My daughter had the best time ever. She is only 7, so I was very worried about how she would do with such a long day but she did great. She came home every night and brought us all out into the back yard to showcase the new moves she learned. She also drew out a bunch of the drills on paper and described everything they did. It was so nice to see not only how much she learned, but that she actually remembered the drills and they made enough of an impact that she wanted to share the information with us (esp. for a 7 year old).
Her coaches were so perfect for that age and they did such a good job at keeping them motivated, giving them fun nicknames and playing games with them. There were some boys who were being a little rough and they both were on top of it right away, which was good too (nothing concerning/major). Plus, she loved being with all the older kids (girls who are not her big sisters - ha ha) and watching them/learning from them.
The evaluation form was a nice surprise and she has been carrying it around for the last couple days showing everybody.
Thanks again and nice job!
-Jen
Her coaches were so perfect for that age and they did such a good job at keeping them motivated, giving them fun nicknames and playing games with them. There were some boys who were being a little rough and they both were on top of it right away, which was good too (nothing concerning/major). Plus, she loved being with all the older kids (girls who are not her big sisters - ha ha) and watching them/learning from them.
The evaluation form was a nice surprise and she has been carrying it around for the last couple days showing everybody.
Thanks again and nice job!
-Jen
My son had a fabulous first time at MSA Camps. The staff was phenomenal in caliber and expertise. I saw my son increase in his skill from just this one week. His confidence grew and he enjoyed each day progressively more! He had a blast and I did not hear of any unsportsmanlike behavior. It was competitive but ran well, with fairness and sportsmanlike conduct.
We will be returning for the goalie camp as you have the famous Joe Cannon running it. We can't ask for more than that! Please continue to keep the level of the camps running high. No one will ever complain of a well run camp, with excellent coaching and staff. Above all, teaching competitive play and skill is important but nothing is greater than sportsmanlike behavior combined with a winning attitude.
-Mary Ann
We will be returning for the goalie camp as you have the famous Joe Cannon running it. We can't ask for more than that! Please continue to keep the level of the camps running high. No one will ever complain of a well run camp, with excellent coaching and staff. Above all, teaching competitive play and skill is important but nothing is greater than sportsmanlike behavior combined with a winning attitude.
-Mary Ann
It was a privilege for my son and his teammate to attend your camp this past week. After three summers of three different yet similarly uninspired camps in San Francisco, I was willing to make the drive to Sunnyvale in search of something different when I learned about MSA from CalNorth.
As a teacher with the luxury of summers off, I was able to watch nearly all of all four days of camp, which also as a coach, was instructive. By lunch on the first day, I knew we would be back next summer. The drive from the city was also much better than expected (280).
I immediately noticed the low player to coach ratio on which the hope of quality depends. Soon after, I saw the fulfillment of this hope in progress as instruction began. Across a field populated with scores of young athletes, I heard the voices of engaged coaches: “keep your head up,” “concentrate,” and “do it right not fast,” along with "that's better," "you got it now," and "well-done."
As activities progressed from elemental to complex, transitions appeared seamless. Proper technique was a constant, and while effort was noted, no false praise was heard: a telltale sign of those who know what mastery is and are committed to teaching it.
Throughout, the personal example you both bring to these kids is invaluable. Whether Joe demonstrating diving saves (truly amazing, Joe) or seeing Albertín dazzle with ball handling and striking skills, there’s no substitute for seeing it done right, in person.
Yet, as vivid as this was, what stood out most to me is the precision and intensity you bring to your work as teachers. There is a right way to do things and a proper attitude in achieving excellence. It’s palpable when you speak of the importance of doing your best and not just going through the motions, and the kids don’t just hear it, but feel it as well.
In this regard, I hope you keep the bar high. There are plenty of camps with low standards calculated for high profits. Even for kids like my son, who is hard working but not especially gifted athletically, the standard of excellence you set and demonstrate is inspiring.
