National Sports Center | Blaine, Minnesota

Leonardo Barbosa – Goalkeepers Coach

• From Minas Gerais, Brazil
• US Soccer Federation (USSF) “B” License (in progress)
• United Soccer Coaches (USC) Advanced National Diploma
• USC Premier Diploma
• USC Goalkeeper Level 1&2 Diploma
• USC Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma
• 10+ years of coaching experience in all levels including collegiate
• Current NPSL Med City GK Coach
• MN Rush Technical Director

Manny Cobos – Defenders Coach

• US Soccer Federation (USSF) Licensed
• 15+ years of coaching experience in club and high school
• Collegiate Athletic Experience
• Minnesota ODP (Olympic Development Program) Staff experience

Zuheer Majid – Midfielders Camp

Bio coming soon

Greg Wheaton – Strikers Coach

• From Minas Gerais, Brazil

• University of Northwestern Men’s Head Coach
• UMAC Tournament Champion
• Coaches All-American nominated players
• NCAA D1 Former player
• Minnesota Thunder Playing Experience
• International School of Soccer Excellence (ISSE) Owner
• TC Sala Coach

A GK role on a soccer team goes beyond staying under the post and trying to save shots. As a player that sees the whole field, goalkeepers need foot skills to assist defenders in the buildup phase, tactical knowledge to organize and communicate with the defensive line, and technical skills to act during the most important phases of the game.

GK Training Focus: 1v1 situations, diving, crosses, positioning, and distribution, low ball, high balls, and technique

Central and outside defenders need excellent game understanding to anticipate the opponent’s movement, cover the midfielders, and position during crosses and set pieces. Modern defenders are hardly fooled by attackers and have great game understanding to make precise runs and execute tackles.

Defenders Training Focus: Positioning, 1v1 defending, tackling, shielding, crossing, communication, heading, and building up from the back.

Midfielders must be consistently focused on the game in order to perform well and find spaces to play. Scanning and monitoring the space is an essential quality of a top midfielder, as well as the ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate play.

Midfielder Training Focus: 1v1, scanning spaces, breaking lines, switching sides, stepping on the box, throw balls, finishing

The times when striker stayed in between the defenders and only participate in balls inside the box have past. Modern strikers and outside midfielders have great tactical knowledge to position for infiltration, through balls and crossing; technical skills for shooting, heading, dribbling, and turning, and great decision making to maximize scoring opportunities

Striker Training Focus: Placement shooting, 1v1 attacking, diagonal runs, crosses, volleying, heading, turning, and positioning

*Modern offensive and outside midfielders get in the box to score and participate closely in attacking opportunities, so this camp is applicable to these positions

• Registration Fee
  • Half-Day (9:00am - 12:00pm): $230
  • Full-Day (9:00am - 3:00pm): $295
  • Each participant receives:
    • Headshot for club or recruiting profile
    • Camp T-shirt
    • Detailed camp evaluation and feedback
• Camp Dates
  • August 8 - 10, 2023
• Age Group
  • U11 - U14

REFUND POLICY

Surcharge Fee

The National Sports Center has instituted a 2% surcharge on all submitted card payments. The Surcharge is NON-REFUNDABLE. Customers can avoid the fee by paying with an e-check online at the time of registration.

Deposit:

Full fee due at time of registration 

Refund Policy

Payment, refund and cancellation policy:

• No refunds or credits for missed or 1/2 days.
• No refunds on cancellations.
• Refunds due to health issues will be handled on a case by case basis.
• All other refunds will be considered on a case by case basis.
• All refund requests are subject to a $50 administrative fee.

Program Cancellation Policy: The following policy will be enacted IF a program hosted by the National Sports Center MUST be canceled by the directives of the State of Minnesota or the Minnesota Department of Health. Please know that our top priority on making decisions moving forward will be the safety and health of our participants, coaches, employees, and spectators.

Participants will receive a refund for your program entry. Participant registration refunds will be processed at 100% of the registration total.

What should I bring to camp?

Participants should bring the following items:

• Water bottles or sports drinks
• Sunscreen
• Shin guards
• Lunch and snacks
• Soccer ball
• White T-shirt, black shorts and soccer preferred, but not necessary

Do I need to play in development academy and higher level teams?

No. Coaches will adapt to each player according to the specific position and needs. Players are only required to be striving to improve in a specific position.

What's the player-coach ratio?

As our drive to provide one on one coaching, which lacks on club training sessions, we will try to keep a 1-8 coach and player ratio.

Who are the coaches?

The camp will be conducted by coaches that work on college or DA level and have both coaching and playing experience on either pro, semi-pro, and college level in the specific position.

The NSC Fund For Play is the contribution and donation arm of the National Sports Center Foundation. We are dedicated to improving the lives of Minnesota residents by creating programs and initiatives that support a diverse and engaged community. If you would like to make a donation to improve the health, well-being, and outlook of participants through access to sports and healthy, safe environments, please click HERE.

Thank you for considering!