The Portland Timbers are proud to offer an improved camp program for soccer players of all ages and skill levels in 2009. One of the most popular soccer camps in the greater-Portland area, the Timbers Camp program, presented by Nike, is designed and led by the team's coaching staff and players. The Timbers Nike Soccer Camps program features an ideal 12:1 player-coach ratio and bases all training groups upon skill levels and age. Each camp is centered around age-appropriate exercises and activities designed to maximize instruction, develop technical improvement and build a love for the game. 

New this year, the Timbers will introduce their unique TREES program designed to teach young soccer players life values and life skills that go beyond the soccer field. TEAMWORK, RESPECT, EFFORT, ENVIRONMENT and SPORTSMANSHIP, will be incorporated into each camp's curriculum.

Timbers Camp Coaching Staff
The Timbers Nike Soccer Camps feature an outstanding coaching staff led by Timbers players, both first team and U-23s, coaches and some of the other top coaches from the Portland area. All camp instructors will attend a coaching symposium directed by Timbers head coach Gavin Wilkinson and director of soccer development/assistant coach Amos Magee. The curriculum for the Timbers Nike Soccer Camps is designed by the Timbers' coaching staff to challenge players, both mentally and physically, in a friendly, welcoming and professional environment.

Join Us
Starting June 21, the Timbers Nike Soccer Camps schedule includes eight camps throughout the 2009 season. The 2009 camps series features a variety of camps to benefit players of all ages, abilities and positions. Most camps are open to both boys and girls ages 6-14, while specialty camps open to older players ages 14-18. The cost of camps range from $100-$150 based upon the camp. All campers receive an official Nike camp t-shirt and soccer ball as well as a ticket to an upcoming Timbers soccer match at PGE Park; items to be received on the first day of camp.

Click here to sign up today or download a Timbers Nike Soccer Camps registration form. Are you a member of the Kid's Club? If so, please download a registration form and return it to the Timbers via fax at (503) 553-5405, email at nmansueto@pgepark.com or by mail at: Portland Timbers Camps, Attn: Nick Mansueto, 1844 SW Morrison, Portland, OR 97205, to recieve your exclusive discount. For more information, contact camps coordinator Nick Mansueto at (503) 553-5428 or nmansueto@pgepark.com.

Make your camper's camp experience one-of-a-kind and have their official Timbers Nike Camp t-shirt personalized with their last name screened on the back. Personalization costs $15. For more information contact Nick Mansueto.

Father's Day Fantasy Camp: New camp for adults
The Timbers are proud to offer the first annual Father's Day Fantasy Camp, presented by Nike, for adults at PGE Park. Live like a Portland Timbers player for the day! Camps includes a training session with Timbers head coach Gavin Wilkinson and assistant coach Amos Magee, a full match-day experience complete with pre-game talk, player introductions, personalized jerseys, a soccer match between camp particpants and the chance to play with Timbers players. Following the match, the Timbers will host a barbeque in the Widmer Garden for all participants. The Nike Father's Day Fantasy camp is open to both men and women ages 18 and older and of all playing abilities. The camp runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and costs $110. Click here to sign up today; the deadline for sign ups has been extended to Wednesday, June 17. 

2009 Timbers Nike Soccer Camp Schedule (details on each camp program is listed below):
 

Timbers Camp Program Descriptions

The TimbersTots program focuses on engaging young soccer players through fun and enjoyable activities that will develop an early love for the game. TimberTots includes an age-specific curriculum that will challenge young soccer players by focusing on skills like dribbling, passing and controlling the ball. Timbers staff will also begin to introduce life-skills like sportsmanship and teamwork through the exclusive TREES program.  

The Timbers' SoccerStars program focuses on specific skill-building in a variety of areas. Passing, receiving, dribbling, shooting, juggling, attacking and defending are all covered extensively. Repetition of technique in small-sided game settings will be the primary focus. The Timbers staff will focus on life skills through the exclusive TREES program.

The Timbers' BallWizard program starts to focus specific skill-building in all areas of soccer development. Passing, receiving, dribbling, shooting, juggling, heading, crossing and defending are covered extensively. Tactical concepts will be introduced through small-sided games and exercises. The Timbers staff will also incorporate the five characteristics of the team's new TREES program.

Advanced BallWizard (Ages 12-14)

The Timbers Advanced BallWizard program takes the skills and concepts of the BallWizards program one step further. With a continued focus on building skills in the areas of passing, receiving, dribbling, shooting, juggling, heading, crossing and defending, this group will begin to explore tactical concepts through both small-sided and full-sided games and exercises. The Timbers staff will maintain focus on life skills through the exclusive TREES program.

Specialty Camps:

The Timbers' NFFG Camp prepares high school aged players for the intense demands of the fall season. Both goalkeepers and attacking players will undergo a rigorous fitness program that includes strength, flexibility, speed and aerobic/anaerobic work. Position-specific exercises will complement the physical work to provide the top preparation available for high school players.

The Advanced Goalkeeping Academy is designed for goalkeepers interested in reaching the highest level. Designed and led by Timbers goalkeeping coach Jim Brazeau, this specialized camp will focus on shot-stopping, dealing with crosses, game management, distribution and goalkeeper-specific strength and agility excersizes. Among the camp coaches schedule to appear at this camp are current Timbers goalkeepers Steve Cronin and Brian Visser. The schedule for this camp is as follows: July 20: 4-6 p.m., July 21: 6-8 p.m., July 22: 6-8 p.m.