summer camp for college soccer - should parents tag along?

<p>Hi,
my S is a junior now and we currently lives abroad/oversees and he's planning to go for soccer camps (around 4 schools) during summer vacation to prepare for college soccer recruitment.
I was wondering if the soccer camp provide places to stay for parents as Im planning to go with him together.
And also do you recommend for parents to go with the child together for the soccer camps?
If parents are going together with the child, what role should I be playing or what should I do as a parent to help my S during soccer camp?
Would greatly appreciate for all the info/feedback/guides.
Thanks.</p>

<p>I highly doubt they provide housing for parents, it will be on your dime I expect. Also I would suggest since you are going that you remain rather invisible because you do not want coaches to think you are a helicopter parent. Meaning they want to recruit independent kids and not kids who’s mom’s tag along for everything. I would suggest you stay away from the camp and let your son be independent. If you see other parents in attendance then go ahead and watch if that is what is normal. Err on the side of being invisible.</p>

<p>100% agree with momof2010. I would stay away from your son’s college soccer camp for the reasons mentioned above. If he is a junior in high school he should be able to manage without parents. Coaches want to see independence and self sufficiency on and off the field.</p>

<p>One exception though…it is our experience that parents are invited and in fact, encouraged to attend matches in the evenings. I do think you don’t want to be running over with water etc…but watching is fine.</p>

<p>Agree with others. Coaches do not want to deal with parents at these camps! This is their time to see not only the athletic abiilities of each player, but to assess how they would fit into a team and conduct themselves on their own. Many camps offer a game on the last day of camp that is open to parents, but even then, we have always tried to be very discreet and not approached our son. We have also stayed away whenever our S approached a Coach to talk to. We figure that is an opportunity for the Coach to get to know our son and to see how he conducts himself. </p>

<p>Also, don’t wait until the summer to start the recruitment process- that is too late. Your son should already be contacting coaches and marketing himself with a highlight reel, website, etc. He should he coming up with a realistic list of schools that fit his needs, and then calling and e-mailing those coaches on a regular basis. Be sure he includes a picture of himself on each e-mail as the coaches can then connect his letters/calls with his face. Good luck!</p>