2008 Marlin Soccer Academy Camps (boys and girls)
- Advanced Senior Overnight Camps: June 27-29
- Marlin Day Camp Session I: July 7-11
- Marlin Day Camp Session II: July 28-Aug.
Our Philosophy
Marlin Soccer Academy Camps are committed to fostering the "love of the game" while developing technical, tactical and physical skills that will enable players to respond to the challenges of soccer in a confident and creative manner.
About our Camps
Camp Directors Jeff Bowers and Mike McFarland will be assisted by nationally licensed coaches and Virginia Wesleyan players selected primarily for their ability to relate with and teach youth players. Emphasis is on individual training as well as teamwork. Each camper will receive a written evaluation at the end of the camp.
Advanced Senior Overnight Camps feature high-level training to sophomores, juniors and seniors planning to play soccer at the intercollegiate level.
Day Camps are available to players ages 7 to 17 at all skill levels and offer a positive overall experience in a fun yet challenging atmosphere. Players will be grouped by age and ability.
Goalkeepers will receive specialized instruction each day.
>>Download the 2008 Marlin Soccer Academy Camps Brochure [PDF]
>>Download the 2008 Marlin Soccer Academy Camps Registration Form [PDF]
What to bring
Soccer cleats, water bottles, shin guards, indoor tennis shoes, bathing suit, towel, toiletries and sunblock. Each camper should also bring his/her own soccer ball or purchase the Marlin Camp Ball for $25. Payment for the ball must accompany the application. The balls will be distributed at registration.
Fees
Cost: $250 per participant. A $50 non-refundable deposit must accompany each application. Teams of 10 or more receive a group discount of $25 per player. Smaller teams can add guest players in order to receive the discount.(*For team discounts, deposits must be sent as a group and must be submitted four weeks prior to the camp start date.) Campers receive lunch daily, a T-shirt and an evaluation. Upon receipt of your application and deposit, you will receive an e-mail confirmation of your acceptance as well as a list of what to bring and where to register. Lunches are included.
Facilities
Virginia Wesleyan College is located on a beautiful 300-acre wooded campus astride the Norfolk/Virginia Beach border. The soccer facilities consist of a Bermuda game field and four practice fields. All fields are exceptionally well maintained. The campus is less than 20 minutes from the famous Virginia Beach resort areas and beaches.
The newest "place to be" on the Virginia Wesleyan College campus is the $18.6 million Jane P. Batten Student Center, a state-of-the-art multipurpose facility for recreation and athletics. The Batten Center offers a variety of activities, which are open to our campers. In addition to a three-sided, 45-foot high rock wall, an eight-lane swimming pool, an an elevated indoor track and racquetball courts, there is a state-of-the-art fitness center available. The fitness center contains the same type of equipment found in local gyms. The fitness equipment is some of the newest on the market, including Hammer Strength, Body Masters and Life Fitness equipment including weight machines and free weights. The center also contains six treadmills, four cross trainers, bikes, recumbent bikes and stair steppers. The C-MAC contains two basketball courts and a multi-purpose floor that accommodates indoor soccer. The main basketball arena contains three full basketball courts and can also be set up for indoor soccer.
For more information
For more information, contact Camp Director Jeff Bowers at 757.455.3285 or jbowers@vwc.edu
Marlin Day Camp Coaching Staff
Jeff Bowers, Camp Director
Jeff Bowers, head women's soccer coach at Virginia Wesleyan College, has compiled an overall record of 122-33-18 with the Marlins and has received numerous accolades including the 2005 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Coach of the Year honors, as well as South Region Coach of the Year honors in 2003 and 2005. He guided the Marlins to their most successful season ever in 2006, highlighted by an ODAC Championship and a Final Four finish in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Tournament. He also coached the semi-professional Hampton Road Piranhas in 2004 and 2005. Bowers holds a Premier License from the national Soccer Coaches Association of America and a "B" license from the united States Soccer Federation.
Mike McFarland, Camp Director 
Mike McFarland completed his first year as the men's head soccer coach at Virginia Wesleyan in 2007 and led the team to their most successful NCAA run in program history. He is a 1993 Virginia Wesleyan College graduate and a three-time All-American player for the Marlins. McFarland was named the NCAA Division III Player of the Year in 1992. While at Virginia Wesleyan, he was a four-time All-South Honoree and a two-time All-ODAC Player of the Year. McFarland played professionally with the Hampton Roads Hurricanes, the Roanoke Riverdawgs and the Delaware Wizards.
Camps in the 2008 Marlin Soccer Academy will also feature a number of nationally-licensed coaches in addition to players from Virginia Wesleyan and professional teams. A certified athletic trainer will also be on staff.