Youth Center

The YOUTH CENTER for girls (grades 4-7) will take place at the nationally recognized Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, Virginia. Nestled deep in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 135 year old retreat is an ideal soccer setting.

The Youth Center at Graves Mountain is designed for the developing female soccer player who aspires to improve her fundamental skills and learn more about the game. Our curriculum will focus on improving individual and group tactics through small sided games. The camp is organized based on both skill and age level to ensure that each camper is being challenged and positively motivated on the field.

Graves Mountain provides an outstanding setting not only for the soccer portion of the camp, but also for taking in many other outdoor activities and getting to meet new friends. Some of the highlights of the camp include a traditional BBQ lunch in the Graves Mountain Pavilion, a bonfire and smores roast, and the annual staff versus camper game on the final day of camp.

Location

The camp will take place at the nationally recognized Graves Mountain Lodge near Madison, Virginia. Nestled deep in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains this 135-year old retreat is an ideal soccer setting. The site has a pool, trout stream, working farm, orchard and two soccer fields. GML is approximately a thirty-minute drive from Charlottesville.

Dates and Cost

June 21 - 24, 2012
Girls Grades 4th - 7th
Cost: $395

Medical

Qualified full-time athletic trainers will be on duty throughout the duration of camp to care for minor injuries and sicknesses. Trainers also reside in the dorms. All campers must have proof of personal medical insurance.

Housing and Meals

Campers will stay in "bunk-style" dorms on the Lodge property. It is recommended that you bring a big bag to store clothing and personal items. All meals will be served in the main lodge and offer an array of home-cooked specialties. Many of the ingredients are grown/raised on location. The staff will also reside in the dorms and provide 24-hour supervision.

Teams and Groups

We encourage campers who are coming alone, with a friend or teammate, or in small groups to attend our Youth Center. Please apply if you wish to come in small groups.

Registration

Registration will be held at the Recreation Hall at Graves (not at the Main Lodge, but the driveway before the Main Lodge turn in). As you are driving down Old Blue Ridge Turnpike (Rte 670) you will see Syria Mercantile directly across the street from the Rec Hall. Follow camp signs into the drive. Click here for Application & Fees.

Cancellation / Vouchers

Cancellations must be requested in writing to receive a voucher applicable to next year's Soccer Centers or a refund. Cancellation requests due to illness or injury must be accompanied by a doctor's note. Soccer Center refunds will be less a $125 administrative fee. Players who cancel within two weeks prior to camp will only be eligible for a voucher, not a refund. Vouchers from last year will be honored, although you will have to pay the difference between the voucher value and this year's price.

Youth CentersThe Youth Center at Graves Mountain is designed for the developing female soccer player who aspires to improve her fundamental skills and learn more about the game

Graves MountainNestled deep in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the end of the road in Syria, Virginia, Graves Mountain Lodge provides an outstanding setting not only for the soccer portion of the camp, but also for many other outdoor activities.

Youth Centers StaffThe Soccer Centers of Excellence are staffed by the UVA Women's Soccer staff and players, including: Steve Swanson, Head Coach, Virginia; Ron Raab, Assistant Coach, Virginia; and Kerry Dziczkaniec, Assistant Coach, Virginia.

Camp Schedule

First Day
2:00-4:00 pm Registration
4:00 pm Welcome Meeting
5:30 pm Dinner
6:30 pm Evening Session
Daily
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Morning Session
12:00 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Afternoon Session
4:00 pm Swim/Outdoor Activities
6:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Games
Final Day
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Final Matches
11:30 am Check-out