For more info call: (571) 428-8387 or write an email: info@no1soccercamps.com

Machnik Elected to National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2017

No. 1 Soccer Camps is pleased to announce our Founder and President Dr. Joseph Machnik has been inducted to the very prestigious National Soccer Hall of Fame, Class of 2017.  Often referred to as “American Soccer’s Renaissance Man,” Dr. Joe has succeeded at every level of soccer in the United States.

Joe Machnik elected into National Soccer Hall of FameUniversally heralded as a visionary for his implementation of curriculum, methods and procedures for training of Goalkeepers at every level, Machnik’s methods are utilized today at fields and in stadiums all around the world. His influence has been felt by over 100,000 players, staff and families who have been part of his No. 1 Soccer Camps, currently in its 41st year of running soccer camps throughout the United States.

On behalf of No. 1 Soccer Camps, our directors, staff, campers and families, we send our sincerest appreciation for all that Dr. Joe has done for soccer in the United States. We congratulate Dr. Joe, his wife Barbara, daughters Janine and Collette, and the extended Machnik family for this amazing accomplishment.

As Rob Stone of Fox Sports so eloquently stated “Dr. Joe is one of our favorite human beings that we deal with, we are so proud!”

 

Dr. Joe Machnik’s accomplishments include:

  • All-American goalkeeper at Long Island University
  •  Coached LIU to the 1966 NCAA championship game — as a 23-year-old.
  • He was a member of the 1965 US Open Cup champion New York Ukrainians.
  • Coach Of  the Men’s and Women’s Soccer Team at the University of New Haven.
  • Assistant Coach with the U.S. National Team when it reached the World Cup for the first time in 40 years at Italy in 1990
  •  Director of referees for three leagues – Major Indoor Soccer League, Major League Soccer and National Premier Soccer League.
  • Coach of the New York Arrows (MISL).
  •  Commissioner of the American Indoor Soccer Association.
  •  A FIFA and CONCACAF Match Commissioner.
  •  Current Rules and Match commentator for FOX Sports.

 

“Joe is one of the great personalities of the sport in the States, a person who has been at every level from player to coach to referee, administrator in the league with a vast experience and vast knowledge of the game in this country.When you talk about the pioneers of the game in this country, he has to be one of them.” – Alfonso Mondelo, MLS’s director of player programs

What Makes No. 1 Soccer Camps Number 1?

It’s not just a name. No. 1 Soccer Camps is #No1ForAReason. Several reasons in fact. Our players, staff and training are just a few things that have made our soccer camps a leader in the soccer industry for over 40 years.

OUR PLAYERS ARE NO. 1

In the 41+ years of being the most trusted name in soccer camps, over 80,000 players have come through our system. Some have signed professional contracts as players and coaches others have played for National teams or won the NCAA title.  Our players are the driving force behind our camps and have set the high standard!

OUR STAFF IS NO. 1 No. 1 Soccer Camps No1ForAReason

At any of our sites you will find the highest quality staff alongside current college players, A-licensed coaches and coaches of current National Team players.  Each week our staff coaches complete a 75-point evaluation and personal development plan for each player at camp. You will not find this evaluation or this level of quality coaching anywhere else!

OUR TRAINING IS NO. 1

If you have ever wondered about the roots of No. 1 Soccer Camps, you need to start with Dr. Joe Machnik. Since 1977,  the “Machnik Method”, a distinctive soccer training method that is universally recognized and used today.  Our unique “Go to Goal” curriculum with modern methodologies, we offer five distinct training levels and programs for a unique week of soccer education for field players and goalkeepers of every age and ability level.

#No1ForAReason

At No. 1 Soccer Camps, our mission is to provide the most valuable experience possible using instruction and positive reinforcement in match related games and situations regardless of which side of the ball the camper plays on in a mutually satisfying atmosphere where learning takes place in a spirit of camaraderie; goalkeeper and striker, boy and girl, staff coach and camper, fostering soccer development and the encouragement of an appreciation of soccer’s intrinsic values.

For more information on any of our camp locations from Connecticut to California, please visit our website at www.no1soccercamps.com.

