It’s been just five short months since the Akron men’s soccer team brought home the NCAA Championship, and that national title-winning atmosphere has permeated every aspect of the team, including the soccer camps this summer.

“Joining our program for a week of camp this summer enables players to experience what it feels like to be a part of a national championship winning culture,” said Akron head coach Caleb Porter. “The camp has been a reflection of the program’s evolution over the past few years.”

In fact, the Zips came tantalizingly close to a title in 2009, falling to Virginia in penalty kicks. That championship-caliber drive was already there last summer. This time, however, Akron has the hardware to go with it.

“We aim to instill the same qualities and habits in our campers that we do in our players at Akron,” Porter said. “It’s the same environment and curriculum that has produced a National Championship.”

Although Akron’s residential and commuter camp has only been around for four years, the camp has grown so much that this year the Zips are holding two sessions, one from July 10-14 and the second from July 17-21. Click here for more information on the camp.

Last year, the camp sold out by mid-May, prompting the camp size to be increased.

“We have produced 12 MLS draftees in the past three seasons, including 5 of the first 8 picks in the 2011 Draft,” Porter said. “Our camps are the breeding ground of future college soccer players and hopefully future Zips.”

One of those draftees is Teal Bunbury, who is now a starter on the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Those who attend the residential and commuter camp can expect some tough competition. According to Porter, the increased popularity of the camp has led to a greatly increased number of out-of-state and even international players, which has really amplified the standard of play at the camp. And campers will also get the chance to learn from and play against members of the national championship team.

“Having the ability of campers to play alongside and against the elite college players in the country is certainly an aspect that is unique to our camp and an experience that the campers can only learn and grow from as they work themselves to be future college soccer players,” Porter said.

Finally, Porter highlighted how the success of both the Akron men’s soccer team and the soccer camp has enabled the organization to spread the soccer philosophy that won them a national title.

“We have a philosophy as a program on how the game should be played and through our exposure over recent years this has been highlighted,” he said. “Intelligent, thoughtful, attacking soccer is what we preach and this is what campers can expect to learn with their time at camp.”

Click here for registration information.

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