The United States has a rich history of excellence in women’s soccer, earning multiple world championships across various categories.
When thinking about North American women’s soccer, we naturally think of great players like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe. However, it’s always important to remember that all these players were once part of camps and academies that honed their skills and helped them on their way.
For this reason, major European clubs are hosting their own girls’ football camps on American soil to attract the best talents in the country and turn them into professional players after passing through their academies.
So, in this post, we’d like to talk about the Best Soccer Camps for Girls in the United States. We’ll take a look at each camp’s facilities and organization and highlight their key features.
This will provide you with all the information you need to help you choose the best camp for your daughter.
What’s the best type of soccer camp for girls?
In women’s youth soccer, there are two types of camps: exclusive camps only for girls, or mixed ones, where they train alongside the boys.
- Mixed camps: Mixed camps are usually, for the most part, aimed at young children, generally under the age of ten.This is because football skills in young boys and girls are usually very similar. For this reason, coaches are happy to train them together.However, mixed camps can sometimes create challenges for girls. Beyond the physical differences, the experience of training alongside boys may not always be as fulfilling for some girls, leading some parents to prefer single-gender training programs.
- Camps exclusively for girls: Exclusive training for girls offers the advantage of being entirely tailored to their needs and abilities. Coaches design training sessions to enhance their skills, adapting the program to their age and developmental level.
In addition, accommodation and all the logistics are arranged better, with common areas and recreational spaces that the girls can enjoy after completing their training.
In general, training sessions exclusively for girls tend to offer a better experience, especially for those who are attending for the first time, helping them to develop a strong sense of independence and self-confidence.
Which are the best camps to reach a professional level?
Just like in men’s football, academies are either linked to the country’s national teams, to European teams, or are private entities that operate through scouting.
- National team academies: These academies are directly connected to the country’s First Division teams, giving girls a good chance of making it into professional soccer if they stand out in training. Additionally, the American League has a great reputation, high standards, and very good salaries.
- European team academies: These are all linked to major European clubs, but based in North America. Their major advantage is that players become part of the team’s global network, bringing them closer to the elite level of European football.
- Private academies: Private camps are independent and focus solely on developing their players. Players regularly participate in trials and scouting sessions with scouts from teams around the world, offering them the opportunity to transition to the professional level.
With that in mind, we bring you the best soccer camps in the United States for girls. Keep reading!
#1. The Best High-Performance Camp for Girls: F.C Barcelona in Arizona
This camp is an incredible opportunity for players who want to receive the best technical and tactical knowledge to improve their overall performance.
The F.C. Barcelona Girls’ Football Camp is exclusively for girls and offers high-performance sessions designed to unlock the full potential of female footballers.
Many of the camp coaches are, or have been, professional football players. Great players like Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí (both recent winners of the Ballon d’Or) have come through the F.C. Barcelona Academy.
Key aspects of the F.C. Barcelona Camp for Girls
- It accepts players from 10 to 17 years of age
- The camp is suitable for all skill levels and experience
- The training sessions are led by expert coaches and former football players who have trained at La Masía
- The girls train from 5 to 8 hours a day. Workshops and technical training are included to improve the girls’ understanding of the game
- Psychological support is provided, offering guidance to help players manage the pressures of high-performance sports
Where do the players stay?
The camp takes place at Grande Sports World, a sports center with excellent facilities.
It has 8 professional soccer fields, a gym, a sports hall, therapeutic pools for recovery sessions, and a Center for Athlete Performance which deals with soccer players and the injuries they commonly receive.
The girls stay in double rooms with a private bathroom, and have access to wi-fi and a cleaning service. Recreational activities are also available, including lounge areas, a video game area, a ping-pong room, and a TV area.
#2. The most popular camp in the USA: Nike Camps
Nike Camps are women’s soccer camps that are mostly offered in the summer in different parts of the USA.
The training sessions are led by certified trainers and focus on improving the players’ individual abilities.
Another advantage is that there are camps in many different cities, making it more likely you’ll find a suitable one near you.
Key aspects of the Nike Camps for girls
- They accept players from 6 to 18 years of age
- Some are associated with lower-division teams in the USA
- They foster a high level of internal competition
- Developing the fundamentals of defensive, attacking, and tactical positioning
#3. The Best National Camp: US Soccer Girls National Team Soccer Camp
The US Soccer Federation camps are designed to develop elite players.
They have a direct link to the United States Soccer Federation’s development system, with evaluation programs for regional and national teams, ensuring a high level of competition.
As regards training, they focus on developing advanced techniques and tactical styles in line with how the United States national team plays.
The minimum age to enter the camp is 12 years, and the maximum age is 18 years.
Key Aspects of the US Soccer Girls National Team Soccer Camp
- It focuses on developing advanced techniques on the pitch
- The tactics are based on the philosophy of the country’s national teams system
- Regional and national competitions
US Department of Labor, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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#4. The Best Private Camp: IMG Academy Soccer Camp
IMG Academy is a renowned sports training center, highly regarded for its exceptional programs in developing female soccer players.
The high-intensity training sessions are led by elite trainers and former professional players.
Based in Bradenton, Florida, its training center boasts state-of-the-art facilities to help players improve their physical condition and get in shape to perform at their best on the pitch.