Tony Pierce Inducted Into Wisconsin Soccer HOF

No. 1 Regional Director Tony Pierce Inducted Into Wisconsin Soccer Hall Of Fame

No. 1 Soccer Camps Tony PierceNo. 1 RD and seventh-year Wisconsin Lutheran College head women’s soccer coach Tony Pierce was inducted into the Wisconsin Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 11, 2017.

Pierce, a longtime member of the No.1 Soccer Camps family, has coached collegiate soccer for nearly 30 years.

Tony Pierce Hall OF FameOne of the winningest goalkeepers in the history of the former National Professional Soccer League (NPSL), Pierce was a goalkeeper for the Milwaukee Wave for eight years and one with the Chicago Power, appearing in 195 games, posting 75 wins and making 2608 saves. The three-time All-Pro also served as the Wave’s Director of Community Relations for six years. He was inducted into the Milwaukee Wave Hall of Fame in 2010.

Tony Pierce Hall Of FamePierce was a member of the University of Connecticut’s 1981 NCAA Division I Championship soccer squad. He also returned with the Huskies in national semifinal appearances in 1982 and 1983. In 1983 Pierce was a co-captain with Jim D’Orsaneo.

Pierce also has one National Team cap versus Portugal for the US Men’s National Futsal Team.

No. 1 Soccer Camps at Wayland Academy in Beaver Falls, WI is under the direction of Tony Pierce who has been with No. 1 Soccer Camps for 36 years.  This unique specialty camp blends the best of No. 1 Soccer Camps with its partner in Germany the Fussball Ferienschulen. The camp runs July 16-20th. For more information, visit www.No1SoccerCamps.com.

Teacher, Trainer, Coach: What’s the Difference?

By No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Greg Andrulis

In the sport of soccer, we often have teachers, trainers, and coaches who each have a specific set of responsibilities for the development of their players. Looking at each title, there seems to be an overlapping and co-mingling of responsibilities that go with the job description. A teacher can have a more formal role in the development of their players and teams. A coach helps a player or team achieve success on the field, and a trainer is the facilitator of new skills. Can one person be all three? Absolutely!

If you have been fortunate enough to attend a training session that has been put on by Anson Dorrance, head coach at the University of North Carolina, former World Cup Coach and the winner of 21 National Championships, then you have been fortunate enough to have seen one of greatest teacher, trainers, and coaches of our generation. What makes this type of coach, teacher, and trainer so special? Is it their ability to articulate the message? Their communication skills? Their intuitive nature? Their knowledge of the game? Yes to all of the above.

No. 1 Soccer Camps John Amorim Teacher Trainer Coach
Former professional player and current US U14 National Camp Goalkeeper Coach, John Amorim was one of the inaugural participants in the No. 1 Soccer Camps as a camper in 1977.

At the recent Connecticut Junior Soccer Association Annual General Meeting, those in attendance were introduced to a person who clearly fits comfortably into the role of Teacher, Trainer and Coach. John Amorim is currently the head goalkeeper coach for the Region I ODP Staff. While watching Coach Amorim run his session, it was striking to observe a man comfortable being a teacher, a trainer and a coach – sometimes within the same sentence. Putting on a training session in a hotel ballroom is never easy. Add in the dimensions of training players that you are unfamiliar with, being surrounded by coaches who are only somewhat interested in your topic and those in place for required CEU’s, and you have an environment that is demanding to say the least.

John presented a goalkeeper session that at its basic level was not challenging in its format with one major exception – his delivery. John was able to present a multi-layered session that challenged each participant at the physical, technical, and psychological spectrum at every step of the progression. His delivery was as a teacher to the coaches in attendance explaining the exercise, as a coach to the players; he was working with and as a trainer executing drills and exercises. His session was exceptional. His knowledge of the position is at a very high level. Those in attendance were witness to an outstanding presentation, by an extraordinary teacher, coach and trainer.

His ability to layer each exercise with each dimension of the spectrum is a gift. The players had to think, react and make decisions related to each ball. The session was not the type of session that we often see put on by trainers at these type of events. More commonly we see sessions where the ball is constantly struck with mind numbing repetitions and little to no level of distinction as to the reason, method or purpose, other than to create the illusion of success.

