within your desired division. A little self-analysis is helpful here. For example, if you think you are D1 caliber, you might not want to attend a local D3 ID camp. And, vice-versa.

I only say this 👆 because of the cost and time. You want to make sure it is time well spent.

No matter what camp you choose…do your best, have a positive attitude, be outgoing, and enjoy it! This gets noticed.