As for things to do differently, I’m hard pressed. My son’s teammate mentioned that many field component activities seemed complicated and confusing to him while most seemed to know them well, causing some frustration. Since I think of him as a gifted player, and know he is both a smart and nice kid, I gave this careful consideration. While I think I know what he meant, I told him that doing something that is challenging with others who do it well is why we came to MSA, adding that improvement and growth is often an uncomfortable process. My son's teammate agreed.
My son and his teammate will be back next summer. While both were tired and a little sore by the end of camp, they were never bored, leaving with the satisfaction that hard work and a sense of real accomplishment bring.
Many, many thanks!
-Joe
As a teacher with the luxury of summers off, I was able to watch nearly all of all four days of camp, which also as a coach, was instructive. By lunch on the first day, I knew we would be back next summer. The drive from the city was also much better than expected (280).
I immediately noticed the low player to coach ratio on which the hope of quality depends. Soon after, I saw the fulfillment of this hope in progress as instruction began. Across a field populated with scores of young athletes, I heard the voices of engaged coaches: “keep your head up,” “concentrate,” and “do it right not fast,” along with "that's better," "you got it now," and "well-done."
As activities progressed from elemental to complex, transitions appeared seamless. Proper technique was a constant, and while effort was noted, no false praise was heard: a telltale sign of those who know what mastery is and are committed to teaching it.
Throughout, the personal example you both bring to these kids is invaluable. Whether Joe demonstrating diving saves (truly amazing, Joe) or seeing Albertín dazzle with ball handling and striking skills, there’s no substitute for seeing it done right, in person.
Yet, as vivid as this was, what stood out most to me is the precision and intensity you bring to your work as teachers. There is a right way to do things and a proper attitude in achieving excellence. It’s palpable when you speak of the importance of doing your best and not just going through the motions, and the kids don’t just hear it, but feel it as well.
In this regard, I hope you keep the bar high. There are plenty of camps with low standards calculated for high profits. Even for kids like my son, who is hard working but not especially gifted athletically, the standard of excellence you set and demonstrate is inspiring.
As for things to do differently, I’m hard pressed. My son’s teammate mentioned that many field component activities seemed complicated and confusing to him while most seemed to know them well, causing some frustration. Since I think of him as a gifted player, and know he is both a smart and nice kid, I gave this careful consideration. While I think I know what he meant, I told him that doing something that is challenging with others who do it well is why we came to MSA, adding that improvement and growth is often an uncomfortable process. My son's teammate agreed.
My son and his teammate will be back next summer. While both were tired and a little sore by the end of camp, they were never bored, leaving with the satisfaction that hard work and a sense of real accomplishment bring.
Many, many thanks!
-Joe
MSA Camps did a phenomenal job with my child who was looking for a camp that would blend in a level of intensity and fun. The technical drills were exceptional and the feedback given by the coaches was always positive and inspiring.
-Fernando
-Fernando
We had an amazing experience at the camps last week. Best camp we have ever been a part of and my son learned so much in one week. More than he would learn in a whole season on his regular team. Thanks so much.
-Mya
-Mya
My son went to the goalie/msa camp this week. I wanted to say thank you. Evan absolutely loved the camp. I've never heard him talk so positively about any camp before. Every night he was excited to share all the things he learned and the exciting fun he had. You and the others definitely inspired him even more. He talked highly of all the coaches. Thanks to you, and your fellow coaches for being so great and having a positive impact on my son. He came home Thursday, saying, "I want to go next year, I can't wait."
- Ben
- Ben
Thank you very much for the awesome camp.
Angelo had a great time, learned a lot and, more importantly, is still sore! :-)
- Luciana
Angelo had a great time, learned a lot and, more importantly, is still sore! :-)
- Luciana
Our boys have enjoyed going to the MSA camps for many summers. It is one of the few camps they continually ask to go back to each year! The boys have fun, stay active, get to be with their friends, enjoy all the coaches and all while improving their soccer skills!
- Andrea
- Andrea