The Marquette University men's and women's soccer programs host their second annual "Soccer Mom Camp" beginning with a celebration May 9 at Valley Fields.
Women can register to participate in the one-night event or the four-day camp, which includes a weekly skills clinic that also meets May 16, 23 and 30. All proceeds from the camp benefit the KICKS Against Breast Cancer campaign.
All women, not just mothers, over the age of 18 are encouraged to take part. Cost is $50 to attend the May 9 celebration and $150 to attend all four dates, including celebration and weekly clinic.
The one-night celebration / camp on May 9 is designed for the busy woman and is held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley Fields. The celebration includes various activities ranging from non-soccer aerobics to a soccer clinic and tournament. Participants receive a T-shirt, can interact with the Marquette soccer coaches and student-athletes and have the opportunity to win great prizes, including spa certificates.
Those who register for the four-day camp continue with soccer instruction and other activities May 16, and meet every Friday for the rest of May. This extended option allows participants to further develop their soccer skills and relationships with fellow campers. The final night features a cookout and tournament in a game-like setting under the lights at Valley Fields.
More than 55 women participated in last year's Soccer Mom Camp, which is endorsed by U.S. Soccer and Los Angeles Galaxy star Landon Donovan. The camp helped raise more than $5,000 for breast cancer research.
"We are very excited to have founded this great event to help the women we love," said camp co-founder and Marquette assistant men's soccer coach Khaled El-Ahmad. "This is a great event not only to raise money but to show the community and the women in our lives, that we care and stand by them."
The Marquette Soccer Mom Camp has garnered national acclaim and has been adopted by a number of collegiate soccer programs across the country, including Northern Illinois, Wake Forest, Purdue, Buster College, Augsburg and St. Mary's (Minn.).
