Disney Soccer Academy to offer new Elite Player clinic this summer

Heading into its sixth year, Disney Soccer Academy — the summer camp at Walt Disney World that focuses on soccer for players ages 5 to 18 — is undergoing some changes. Perhaps most notably, the academy will offer a new Elite Player option in addition to its established four-day clinics for players of all skill levels.

Disney Soccer Academy takes place at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Disney World for two weeks at the end of June, and registration is now open. The four-day clinics, which are open to players ages 5 to 18, are scheduled for June 20 through 23 and June 27 through June 30. Parents can register their children online or in person from 8 to 9 a.m. June 20 and 23. There is no limit on the number of players who can attend each session.

The new Elite Player option, which is only open to players ages 13 to 18, extends each clinic by a day — June 20 to 24 and June 27 to July 1. Registration is available now online or it can be completed from 6 to 7 p.m. June 19 and 26.

Both programs will be run by UK Elite Soccer this year, a change from the previous organization in charge, Midwest Soccer Academy. However, the objective the four-day clinic seems to be the same: Athletes are put in groups on the field, where they are taught by licensed coaches from around the world. The focus is on technical development and playing games with small teams; kids practice their shooting, dribbling and defending skills.

In addition, they have the benefit of playing alongside champion soccer players. Lindsay Tarpley, a two-time Olympic gold medalist with the United States Women’s National Team, has been confirmed for the 2016 Disney Soccer Academy.

The new Elite Player option is described this way on the ESPN Wide World of Sports website:

All the traditional elements of the Disney Soccer Academy plus a unique customized curriculum for the elite player:

** 5 days of professional instruction
** Full field tactical sessions
** Video analysis
** High competition level
** High level professional coaching staff from around the world plus U.S. college coaches
** Small group interaction with professional players
** In-depth player analysis
** Puma “DSA” jersey
** Welcome reception

The four-day clinics begin at 9 a.m., and players have an option to finish at 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. Warm-up and the first training session take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Then, kids break for lunch, which is included in the camp cost, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. They head back out onto the field for a second training session from 1 to 3 p.m. With the extended schedule, campers will spend the time from 3 to 5 p.m. relaxing, watching movies or playing games. The will receive a drink and snack.

The cost of the camp with shorter days is $399 for four days. The extended-day camp is $459. The Elite Player option, which runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is $595. Parents can use the code EAS1620 for a $20 discount for any of the camps when registering online by March 28. Team and group discounts may be available by contacting the program manager. If there is inclement weather, alternate activities may be planned and refunds will not be issued.

In addition to the instruction and lunch, the price of each camp also includes an event T-shirt and a ball for each athlete.

Friends and families are invited to watch the clinics, and they pay a separate admission charge. Daily admission is $17.50 for adult guests (ages 10 and older) and $12.50 for children (ages 3 to 9). Spectators also can purchase a Length of Event pass, but those prices have yet to be announced.

Athletes who are 17 and younger must check in with their legal guardians on the first day of camp. Everyone who is participating – athletes and coaches – must sign waivers and turn them in the first day before they will be issued their credentials.

For questions about Disney Soccer Academy, email [email protected] or call 844-893-1200.

Athletes and their legal guardians are required to book camp accommodations at Disney’s Athlete Housing program and through Disney’s Sports travel provider, GET Sports, unless certain conditions are met, such as living within a 90-minute drive or having reservations at a family-owned timeshare. For more details, visit Get Travel.

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