At this session it was clear and refreshing to see an educator (a unique combination of teacher, coach, and trainer) present a session that was simple in concept but complex in methodology. If you are looking for an individual to be part of your staff or work with your child, strive to find someone with the capacity to incorporate all the ingredients for a successful session – someone who can teach, someone who can coach and someone who can train. All will benefit from that experience.

Coach Andrulis is a coach and teacher who has had the good fortune to have worked with and trained some of the best goalkeepers in the United States. His goalkeepers have played at all levels, including World Cup and national teams, professional, collegiate and club. As a 40 year staff member of No. 1 Soccer Camps, Coach Andrulis enjoys the opportunity to spend time working with the next great generation of players each and every summer throughout the United States.

To Shootout Or Not?

By No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Rob Andrulis

Marco Van Basten, FIFA’s Chief Officer for Technical Development, thinks it is a good idea. Along with the expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams, FIFA is considering using run-up shootouts to break ties in the group stages of the World Cup. With the addition of the shootout, the World Cup could look like the early days of the MLS. If adopted this method could potentially be deciding matches in upcoming World Cup tournaments.

Since, 1996, the inaugural season of Major League Soccer, No. 1 Soccer Camps has been teaching the MLS shootout contest as part of our “Breakaways session.” During the session field players and goalkeepers are put through a series of technical breakaway exercises to prepare them for the contest at the end of the session. Safety is of the utmost importance while teaching the techniques of this situation.

“Back in the early days of the MLS, it was decided to institute the idea of having matches that where tied after regulation to have that tie be broken by a Shootout contest instead of penalty kicks,” said No. 1 Soccer Camps Founder Dr. Joe Machnik. “Back in the days of the NASL there was a 35 yard offside line put in place and by doing so, it created many break away situations from in and around that line, hence the idea of the 35-yard shootout was born.”

The set up for the MLS Shootout is very simple. The field player is 35 yards from goal and has five seconds once the ball is touched to shoot. The Goalkeeper must have at least one foot on the end line to start. If the goalkeeper touches the ball, the field player is not allowed to attempt a second shot. If a foul is committed by the goalkeeper inside or outside the box, a penalty kick is awarded and the Goalkeeper could receive a Yellow or Red card for the infraction. The MLS Shootout was developed to bring an exciting conclusion to the match – a true breakaway situation, field player versus goalkeeper, under the spotlight!

Dr. Joe added, “The MLS substitution rule at the time of three field players and one goal keeper allowed for many tactical changes near the end of regulation most notably goalkeeper changes.” A keeper who excelled in breakaway situation was often subbed late in the match for exactly that reason. A great example is how the Columbus Crew utilized Crew player (and former No. 1 Staff Coach) David Winner during a match. Then Columbus Crew Coach (and current No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director) Greg Andrulis liked the idea of the shootout and his ability to use Winner in that situation. “There were some nuances with it and it was a lot of fun; it brought some drama to the conclusion of the match instead of players and coaches shaking hands and moving onto the next match.”

Brazilian Legend Carlos Alberto Torres was a true wizard of the shootout during his playing days with New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League. Also known as “O Capitao do Tri”, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time. During the shootout Carlos would use his incredible foot skills to lift a bouncing ball off the turf and calmly chip the on-rushing goalkeeper.

There are pros and cons to the Shootout Method of deciding a match. Injuries are an integral part of the equation. Collisions between the player and goalkeeper are a real possibility. On the flip side, in the past it allowed for a very exciting and entertaining way of deciding matches. The shootout also extended the playing careers of many American and International stars who excelled in the shootout format including International Great and Columbian National team player Carlos Valderamma who used his incredible touch and dribbling skills to score many artistic shootout goals.

