GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Tusculum College men's soccer head coach Allen Vital is proud to announce the addition of some exciting new programs with the launch of the Pioneer Soccer School.

The Pioneer Soccer School will offer various training opportunities and community engagement events throughout the year.

Four outstanding camps for players of all levels and positions will be available this summer, all under the Allen Vital Star Soccer Academy umbrella.

The Junior Day Camp and the Elite Residential Camp are entering their 10th year. Both of these camps exceeded their projected capacity last year, while attracting young players from as far as Taiwan, Ghana, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, and North Carolina.

New to this year's camp line-up are the Residential Goalkeeping Camp and the Path2College ID Clinic. Both are very exciting programs especially the Goalkeeping Camp which will feature Fulham FC goalkeeper coach Victor Bettinelli.

"I'm especially excited for the young goalkeepers of our area who will get this unique opportunity to work with a goalkeeper trainer of the caliber of Victor Bettinelli," said Vital. "Coach Bettinelli has helped develop some of the most outstanding goalkeepers in world soccer including: Edwin Van Der Sar (Manchester United, Ajax, Juventus, Holland's World Cup national team) and Kasey Keller (US national team, Seattle Sounders FC, Portland Timbers, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham FC).

The Path2College ID Clinic will offer training, a path to college seminar, and mentorship to high school age players who are preparing to play at the collegiate level. In addition to college level training sessions, participants in the program will receive valuable information to guide them through the recruiting and college application processes.

No matter what level you aspire to play, we will help you train for that goal. Join one of our camps this summer and elevate your game to a higher level.

Junior Pioneer Academy (May 27-29)

The Junior Pioneer Academy summer camp structured specifically for young players who are learning the fundamentals of the game. The sessions are open to both boys and girls between ages 5 to 8. Players are grouped according to age and ability level.

Practices for five and six year olds are designed to introduce players to the ball and the basic ball handling techniques. Players of that age group will also work on coordination, and teamwork.

Practices for seven and eight year olds will focus on teaching all the fundamental techniques of the game. Campers in that session will be introduced to some advance techniques. They will be given many opportunities throughout the week to use learned techniques in small group play. This session will incorporate teamwork and coordination training as well.

Residential Goalkeeping Camp (June 7-10)

The goalkeeper academy is open to goalkeepers of all levels (ages 8-19). Players will be grouped based on their age and ability level. Whether you are an established keeper at the club or high school levels or you are a young beginner, this camp will provide you the necessary training and help you improve your goalkeeping skills. The training sessions will focus improving the fundamental skills. Catching, positioning and footwork, distribution, and dealing with crosses will all be covered through the week. Coordination, agility, and strength training will be included as part of the curriculum as well.

Elite Residential Camp (June 28 - July 2)

This session is designed for the competitive player, age 8-19 years old (boys and girls). The curriculum will feature small sided games and age appropriate group tactics. The practices are structured so players can polish fundamental technical skills. This camp will help players become more comfortable on the ball and compete at a higher level in the future.

Sessions address dribbling skills, passing exercises, shooting and finishing, dribbling moves, faking, combination play, crossing and heading etc. We will also cover tactical topics such as ball-oriented defending, counter attacking, defending numbers down, etc. Small sided and full games are played throughout and at the end of each day. This camp is competitive and fun.

Path2College ID Clinic (August 9)

The Path2College ID Clinic will offer training, a path to college seminar, and mentorship to high school age players who are preparing to play at the collegiate level In addition to college level training sessions, participants in the program will receive valuable information to guide them through the recruiting and college application processes.

For more information, call the Tusculum men's soccer office at: (423) 636-7496.

- TC -