Every summer, young soccer players across the Central Valley have the opportunity to train with Fresno City College’s well accomplished soccer program. FCC women’s soccer team host annual summer camps designed to develop skills, build confidence and introduce players to the college recruitment process.
FCC women’s soccer head coach Oliver Germond emphasized the importance of these camps, not just for skill-building but also for connecting athletes to higher education opportunities.
“It’s just a good way of establishing relationships with local players in the valley,” Germond said.
A Gateway to College Soccer
The FCC summer camps cater to young athletes, typically ages six to 13, while high school players have the opportunity to attend specialized one-day clinics. These sessions introduce players to college-level training and give them firsthand experience of the competitive environment at FCC.
“The high school camp we just had three weeks ago had over a hundred girls come to that camp,” Germond said. “We put them through some of the drills we do with our own players, so they can see how we run our practices.”
Beyond training, the camps also serve as a recruiting tool for FCC. By attending, high school players provide their contact information, which allows the coaching staff to stay in touch and track their progress. Many former campers have gone on to play for FCC, with several earning scholarships to four-year schools.
“Sometimes I look back at pictures of our camps, and I see a lot of players who eventually played for us,” Germond said.
Expanding Outreach and Community Impact
FCC is taking an active role in expanding its outreach beyond Fresno. Recently, local high schools such as Tranquility High School have reached out, requesting that FCC bring training sessions directly to their students.
“We’re going to start going more off-campus to help kids in different areas develop,” Germond said. “Being a community college, it’s about the community and helping the sport grow.”
The camps also provide an opportunity for current FCC players to give back. The coach believes that having college athletes work with younger players is an inspiring experience for both groups.
“A lot of people have helped our players get to where they are now, and I think it’s important for them to give back,” Germond said. “The younger girls are always more excited to see our players than they are to see me.”
Developing Skills and Confidence
Skill development is a major focus of the camps. Training sessions include drills for passing, shooting, one-on-one play, and agility. Goalkeepers also receive specialized training.
“I think we do a good job trying to build confidence for younger girls and show them that it’s okay to dribble and take on players one-on-one,” Germond said.
FCC’s summer camps start on “July 15, 6 p.m.,” Germond said.
Local families looking to develop their child’s soccer skills will have another chance to be part of a program that has produced numerous college athletes.
To register for FCC women’s soccer girls camps, visit 2024 Girls Soccer Summer Camp – Fresno City College.
