HELM Soccer Camp: Hands-On Training By Renowned Soccer Athletes
Millions of youth soccer players have cheered for Landon Donovan on the field – as a LA Galaxy Star or representing the US National Team. However, very few players have had the opportunity to train with him. HELM Soccer Camp, founded by Donovan and fellow pro athletes, gives youth soccer players that chance.
Founded by Landon Donovan, Stuart Holden and Brian Ching, HELM‘s (Humility, Education, Leadership, Motivation) mission is to enhance the lives of America’s youth by maximizing their soccer potential and giving back to local and national charities.
HELM Soccer Schools is offering a summer camp in San Diego. The soccer camp welcomes all levels of players and offers a truly unique soccer experience; the opportunity to gain hands-on training by renowned athletes.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with children and using soccer as a platform to help them learn and develop,” said Landon Donovan.
“I didn’t have a soccer role model growing up and I want to be able to provide that for these children. This is an easy, effective way to touch many lives and hopefully make a meaningful impact in the world.”
“I feel like I just sent my kid to soccer Disneyland. You kind of hope for a minute or two of access to these superstars, but what my son got was hours. They scrimmaged with him, ran the drills and shared their stories in such an intimate, compelling way. My expectations were far exceeded in terms of his access. And in terms of their affect. On the way home after the third day, he started recounting how fortunate he was. It was a huge takeaway for our family. I would sign him up again in a heartbeat,” said Kimberly Scheberle, Parent of HELM Soccer Camp attendee.
“The surprising part for me was, my son really loved the strength training which was an added element we didn’t expect. We really liked how it was broken down and applicable to soccer,” said Jeff Hager, Parent of HELM Soccer Camp attendee.
Helm Soccer Camp Details: August 26th-28th CAMP POSTPONED
Hickman Field, 6660 Hickman Field Dr. San Diego, CA 92111
Cost: $499 – SoccerToday readers receive $50 off with coupon code Helm50
Boys and Girls, Ages 10-18
All campers receive a Nike swag bag filled with goodies.
Camp Schedule:
Wednesday August 26th
7 AM
• Registration
8 AM-11 AM
• Training (breaks included)
• Focus on Basics – First Touch / Passing / Dribbling / Turns / Communication
11 AM-12 PM
• Classroom Session
12 PM
• Lunch
Thursday August 27th
8 AM-8:30 AM
• Warmup
8:30 AM-11 AM
• Training (breaks included)
• Progression from Day 1 Basics Possession / Passing / Shooting / Crossing / Small Sided Games
11 AM-12 PM
• Classroom Session
12 PM
• Lunch
Friday August 28th
8 AM
• Warmup
9 AM-11 AM
• Training (breaks included)
• Progression from Day 1 and 2 – Small Sided Games / 8 vs 8 Games / Rotational Games / Competition Based
11 AM-1 PM
• Lunch Reception
Camp Coaches
Landon Donovan: The all-time leader in goals and assists for the US Men’s National Team as well as the all-time leader in goals and assists in Major League Soccer. He participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and played in 3 World Cups. He is a 6-time MLS Cup Champion and considered the best soccer player America has ever produced.
Stuart Holden: USA International and most recently a member of Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League. He was a member of the 2010 USA World Cup team in South Africa and has represented his country 25 times scoring 3 goals. MLS All-Star and Best XI in 2009, Holden was named team MVP at Bolton in 2010.
Brian Ching: Played professional soccer for thirteen years, twelve of which were in Major League Soccer. He also represented the U.S. National team for eight years. He is the current Managing Director of the Houston Dash.
Giving Back
Part of HELM’s mission has always been to give back to local communities. During a recent camp in Austin, TX over $5,000 was raised for SoccerAssist.org and the Austin Aztex Foundation.
“It helps our footprint in every city that we head to because it’s not all about going in there and running a soccer camp, it’s about engaging in local communities,” said Holden.
It is very unique for Donovan, the greatest American soccer player ever, to give back on this level; sharing his knowledge and experience with children, learning their names and interacting on a personal level.
Photo Credit: Jeff Heger Photography
Article update Monday, August 10th @ 3:58PM – San Diego Camp postponed but please click here if you are interested in attending an after school training session on Friday, August 28th.