The Importance of Participating in Soccer  Tournaments, Local and Travel

A soccer showcase is an event where youth soccer players have the opportunity to play in front of college coaches, scouts, or recruiters. Showcases typically involve teams or individual players competing in games, not necessarily to win but to demonstrate their skills. The primary goal is to gain exposure and make an impression on coaches who are looking for talent to recruit for their programs.

Key Features of a Showcase:

 • Players perform in full-sided games (11v11) or smaller-sided formats.

 • College coaches and scouts observe and evaluate players throughout the games.

 • There is usually no championship or winner; the focus is on player exposure.

 • Events often feature top clubs or players from different regions to increase competition and visibility.

Importance of Showcases:

 • A crucial opportunity for players aiming to get recruited to play college soccer.

 • Allows players to showcase their skills, decision-making, and teamwork in a real game environment.

 • Provides networking opportunities with coaches and schools.

An ID camp (Identification Camp) is an event where soccer players attend training sessions and skill evaluations hosted by college programs, professional academies, or organizations. The purpose of an ID camp is to “identify” talented players who may be a good fit for a specific college or program.

Key Features of an ID Camp:

 • Run by college coaches or scouts who are actively looking for players.

 • Players participate in drills, small-sided games, and scrimmages to showcase their skills.

 • Provides opportunities for direct interaction with coaches, including feedback and advice.

 • Some ID camps are hosted on college campuses, giving players a feel for the school’s facilities and environment.

Importance of ID Camps:

 • A more intimate and focused evaluation compared to showcases.

 • Allows players to interact directly with specific college coaches and show interest in their programs.

 • Provides valuable feedback on a player’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Aspect Soccer Showcase ID Camp

Format Full-sided or competitive games. Drills, small-sided games, and scrimmages.

Audience Multiple college coaches/scouts. Specific college coaches or programs.

Focus Exposure to a broad range of schools. Focused evaluation for a particular program.

Environment Competitive game setting. Training camp/clinic setting.

Interaction Limited direct feedback from coaches. Direct feedback and interaction with coaches.

The Importance of Attending Both

 1. Showcases provide wide exposure to multiple schools and programs, increasing a player’s chances of being noticed. It is ideal for players who:

 • Are unsure of which colleges they want to attend.

 • Want to maximize their visibility to a broad range of coaches.

 2. ID Camps allow for a more focused approach. They are ideal for players who:

 • Are targeting specific schools or programs.

 • Want direct feedback and to demonstrate their interest in a particular college.

Attending Both:

 • Showcases and ID camps complement each other. A showcase helps a player get noticed, while an ID camp allows them to solidify a relationship with a coach or program.

 • Attending both increases the chances of recruitment, as coaches often want to see players perform in different environments.

By participating in these events, players can showcase their skills, gain valuable feedback, and network with coaches, which are all critical steps in the journey toward playing at the collegiate or professional level.

How Pay-to-Stay Works:

1. Mandatory Booking: Teams must book their hotels through the tournament's official travel agency or housing service. They cannot book independently through third-party websites like Expedia or Airbnb.

2. Minimum Night Requirements: Some tournaments require teams to stay for a minimum number of nights, especially for out-of-state teams.

3. Hotel Selection: The tournament provides a list of approved hotels at various price points, and teams must choose from these options.

4. Verification: Teams are required to submit proof of booking through the official housing service before they are allowed to register or receive their game schedule.

5. Penalty for Non-Compliance: If a team books accommodations outside the approved system, they may face penalties such as higher registration fees or even disqualification.

Why Do Tournaments Use Pay-to-Stay?

Financial Benefits: Organizers negotiate bulk rates with hotels and may receive a commission or rebate per room booked.

Guaranteed Availability: Ensures teams have a place to stay, especially for high-demand events.

Logistics and Scheduling: Helps tournament staff coordinate game schedules with team locations, reducing travel times.

Exceptions & Exemptions

Some tournaments allow local teams (within a certain mile radius) to be exempt.

Teams may request an exemption if they have family accommodations nearby.

 A few tournaments permit alternative lodging but charge a buyout fee to compensate for lost revenue.