In the field of social psychology, there is a construct called mere exposure. It states that just being exposed to something – even something as simple as an idea – will lead to stronger attitudes toward the subject. So if you like apples, by eating or even seeing an apple, you are likely to report that you love them.
Herein lies the beauty of the Sounders FC Youth Camps. By exposing young soccer players to the philosophy, methodology and personnel of the Sounders, they will come away from the experience with a powerful passion for the world’s game and for the most popular MLS organization.
The Sounders FC Camps Program is like nothing else in the ethos of American professional sports. In fact, it is different than any soccer camp across the nation. The purpose of the camps program, which hosts up to eight camps per week at different sites throughout the state, is two-fold: to establish roots in the community and to help the next generation fall in love with the beautiful game.
Whether it’s because of the Sounders trivia, skill competitions or enthusiastic coaching staff, by the end of the week the heart of every camper turns Rave Green.
Regardless of age and skill level, Sounders FC Summer Camps are perfect for any kid who enjoys playing soccer. Campers between the ages of five and 15 can enroll for half-day, full-day or advanced camps. Once at the camp, groups are broken up by age. For example, if there are 16 eight-year-olds enrolled at one camp, they will be put in a group together with two coaches. This means that kids are afforded opportunities to make new friends and receive individual attention from the staff.
This balance between skilled coaches and kids their own age is essential. It allows for each camper to receive specific instruction from coaches that either currently play or have played at the highest levels. Also, the composition of the group fosters friendly competition so that campers encourage their new friends to improve, while the coaches ensure that all such support is constructive.
Of course, the biggest draw to these camps is that they are put on by the Sounders. This aspect is what sets them apart from any other soccer camp in the United States, because it truly is a Sounders experience. Every day during snack time, there is Sounders FC trivia in which kids have an opportunity to win signed player cards of their favorite players. Furthermore, a Sounders FC player typically makes an appearance at each camp.
Professional athletes speaking to the kids about their experience of growing up and playing the game is a vital cog in the player development system. You can run all the drills in the world, but if the campers don’t have an easily accessible example that hard work will pay off, those drills lose a lot of intrinsic value.
Michael Morris, Sounders FC’s Director of Youth Programs (as well as an Academy Coach and Scout), describes this relationship perfectly.
“It's great for young kids in the community to understand Sounders FC better. The camp is an additional experience aside from attending matches and watching the team on television. It is another layer which our club can engage our fans and offer them meaningful experiences.”
With Homegrown Players such as Aaron Kovar and Darwin Jones making appearances, kids can speak to players that began at the same level as them and made it all the way to the First Team.