Busch Shootout
MLS Goalkeeper of the Year (2008) and former No. 1 Camper and Staff Coach Jon Busch

We also asked for some thoughts from former No. 1 Camper and Staff Coach and 2008 MLS goalkeeper of the year Jon Busch. Jon has had a very successful professional career playing for many teams including the Columbus Crew with the then Head Coach Greg Andrulis. “As far as the shootouts I liked the idea. When I first started my pro career, we had them in the USL and I enjoyed them better than PK’s,” said Busch. “They gave the goalkeeper a better chance of being successful. I believe there is a bit more skill involved on both sides of the ball in a shootout then in a penalty kick”.

A lot to ponder as FIFA ultimately decides: To Shootout Or Not?

Check out these Best Old School MLS Shootouts

No. 1 Goalkeepers Top MLS 50 Greatest

Earlier this month, Everybody Soccer, a website dedicated to following American goalkeepers, published an article ranking the 50 Greatest MLS Goalkeepers of All Time.

No. 1 Soccer Camps was pleased to find SIX of the top TEN MLS goalkeepers are part of the No. 1 Soccer Camps family as former campers and/or coaches, and and four others round out the 50.

Top 10 GKs of All Time by Everybody Soccer

 1 Kevin Hartman (416 Games, 1997-2012)***

 2 Nick Rimando (424 Games, 2000-present)***

 3 Jon Busch (309 Games, 2002-2015)***

 4 Pat Onstad (223 Games, 2003-2011)

 5  Matt Reis (293 Games, 1998-2013)***

 6 Joe Cannon (342 Games, 1999-2013)***

 7 Zach Thornton (282 Games, 1996-2011)

 8 Tony Meola (250 Games, 1996-2006)***

 9 Scott Garlick (237 Games, 1997-2006)

 10 Tim Howard (102 Games, 1998-2003, 2016-present)

Additionally,

16. Bo Oshoniyi (109 Games, 1996, 2000-2006)***

20. Kasey Keller (93 Games, 2009-2011)***

23. Brad Friedel (38 Games, 1996-1997)***

30. Mark Dougherty (123 Games, 1996-2001)***

***Denotes No. 1 GK

No. 1 SOccer Camps History Goalkeepers
Brad Friedel with Dr. Joe Machnik circa 1993

No. 1 Soccer Camps has a long history with the MLS and US Soccer. No. 1 Soccer Camps founder Joe Machnik was an Assistant Coach for the U.S. National Team 1990 World Cup team as well as being a FIFA/CONCACAF Match Commissioner and being inducted into six Soccer Halls of Fames.

No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Greg Andrulis is the former head coach of MLS’ Columbus Crew.

Our coaching staff has experience at every level of American soccer from high school to collegiate D1, 2, and 3, to Major League Soccer and the US National teams.  For over 40 years, No. 1 Soccer Camps has been training generations of quality goalkeepers and field players across the United States.

To learn more about No. 1 Soccer Camps and to locate a site near you, visit our website at www.No1SoccerCamps.com.

 

No. 1 Soccer Camps Enters 41st Season

No. 1’s 41st Season Of Soccer Excellence

In 1977 under the direction of former college, professional and World Cup coach Dr. Joe Machnik, No.1 Soccer Camps was born. That first year, Machnik started the No. 1 Goalkeeper’s Camp with 39 goalkeepers from thirteen states participating in a one week session. Coaches John Kowalski, Shep and Roy Messing, Mickey Cohen, Peter Johnson and Danny Gaspar joined Machnik in putting the young goalkeepers through their paces.

By 1995, it became evident that goalkeepers had progressed in technical areas, but tactical decision making abilities, which could only be tested by field players in match situations was missing. In addition, the lack of goal-scoring abilities was rampant in America and a striker’s curriculum was needed to provide players with opportunity to enhance technique and composure in front of the goal.

Accordingly, Machnik and Kowalski incorporated field players into the No. 1 Soccer Camps program with the addition of the Star Striker’s School which was the forerunner of the No. 1 Striker Camp program. Within no time, field players came from all over the country and the world to attend the unique No. 1 Soccer Camps program.

Machnik and his experienced professional staff continue to refine the program and update the methodology utilized to get results on both sides of the ball. In 2016, in response to age group and field size mandates from US Soccer, No. 1 Soccer Camps responded with steps to assist players and teams throughout this important transition.