Key aspects of the IMG Academy Soccer Camp for girls
- It focuses on advanced technical development and tactical work, including set pieces
- It develops leadership skills both on and off the pitch
- It has long and short-duration camps
- It accepts players from 10 to 18 years of age
#5. A Camp with a Great History: De Anza Force Soccer
The De Anza Force Soccer Academy is one of the most prestigious in the United States and is renowned for producing excellent professional players.
Soccer stars like Crystal Dunn and Alex Morgan have trained at these camps, becoming key figures in North American and international soccer in recent years.
Their academies also have important links to the country’s national teams selection process and have a close relationship with several teams from the NWSL.
Key Aspects of the De Anza Force Soccer Camp
- Long history and prestigious reputation in player development
- Strong connections to renowned NWSL teams
- It has produced world-renowned players such as Kelley O’Hara and Alex Morgan
- The coaches are trained to the highest level
#6. University of North Carolina Camp
The University of North Carolina has won many national titles in the NCAA, thanks to a strong training structure in its player development programs.
The camp is led by renowned coaches who were either once part of the University’s women’s soccer team or who have years of experience coaching at the professional level.
In fact, the University has represented the United States on the international stage, enjoying great prestige and excellent feedback and ratings from experts.
Key aspects of the University of North Carolina camp
- Top-level coaches
- Technical and tactical player development
- The chance to apply for sports scholarships
Futbolmama, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
#7. University of California Camp
The University of California Camp is another excellent option in the United States. The students are assessed throughout an individualized training plan focused on improving their technical and tactical skills.
The University’s programs focus on developing the players’ physical abilities and also their mental resilience. The training equips them to perform under pressure, navigate setbacks effectively, and handle success with professionalism.
All camp staff are certified by the University, and training is carried out in top-quality facilities.
Key aspects of the University of California camp
- Player development and individual evaluation
- First-class infrastructure
- Academic and sports approach
#8. Camps of The Women's Soccer Academy at Penn
With its teams competing in the prestigious Ivy League, the Women’s Soccer Academy at Penn provides an exceptional platform for aspiring female soccer players to begin or advance their development.
The camp routine is divided into high-intensity group training and recovery sessions with the necessary breaks in between.
After the training sessions, the players take part in competitive matches and group activities, after which they move on to individual evaluations with feedback for the parents.
Key aspects of The Women’s Soccer Academy at Penn camp
- Diversity of skill levels in the programs
- Highly-competitive environment
- Physical and mental development
- Inclusive and diverse program
#9. FC Dallas Soccer Camp
The FC Dallas camp has the great advantage of having a direct relationship with one of the best clubs in the country, which currently holds significant relevance in both the MLS and NWSL.
The players will be trained on how to improve their technical skills, starting with passing, shooting, and ball control, and then progressing to set plays.
The players will be trained with real game situations in mind in order to develop the players’ ability to reach on the pitch.
By the end of the camp, the goal is for the players to have significantly improved their tactical understanding, ability to respond to adverse or favorable situations, and technical skills.
Key aspects of the FC Dallas camp
- Highly-competitive environment
- Direct connection with the team’s large structure
- Great visibility for recruitment or scouting
#10. Notre Dame Women’s Soccer Camp
The University of Notre Dame Camp, also known as The Fighting Irish, also enjoys a great reputation as regards player development.
The institution’s team has been NCAA champions several times, consistently securing spots in the final stages of tournaments.
The camp leaders are former university players, high-level coaches, and recruitment staff, most of whom have also been trained within the same institution.
Key aspects of the University of Notre Dame camp
- Recruitment with great visibility and relevance
- Good internal competition
- Opportunities for university scholarships
#11. Stanford University Camp
Stanford University is one of the most prestigious soccer institutions in the country, and offers top-notch facilities for the players to practice and train.
Their coaches place special emphasis on tactical aspects, with advanced sessions to improve the offensive and defensive transitions, positioning, and team organization on the pitch.
Beyond the physical side of the game, the players aim to improve their understanding of the game and how to move the ball in different situations.
Key aspects of the Stanford University camp
- Advanced tactical training
- First-class modern facilities
- Diversity of levels and ages in the programs
- Network of contacts and recruitment
#12. Camp of Eastern Washington University
We conclude this list of the Best Women’s Soccer Academies in the United States with Eastern Washington University.
This academy stands out for offering a comprehensive learning experience in its programs, focusing on the physical side of the game with tips, advice, and exercises, while not neglecting the mental part.
Players with mental resilience will be better able to react to different situations on the field. For this reason, Eastern Washington University places special emphasis on these aspects.
Key aspects of the Eastern Washington University camp
- All-round comprehensive learning while also focusing on physical health and mindset
- An emphasis on mental toughness and resilience
- Competitive environment
The Best Women's Soccer Camp is within your reach
An essential aspect of the players’ training phases is the continuous progress in their developing careers.
For this reason, parents must choose the camp that best suits their resources and the one that offers the best chances for their child’s development.
The High-Performance Camps are an excellent option, because, right from the word go, they simulate high-level competition in training and this is reflected in their facilities. This helps the players become familiar with the setting and feel increasingly comfortable with the high physical demands.