2009 Devil Camp a Big Success

The Devils wrapped up a fantastic Devils Training Camp on Friday at the Sunnyvale Soccer Complex. The five-day camp was led by Coach Tim Newsome from Planet Futsal*, and was one of the best training programs the team has gone through in their two seasons.

Christene & Lindsay

Coach Tim focused each day on a specific training topic, and formatted each two-hour session with a series of drills and games. Holding UEFA, English FA, NSCAA Advanced National and CYSA licenses, Coach Tim was well qualified to run the camp, but his great demeanor and teaching style turned out to be huge factors in running such a successful camp.

The camp as a whole turned out to be a fantastic program to kick off the 2009 fall season.

Training games like “rapid fire” shooting and “goalie wars” were favorites among the girls. “Power & Finesse” was another training game that the team took well to.

One of the most basic, yet effective, focuses during the camp was centered on turns and fakes. Retaining possession will certainly become more of a factor as the girls move up to U-11 this season, so this portion of the camp is something that will stressed much more during regular practices.

Coach Tim

What was most impressive, was the efficiency at which each drill was setup and executed, and the level of involvement that each player had during the games.

Coach Sonya took copious notes throughout the week, and will certainly integrate many of the drills and teaching techniques that were applied during the camp. Hopefully, this type of camp will become a regular event prior to each season.

Well done Coach Tim!

* Tim’s bio from the Planet Futsal website:

Coach Tim grew up with the game of soccer. He played from a very young age through college and semi-professionally in England. Coach Tim has been coaching since 2002, first for Wycome Wanders Football Club in England and with the MLS youth programs and the Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club in the U.S. He also coached at Gunn High School in Palo Alto and St Lawrence Academy in Santa Clara. Coach Tim most recently coached Shrewsbury Town Football Club’s (Professional soccer team in England) U14 youth team. Tim completed his Masters degree in Sports Management and the Business of Football from Birkbeck University of London, England in September 2008.

Certifications:
- UEFA 'B' Licence
- The English F.A. Level 1 & 2 License
- The English F.A. Futsal Level 1 License
- NSCAA Advanced National
- C.Y.S.A. Licensed Coach
- MSc Sports Management and the Business of Football

2009 Devils Camp: [Photos] | [Slideshow]