“Entering the 41st year of the camp,  it’s amazing to see the positive impact that the Machnik Method and philosophy has had on the development of goalkeepers and goalkeeper coaches throughout the US and the world,” says No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Greg Andrulis.

“Teaching methods that have had a profound effect on the development of goalkeepers at every level from club to National team players was the hallmark of the No. 1 Soccer Camps from its early days. Now with the combination of field players and goalkeepers competing in our unique “Goal to Goal” curriculum has set a new  standard for specialized training for players regardless of which side of the ball players compete on.

Andrulis, who also serves as Head Coach at George Mason University, has witnessed firsthand the camp alumni successes, “The number of players who have benefited from our camps and who are actively competing at the highest level – youth national teams, college and professional teams continues to grow.”

Dr. Joe Machnik recently reflected on No. 1 Soccer Camps’ 41 season and secret to the camp’s enduring success: “The success and longevity of No. 1 Soccer Camps has been due in a large part to our continued pursuit of the most up to date and forward thinking curriculum for our participants. We have endeavored and have achieved a reputation for being innovators in all aspects of the environment that we create for strikers, field-players, goalkeepers, boys and girls, coaches and staff.”

“This year for the first time, some of our national teams will hold mini camps for goalkeepers and strikers in order to create an environment where strikers and goalkeepers alike can hone their skills in specific specialized sessions. Having recognized the need for this environment and intensive training that is possible with our Go to Goal  curriculum, our camps have been providing this opportunity and related format for over 40 years.”

“It gives us a great sense of satisfaction to see that each year players and staff of the No. 1 Soccer Camps continue to have a significant impact on the success of soccer at all levels in the US as well as abroad. Our staff coaches and directors have had tremendous personal success with their own programs. We continue to have numerous players each year become professional players, national team players and achieve athletic scholarships, make their club teams and achieve personal satisfaction with their development. We are proud of the positive impact that the No. 1 Soccer Camps has had on the soccer landscape and we will always strive to stay true to our Mission:

To provide the most valuable experience possible using instruction and positive reinforcement in match related games and situations regardless of which side of the ball the camper plays on in a mutually satisfying atmosphere where learning takes place in a spirit of camaraderie; goalkeeper and striker, boy and girl, staff coach and camper, fostering soccer development and the encouragement of an appreciation of soccer’s intrinsic values.

For 2017, No, 1 Soccer Camps offers Youth Academy, Junior Academy, Senior Academy, College Prep Performance Academy and College Showcase ID  Camps in locations across the US.

No.1 Soccer Camps 41st Season

12 Questions To Ask A Potential Soccer Camp

Choosing a summer soccer camp can be a difficult decision. With so many options, how do you know which one is the right fit for your child? No. 1 Soccer Camps Regional Director Christine Huber asks the twelve vital questions parents should pose to potential camps to ensure a rewarding and safe soccer camp experience.

ASK YOUR SOCCER CAMP THE TOUGH QUESTIONS

1) How many years has the camp been in the business?

Experience matters. While it is not always a guarantee of a superior camp, this can be an excellent indicator of the caliber of the camp experience, its management, and its coaches. No. 1 Soccer Camps has been in continuous operation for over 40 years. VERY few camps can make this claim, and we are proud of our tradition and history.

 

2) Is the camp a soccer specific camp or a camp that offers soccer?  Which is best for your child? 

A camp that offers soccer may have different activities and may not be focused on just on soccer. Dances, plays, and skits may be incorporated into the camp day which limits the amount of time spent on soccer.  No. 1 Soccer Camps is a specific soccer camp geared towards the player who loves the game.  We offer on and off the field soccer specific training, films, and lectures to make sure the camper gets the most comprehensive soccer experience. Each session we see amazing improvements in the campers’ skills in a relatively short amount of time.

 

3) How does a camp facilitate maximum amount of touches on the ball to foster the most positive results over a short period of time?

