SMU Camp Experiences/Feedback

Does anyone have any feedback/experience with SMU's full-day (non-residential) summer soccer camp? [not bad; great; stay way...]

Thx

DD went last summer one week overnight camp. She was extremely disappointed. They pooled players together only by age and not by experience or level. Shes on D2 team and said it was like a beginner camp. Waste of money . Positive was the experience of staying away from home one week ... But not much else. If we did overnight again we we'd look at A&M ... And elsewhere. Heard Tatu's camps were great but don't think he's doing it this year.

For rich Highland Park, rec players. Not a great camp if your dd is any good - i.e., she's not going to learn anything or get any better. But saying that, my dd likes SMU and enjoyed it nonetheless.

Registered last Summer, then was advised by DD skills coach that this camp is largely for beginners. Was going to send her anyway just for the extra touches...then she got hurt (out of soccer for 6 weeks) the Thursday before camp and couldn't participate. SMU REFUSED to refund anything!! Not impressed, won't recommend it!

I assume the website says no refunds but I doubt you read it..
Don't blame them, be an adult....

Why is everyone so quick to be snarcky on this forum? Original poster asked for feedback, good or bad. Don't be "that guy" that goes for the personal attack just because you feel it's your right. It's this nonsense thst prevents a lot of people from posting...really muddy's the whole forum concept...too bad. As fir the personal attack ob my ability to behave like an adult...not taking the bait...

Side note: ... was also scheduled for A&M and not only did they refund the significantly higher cost, they sent her the camp ball and shirt she would have rec'd...now that's just good busibess!

meriusrex wrote:Why is everyone so quick to be snarcky on this forum? Original poster asked for feedback, good or bad. Don't be "that guy" that goes for the personal attack just because you feel it's your right. It's this nonsense thst prevents a lot of people from posting...really muddy's the whole forum concept...too bad. As fir the personal attack ob my ability to behave like an adult...not taking the bait...

    

Since we are talking about camps, does anybody have any feedback on the UNT camp?

If you're looking for a fun camp close to home then this is a good candidate. My dd (DII U14 now) went to last year's camp. She didn't walk away with any new skills or earth shattering improvement but she described it as fun and well organized. As others have mentioned the players are not broken up by skill level.

soccer_papa wrote:Does anyone have any feedback/experience with SMU's full-day (non-residential) summer soccer camp?   [not bad; great; stay way...]

Thx

What age group is your DD?  I think SMU is a good day camp for the younger kids, but once your DD is more skilled and in competitive soccer you would probably want something more challenging.  But yes, for a fun camp, close to home it should be a good experience.

Another suggestion I would make: If your daughter is an 05 or younger (so still in academy after July 1st) it might be worth your time to try some of the camps run by clubs.  You can get a feel for some of the coaches at Solar, DeFeeters, AYSES, or whomever you want by attending one of their camps.

psst here's the dirty secret... NO 5 day camp improves your kid that much, no matter what gullible parents hope...

If your DD is a top level player or the next Mia, she may not learn that much in 5 days.
And she certainly won't be greatly improved in 5 days.

If your DD is an average or new select player or, dare I say it, a REC player....
then yes, I guarantee you can learn enough in 5 days to become a much improved player.

Now, will you leave the camp that much better? Maybe. Probably not.
But you will leave with the knowledge to become a better player.
Your DD must take the time to practice and apply the new found skills and tactics.

Great camp! My DD went a few years ago with a couple of friends and loved it! Several D1 players were there in various age groups. They moved her up to an older and more skilled group. She worked hard to compete at that level, so I feel it was a good learning experience for her. I saw some advanced groups and some that needed more help with mastering basic skills. The camp is only as good as the girls are open to it being. Same with all camps; if the girls show up to hang out and don't work out then the experience will be that. The coaches were involved and eager to teach the girls. As a parent, I enjoyed getting to watch the evening games and see she was happy. She has mentioned going again this summer. Too bad all the same friends won't be there!

sideliner wrote:Great camp! My DD went a few years ago with a couple of friends and loved it! Several D1 players were there in various age groups. They moved her up to an older and more skilled group. She worked hard to compete at that level, so I feel it was a good learning experience for her. I saw some advanced groups and some that needed more help with mastering basic skills. The camp is only as good as the girls are open to it being. Same with all camps; if the girls show up to hang out and don't work out then the experience will be that. The coaches were involved and eager to teach the girls. As a parent, I enjoyed getting to watch the evening games and see she was happy. She has mentioned going again this summer. Too bad all the same friends won't be there!

we did the same and our experience was the same as yours. we would go again