If you could imagine a women’s soccer camp where you’d have the opportunity to play with one of the greatest female soccer icons of all time, what name would come to mind? If you said Mia Hamm, you can actually make that dream a reality this summer.
Add soccer greats Kristine Lilly and Tisha Venturini-Hoch to the mix, and it’s enough to blow you out of your cleats!
TeamFirst will kick off its inaugural US Women’s Soccer Legends Adult Fantasy Camp featuring founders Hamm, Lilly, and Venturini-Hoch, and you can get in on the action. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will occur at Berkshire Soccer Academy on August 16-18, 2024, in Otis, Massachusetts.
For the past decade, Hamm, Lilly, and Venturini-Hoch have been mainstays at Berkshire Soccer Academy’s camp for girls, but now adult women can participate in their own camp featuring the trio.
The Soccer Icons You Won’t Want To Miss
If you’re a women’s soccer fan, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the famous trifecta of Hamm, Lilly, and Venturi-Hoch. If you’re newer to the world of women’s soccer, here’s more about what makes these women legendary and why they’ll make the camp an unforgettable experience.
Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm joined the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) in 1987 at age 15, making her its youngest player ever. Hamm played in four World Cups, including FIFA’s first-ever Women’s World Cup in 1991.
Hamm also played in three Olympics, winning two gold medals. She spent two years playing pro in the Women’s United Soccer Association.
Hamm’s storied soccer career includes 158 goals and 144 assists. She retired from playing in 2004.
Kristine Lilly
At age 16, Kristine Lilly joined the USWNT in 1987. She would go on to play for them for 23 years. Lilly’s long tenure earned her 352 caps, surpassing any other male or female international soccer player in history.
Lilly competed in an astonishing five World Cups and three Olympics. She also played professionally on several club teams, including an all-male indoor league where she was the only female.
Lilly played her last match in 2010 and retired with 130 goals and 105 assists.
Tisha Venturini-Hoch
Venturini-Hoch’s dynamic soccer career includes winning a Women’s World Cup (1999), an Olympic gold medal (1996), and four NCAA Division I titles. She also helped lead her professional team to a championship in 2001.
In 1996, Venturini-Hoch became the first goal-scorer in a women’s Olympic soccer match. These accolades earned Venturini-Hoch a recent induction (December 2023) into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
She retired with 44 goals and 132 caps.
Breathing Life Into An Idea
TeamFirst and Berkshire Soccer Academy have had a tight relationship throughout the years. They wanted to expand on that relationship and do even more with each other, so they put their heads together and came up with the idea for a women’s camp.
One of Berkshire’s camp’s directors, Katy Kreiner, said this idea started brewing last year.
“We figured out we want to run a three day. A fantasy camp. You know, like the Yankees or these other organizations do,” said Kreiner. “So we decided to go for it.”
The Ultimate Women’s Soccer Camp Experience
Kreiner said the soccer camp intends to be a rather intimate experience. Berkshire Soccer Academy will limit the camp to approximately 80 attendees (registration is at 50+ as of this writing, so now is the time to sign up if you don’t want to miss out. Use the code ADULTSPLAYSPORTS to get $100 off the regular price).
What The Women’s Soccer Camp Includes
Playing Soccer
Stating the obvious, if you attend, you’ll get to play soccer and learn from some of the most prolific players who have ever graced the pitch. This will include several soccer sessions, as well as a small-sided tournament.
Non-Soccer Activities
In addition to soccer, you can also participate in yoga, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and other typical camp activities.
Travel/Transportation
You will be responsible for your own transportation. If you fly into Bradley International Airport in Connecticut, there will be a complimentary shuttle service to the camp.
Accommodations
Berkshire Soccer Academy offers various cabin options, including private rooms and baths, private rooms with shared baths, and shared cabins. If coming as a group, you can request to share a cabin.
Meals
The camp includes all meals, and there will be vegetarian and pescatarian options.
You’ll also get the opportunity to have cocktails and campfires, with s’mores, of course, while chatting with the legends.
Goodies
All attendees will receive a soccer jersey, shorts, socks, and additional goodies.
Costs
Depending on accommodation choice, costs for the camp range from $1795 to $2500.
Who Is The Women’s Soccer Camp Perfect For?
The TeamFirst women’s soccer camp is open to any woman over 21 with a passion for soccer. Whether you’re a high-level competitive player or a woman who picked up the game recreationally later in life, you’re a fit for this camp.
Kreiner says attendees will be broken into playing groups based on their experience levels, so no one should feel intimidated. The current roster of attendees ranges in age from the twenties to the fifties.
For anyone on the fence about attending, Kreiner says: “What better way to celebrate the ‘99ers [1999 Women’s World Cup players] 25th anniversary than being with them? This is our chance as women to do something for ourselves.”
Kreiner, a soccer player and coach herself, still gets awestruck by Hamm, Lilly, and Venturini-Hoch, even though she’s now worked with them for years.
“Sometimes I’m at camp on the field with Mia, and even though we’re friends now, I can’t believe I’m having this casual conversation with her, said Kreiner. “I think that’s part of the magic that I’m so excited about. These women are icons, but they’re also just like us.”
It just goes to prove the bond that is soccer. Go as a free agent, or go with some of your teammates. This is an experience not to be missed.
US Women’s Soccer Legends Adult Fantasy Camp Registration Details
Sign up for the US Women’s Soccer Legends Adult Fantasy Camp here. Register by June 1, 20204. Mention Adults Play Sports to receive an additional $100 off your registration.
