BigFoot Sports Camp: An Opportunity for Young Players to Experience Playing Abroad
We all have the same big goal in mind when we begin playing and fall in love with the sport–make it big. For me, my childhood dream was to become a professional soccer player. How I was going to get there, I wasn’t sure.
In fact, a lot of girls aren’t sure how to make that dream a reality, aside from the obvious hard work, relentless hours of practice, and dedication to the sport. Although the NWSL is making strides and expanding, only a small selection of players gets drafted each year. What about the players who didn’t get picked? What’s their next move? Playing abroad is a great next step.
Growing Your Game
If the NWSL draft isn’t in the cards, or you want to develop your game before playing pro in the US, playing abroad can be an amazing opportunity for young soccer players aspiring to chase their dreams and make it big.
I played for Havre Athletic Club, located in Normandy, France, for three seasons. It was an experience I will never forget. It challenged me in ways I didn’t expect–physically, mentally, and emotionally. What they say is true; European-style football is a whole different game. I quickly learned the American long ball wasn’t going to fly with my new French coach. He taught me how to strategically move the ball as a defender and control the pace of the game. I had never felt like I knew the game so much.
One of my American teammates, Ashley Clark, now playing for Marseille, also recognized the different game styles and how this helped her.
‘‘It has changed the way I look and approach the game. I have played in Sweden and France, and in both of these countries, the game is different from how we play in the United States. I have to study the game more and also still use my athletic side. It has helped me in many ways such as getting out of my comfort zone, pushing me to focus even more on all the little details of the game, and giving me another perspective of the game of soccer.’’
Phoenetia Browne, St. Kitts and Nevis women’s national team player, played in various countries such as France, Iceland, Finland, Romania, and now Germany.
“Playing abroad has done so much for me as a player. It has challenged me in that I have had to learn how to adapt to different coaching styles, different playing styles, different levels of play, and different team dynamics. And find a way to still bring the level of performance that I expect from myself. It has helped me to be able to come into a new environment, observe the playing style and decide how I will use my strengths to be successful in my performance. It’s prepared me in that I know that no matter where I go, I will bring my game and perform.”
Growing as a Person
One of the most important takeaways from playing abroad was how it helped me grow personally. Adapting to a new culture, a new home, and learning the language all came with their own challenges. It would have been really easy for me to be overwhelmed with all of this change and get frustrated. But, I learned to adapt and be open to what the day brought. I tried to learn from each and every experience. That mindset shift made all the difference and has stuck with me ever since.
Ashley reflected on these challenges as well. ‘‘Playing abroad, I have learned new languages, learned new cultures, and made lifelong friends. I’ve been able to see cool parts of the world while also getting to play the sport I love as my job. It has also given me the ability to work on my patience and people skills in cases where I didn’t speak or understand the language. But, in the end, I still made relationships and now am fluent in French. I think more girls who love soccer should give playing abroad a chance for at least a year.’’
Phonetia said it was an eye-opening experience to see the game through different cultures. “I have built so many long-lasting relationships with teammates from all over the world. Even when there was a language barrier, we were able to bond through football. It’s been amazing to see how this sport can bring people from all different backgrounds together on the same playing field.”
BigFoot Sports Camp
Playing abroad is an amazing opportunity, but it can be tricky to get your foot in the door. BigFoot Sports Camps is trying to change that.
This is a great opportunity for college players to expose themselves to European clubs earlier. Not only will it elevate their game, but it will form connections to play abroad in the future. The camps are an all-inclusive experience, where players from all over will stay together in Laval, France. They’ll experience the life of many young European players who study and train at these centers to one day play professionally. The players will have the opportunity to play three French pro and semi-pro teams: Le Mans FC and GPO Issy 92 (in Division 1 Feminine) and La Roche ESOF (in Division 2 Feminine). Here are some more details:
When: August 13-21
Where: Laval, France – the CREF
What’s included: three games against pro teams, accommodations in shared rooms, meals and snacks, transportation, training, and game outfits, game film, and a sightseeing tour
Registration deadline: July 15
The goal of the camp is to give players exposure to the bigger world of football and some of the best competition in the world. It also boosts their soccer resume for future opportunities. I wish Big Foot Sports were around when I was in college!
Ashley does too–‘‘BigFoot Sports camps can help aspiring players by giving the platform to be seen by coaches all over the world. It also gives them the opportunity to reach out or connect with players who have or are playing abroad. I would have for sure done a camp like this when I was young. Because I know it could be a cool opportunity to play abroad, and this could have made that easier!’’
“I definitely think it is a great opportunity for players to get exposure to European clubs, especially if you weren’t able to get that through the college or school you played for,” said Phonetia. “Football for women is growing all over the world. Having the opportunity to play out here would be a great experience and definitely help to elevate your game.’’
If you think you or someone you may know would be interested in registering for this summer’s BigFoot Sports Camp, check out their website to learn more!
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