Sunday, July 29
Finally we officially kicked off the DTS Overnight Camp at Linden Hall today! The trainers and campers are very excited about a full week of intensive training, challenging game situations and fun games. Everybody checked in on time and we started off with a scrimmage training sessions from 4:00pm-6:00pm. The campers showed they were very eager to play competitively and showed a good level of play in the scrimmages. Even in a little bit of rain, the games were tough, but fair with a very good level.
After the first training session we had a great meal of spaghetti with sauce and meatballs and chicken parm. Everybody ate plenty to regain energy for the evening session. The evening session was all about teambuilding and getting to know each other. We had great laughs with the Dutch culture games such as ‘Nail Pooping’, Twin Soccer, Blindfolded Soccer, Balloon Popping etc. The coaches showed their talents for sharades and the boys from Brooklyn turned out to be the loudest group of the camp!
We are very excited that the camp started and are looking forward to a great camp week!!
Monday, July 30
Today we started nice and early with a special ‘Soccaerobics’ Class from coach Roald. On upbeat music we performed all different soccer skills in the gym getting ready for the day and getting the blood flowing. After the Soccaerobics we enoyed a nice breakfast and got ready for the morning training session.
This morning was all about skills. In an intense 2,5 hour training session all campers went through a combination of passing moves, back moves and combination moves. After practicing and getting comfortable with all the moves we brought them into 1v1/2v2 game situations and everybody was challenged to their maximum. All coaches really enjoy seein the kids getting comfortable on the ball and building confidence to try their new skills in game situations. After the morning session everybbody deserved a nice lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches, hot soup and a great salad bar.
The afternoon session was focused on the first touch on the ball, receiving and passing. All groups worked on the famous Dutch combination passing game and got better at finding teammates in the field right away. Combined with this passing, we brought skills into 1v1 situations and worked on creating numbers on the field in an attacking play. It is amazing how quickly all campers pick up on all drills and training objectives! For dinner we went typically Dutch with mashed patatoes, meatloaf and green beans. Of course we made sure we all finished our veggies before enjoying the dessert cake.
In the evening session we started our big DTS Overnight Camp Tournament. Throughout the week we will play 2v2/3v3/4v4 games, combined with soccer tennis, kickball etc. to score points leading up to the award ceremony on Friday. We already have some tournament leaders, but everything can still change. We are looking forward to the Tuesday Sessions that will be progressive from today’s sessions and we are confident everybody will show a good improvement in all training sessions!
Tuesday, July 31
The alarm clocks were set at 7:00am this morning and everybody was up in the gym for the Soccaerobics Class at 7:15am. We trained a lot of important ball skilss in the gym and danced around the soccer to get the blood flowing before breakfast.
In the morning session we trained a lot of skills and 1v1/2v2/3v2 situations, both attacking as well as defending. Of course the attacking skills on the ball are a crucial part of the game, the defensive techniques are often just as important to prevent goals, steal the ball back and try to score a goal on the other side. Fast footwork, tactical plays an communication were key words in this training session. Additionally, we went over the 7 steps of a technically perfect shot.
The afternoon session was all about water. With a clear sky and temperatures of about 83-85 degrees we had a perfect setting for water balloon games, sponge dodgeball, cup relays and of course a slip and slide! Everybody was soaked after 90 minutes of playing in the water! We had a great time playin all the games and rumor has it some campers even slid further than the coaches.
In the evening session we picked up on the big DTS Overnight Camp Tournament with 2v2/3v3/4v4 scrimmages, soccer tennis and capture the flag. The intensity in the session was very high as everybody is eager to win the trophy at the end of the week. All coaches see a great progression in every indivudual player and in every training group. All players work together well and are very social with each other, we can’t wait for the training sessions on Wednesday!
Wednesday, August 1
For the first time this camp the kids had to be awake at 7.15am. No Soccaerobics Class but a good sleep and breakfast. With waffles and egg and cheese it was perfect.
The morning session was about moves and skills. After a good and intense warm-up the training session went on with side moves and small sided scrimmages. The level that the campers reach and the progression that they make is incredible. Because of the high level the coaches can make the drills more difficult and the players are still pushed to try their hardest. When the kids play with players their own level it is easier for them to improve.
In the afternoon the group was split up. While the younger players took a nice dive in the pool, the older players were working hard on the soccer field again. In bigger scrimmages the players have the chance to show their moves and skills that they learn in the morning session. Important is now that they use their skills at the right moment, at the right place and with the right speed. This is a perfect moment for the coach to see where things still go wrong.
After a great dinner with pizza and pasta the evening session started. The groups battled each other in exciting scrimmages. On these moments you can see that players not only get better as an individual, but that they are using their moves and skills to let others play better. All campers also went inside to do the T4 testing program. With three soccer related tests, T4 testing will give everyone a good view of what the player is capable of. T4 testing measures speed, agility and strength with the best equipment available.
Tomorrow we will continue the training sessions and we will and up with the skit night. All campers and coaches can’t wait to see all acts!!
Thursday, August 2
After a morning of sleeping in yesterday, it was time to get up early again and get ready in the gym for coach Roald’s Soccaerobics Class. On upbeat music we praciced all different skills to get the blood flowing and work up an appetite for breakfast. Today’s breakfast was pancakes and sausage; something everybody reallt liked!
The morning session consisted of a lot of skills and skills combinations. We see every player getting better and gaining conidence on the ball in every training session. All players are now receiving the ball, looking up, trying to take a touch into open space and take on their opponent when possible. With the DTS training, there is no failing, you just got to build the conifdence to try the skills in game situations!
In the afternoon training session we finished the big DTS Overnight Camp Tournament. All winners will be announced during the demonstration session for all parents on Friday, starting at 1:30pm. For the rest of the afternoon we practiced the skids that would be performed during the Skid Night.
The Skid Night was a great success! First we heard the Dutch National Anthem, then we saw some impressions of the coaches that were very funny and of course every group performed their skid. We had a great laugh and everybody enjoyed being on stage and having fun with each other. Of course we closed the night off with a group song and dance!
Tomorrow is already the last day of the camp and we are excited to show all parents what we learned over the week! The demonstration sessions starts at 1:30pm at Linden Hall.
