Recently, EXACT sent a list of questions to Xavier men’s soccer head coach Andy Fleming. Here’s how Coach Fleming responded to our questions about his soccer camps:
EXACT (E): What are some of the things that happen at a typical day of camp?
Andy Fleming (AF): Obviously we manage and oversee each of the kids, yet we also put a lot on their shoulders as far as knowing where to be and when and waking up on time. We place itineraries and schedules throughout the campus and challenge them to see if they can get there on their own…similar to what college would be like.
As far as the day itself, we try to incorporate activities for each of our core developmental areas:
- Physical development (speed, fitness, etc.)
- Technical work (ball mastery)
- Soccer IQ (tactical and situational teaching of game)
- Personal (guest speaker, EXACT Sports workshops)
- Fun (contests, etc.)
EXACT: What do coaches like yourself look for when recruiting talent? How do you spot that at camp?
AF: The main things have to do with TIPS. T is technique on ball and toughness (can you last through a week of camp and play in the heat, take coaching, etc.); I is intelligence and interest in our school, which can really be demonstrated to a coach during camp; P is personality, presence, the person and what “piece” you might add to our team; S is speed and social. Does the player mix in with other campers how does his personality come across when we interact in dining hall, dorms, etc.?
Much of this comes out on the field yet an overnight camp is unique because you are living near the coaches for 4 days and we can truly see what you are like as a person.
E: Tell me about the instructors involved in your camp? Where are they from? How do they support you and your goals?
AF: Our staff has a solid blend of personalities, age range, schools work(ed) at in some fashion, and will present a wide ranging network to help connect our campers with other colleges around the country.
I like to think that our coaches truly earn their money at the camp, while they also look to connect with the campers and take pride in teachable moments in soccer, academic and social situations.
Right now we will have Ohio State, Kenyon, Ohio Wesleyan, and the Xavier staff at our CS 101 camp. Our high school team camp will feature coaches from Indiana University and Northwestern University. I look at it that say five coaches at camp each know 40 college coaches and you might open the door networking wise to some 200 college coaches based on your performance and interactions at camp.
E: How does your team mentally prepare during the season? Training sessions demand mental quality. On the camp “field”, how do you help foster mental development?
AF: During the season we talk a lot about daily goals, daily victories and staying in the present, rather than looking back. Its important to revisit goals and know what you are working towards and why you are part of a cause (team). Individually, at the camp, we talk a lot about creating the “ideal you” and setting a brand for what you stand for. This helps one realize their strengths and role within a team and allows you to keep inventory on your development internally and towards your academic social and athletic goals.
Xavier University Men’s Soccer finished 2010 with an overall record of 12-8-4. Coming off a 2-win 2009 campaign, the Musketeers were Atlantic 10 champions (a first) and made their first ever appearance in the NCAA tournament, where they fell to West Virginia in the first round to cap Coach Andy Fleming’s first season at the Cincinnati-based school. Visit the official Xavier men’s soccer site.
Related articles
- How to Pick a College Soccer Camp (exactsports.com)
- Discovering the Value Of Camps (exactsports.com)
- How to Prepare for a Soccer Camp (exactsports.com)
