Soccer Camp
Take your game to the next level.
Directed by Mercersburg Academy’s boys’ and girls’ varsity coaches, Mercersburg Soccer Camp will focus on different skills each day for players who want to take their game to the next level.
The coaching staff brings years of experience working with soccer players of all ages and levels, from youth soccer clinics to collegiate championship teams. Each day will be filled with soccer activities. The skills taught will be age and skill appropriate. From beginning soccer players to experienced travel players, Mercersburg Soccer Camp will have something for everyone.
Athletes will participate in two or three training sessions per day, with an emphasis on the technical and tactical aspects of the game, and will also have a chance to apply these concepts each evening during our competitive 11v11 matches.
Mercersburg’s coaching staff will cover functional training by position, such as individual defending, midfield play and possession, and final third work for strikers and goalkeepers.
Meet the Director
Kristen Pixler has led the Mercersburg Summer Programs soccer camp for the past four years. She has been coaching soccer for nearly 15 years and holds a USSF D license. Kristen is head coach of Mercersburg’s girls soccer program and a member of the school’s arts faculty. Previously she coached and taught at Hanover High School outside of Richmond, VA. She grew up playing soccer club teams in northern Virginia.
“I really enjoy coaching, developing players in our summer camp, and working with the incredibly talented coaching staff,” says Kristen. “Every year, we see major skill development in our players, and we have a ton of fun on our beautiful campus.”
Kristen had the opportunity to travel to England on a school trip with 13 players to visit five stadiums and watch three English Premier League games. “I have been a Tottenham Spurs fan for more than 15 years,” she says. “Arsenal makes my skin crawl. Go Spurs, go Storm!”
Program Overview
Mercersburg fields varsity, junior varsity, and thirds teams to accommodate all skill levels, from beginners to those focused on playing soccer in college. More than a dozen former players are currently playing at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, as well as in the NAIA.
The boys’ varsity team has won six Independent-Parochial School League (IPSL) championships since the league’s inception and has earned berths in every PAISAA state tournament since soccer was added in 2011. The 2014 squad won the prestigious Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) championship and reached the state championship game. The girls’ varsity team has won five IPSL championships since the league was founded in 2011. Recent alumni have competed at the NCAA Division I level.
Our Facilities
Four of the school’s 11 athletic fields are dedicated to training and competition for the soccer program.
A Typical Day
8-8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
9-11:30 a.m.
Field sessions (technical work, small group activities, etc.)
12-12:45 p.m.
Lunch
1-2 p.m.
Swimming
2-4:30 p.m.
Field sessions or futsal
4:45-5:15 p.m.
Dorm time
5:30-6:15 p.m.
Dinner
6:30-9 p.m.
Evening activities (11v11 games, tournament, movie night)
9:15-10 p.m.
Dorm and lights out