On Feb. 22 and 24, 2013, the Bellevue College soccer field was busy with the training cleats of BC men’s soccer team, but they weren’t the only ones there. BC men’s soccer hosted their annual 2013 Identification High School Soccer Prep camp where—for a $75 fee—students can play soccer with BC collegiate coaches and athletes. In addition to BC men’s soccer attending, seven to eight students from many different high schools programs across the county, such as Pacific Northwest Soccer Club, Crossfire and Mount Rainier Football Club, signed up and arrived to BC’s soccer field.
The athletes were provided the chance to play soccer while practicing technical work such as dribbling, passing and shooting. There was no coaching during the camp; all the athletes were allowed to just jump in and play some soccer. The athletes also enjoyed some 11-on-11 games. In addition to the fee, students had to sign a waiver in order to attend.
“It was good for students to get in, meet me and meet some of the players. It was good for them to see their competition,” said Head Coach Andrew Croft regarding the helpful significance of soccer camp. The event gave an opportunity for high school soccer athletes to tour around BC campus. In addition to this, the camp provided a first look for high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors of what was to be expected of the sport on college level; high school seniors got the chance to show off their skills and possibly get recruited by the BC team. In fact, the camp was able to recruit two possible prospects.
There was a very laid-back atmosphere for all athletes on the field during the tryout sessions, the purpose of the camp was to provide “an opportunity for the students to get ready for their high school seasons” as well as give the students a sneak peak of playing on a college campus. When asked about how the camp helped with the students’ transition from high school soccer to more competitive college soccer, Croft said, “Nothing is real until you step into your first game. It was good for the boys to see what they’re getting into next year, though.”