Many camps play 11 vs 11 games which means some players are only getting a few touches a game.  In these camps you will also see drills with long lines and campers waiting to shoot or touch a ball due to limited equipment and staff.  With well thought out and designed lesson plans, No. 1 Soccer Camps plays small sided tactical games based on a recently broken down technical skill. This not only increases the amount of touches on the ball but also mentally prepares players for tight situations in the final third of the field.  Field players are preparing and taking more shots while goalkeepers continuously have shots coming at them.  We bring in full sized official goals to mimic the real game.

 

4) How does the camp challenge its players? Will the camp allow the player to “play up” if warranted?
Every player needs to be challenged physically and mentally in order to improve.  A good camp will be flexible enough to adjust to the needs of every camper.  During the first session of camp, our staff evaluates the campers and makes any necessary adjustments under the direction of the Camp Director and Striker/ Goalkeeper Director. This ensures each camper receives a tailored experience geared toward his/her current level of play.

 

5) What is the average number of training hours per day? How many hours of your camper’s day are actually spent working on the field getting better?

A good camp like No. 1 Soccer Camps will have perfected the proper balance between training, recovery, and free time.  We offer evening lectures, group discussions as well as the on the field training to create a comprehensive program geared to the mental and physical needs of the player.

 

6) What is the staff to camper ratio?  Is it 1:8 or less?

This ratio is required legally by many states.  A smaller staff to camper ratio will ensure your player receives the individual attention necessary to improve. No. 1 Soccer Camp aims to have a 1:6 or less ratio at all of our locations.

 

7) How many years has the Camp Director been running the camp and how extensive are the staff coaches backgrounds in coaching younger players?

Not all professional coaches are capable of coaching youth players. Your camp director and staff coaches should have many years of experience in the camp industry along with coaching the specific age groups.  Our No. 1 Soccer Camps Directors are leaders in the soccer community and have been an integral part of our company for many years. Several are even former campers themselves! Our Staff coaches are selected and matched based on coaching experience with a particular age group in mind for maximum success.

 

8) Does the camp perform background checks on all staff?

Most state legislation requires criminal background checks and SORI checks for ANYBODY around children. Be sure any camp under consideration meets these requirements and thoroughly checks its staff. No. 1 Soccer Camps uses a national company to perform background checks on all staff regardless of state requirements.

 

9) What kind of access do campers have to the camp site’s facilities besides the fields ie. indoor spaces for inclement weather, dorms, cafeterias, pool, lounges etc?
The access to and quality of these amenities are important to a camper’s overall experience.  No. 1 Soccer Camps chooses its locations based on the excellence of the facilities and the needs of our campers. The quality and stellar reputation of No. 1 Soccer Camps allows us to secure some of the most coveted university and private schools locations in the nation.

 

10)  How is the camp supervised? Do coaches, directors, and medical staff stay on campus?  Is there adequate staff coverage in the dorms?

Safety is a paramount parental concern and proper staff supervision is necessary to make sure campers are well cared for on and off the pitch. At No. 1 Soccer Camps our directors, coaches and camp nurse are on campus throughout out the day and night to provide supervision and assistance 24 hours a day.

 

11)  How does the camp prepare it’s players for the collegiate experience?
Only a few camps address the many issues the college-bound player faces. Collegiate level training, recruitment, and application processes are just a few of the areas our College Showcase ID, College Prep and Sr. Academy programs address both on and off the field.

 

12) How are players evaluated?

Camp is over.  Now what? At many camps, once the last session is played, you are on your own. On the final day of No. 1 Soccer Camps, each camper receives a written 75 point evaluation, the most in depth detailed soccer camp evaluation in the industry. Our staff takes great pride in the quality of each camper’s evaluation and the Personal Development Plan which offers a post camp game plan for the further enhancement of each camper’s abilities. Campers and parents have the opportunity to review and discuss the evaluation with the camper’s staff coach at the end of camp creating a positive conclusion to camp’s training.

 

Regional Director Christine Huber has been with No. 1 Soccer Camps since 1996. A former four year starter and Hall of Fame Player for the University of New Haven, Huber is now the head coach at Hamden Hall Country Day School and Assistant Coach at the University of New Haven. The following No. 1 Soccer Camp locations are under her direction: Brewster AcademyNorthfield Mount HermonPomfret SchoolCFC Arena, and Hamden.