The Columbus Crew announced today that it has partnered with club icon Brian McBride and his Attacking Soccer Academy on a pair of camps in Columbus from July 14-16. Two separate three-day camps will be offered for boys ages 13-18 and girls ages 13-16 at the Value City Fields at Easton, one from 9-11:30 a.m. each day and one from 12-2:30 p.m.
The cost of $225 per participant includes a 30-minute warm-up and one-hour training session with McBride and a one-hour training session with longtime Crew midfielder and current TV analyst Duncan Oughton, and a ticket to the Crew’s game vs. the San Jose Earthquakes on July 16.
At that game, fans will be treated to a halftime ceremony honoring McBride and his many contributions to the Crew. McBride was the first player selected by the Crew (and overall) in the 1996 Inaugural MLS Draft, and he went on to put together a transcendent eight-year career in Black & Gold, followed by nearly five high-scoring years with Fulham FC of the English Premier League. He concluded his career with the Chicago Fire in 2010 and founded McBride Attacking Soccer Academy.
“We are thrilled to both work with Brian and formally recognize his many accomplishments as a member of our organization,” said Crew President & General Manager Mark McCullers. “A true Crew icon, he will forever be associated with the club and we take great pride in honoring his decorated tenure in Black & Gold. We are equally excited about partnering with him on the upcoming camps in Columbus. As the most accomplished striker in U.S. Soccer history, there is no better resource for young attacking players in this country.”
McBride Attacking Soccer Academy focuses on five main emphases: Thought Processing (at pace); Dynamic Movement; Technique; Heading (inside/outside the box); and Pure Shooting. Brian will personally train each player in these five main emphases. During trainings, he will make sure to correct the small things that can make a good player great. In today’s soccer, the minutia is what can change things for a player, his or her team and eventually helping them get where they want to be. The training will be focused to help each individual understand his or her roles in each position.
“I am excited to get back to Columbus to help the Crew grow the sport of soccer from the youth level up,” McBride said. “My family and I have many great friends and memories in the community and we look forward to returning next month.”
A select number of spaces in the camps will be reserved for Crew Youth Development players for a limited time. For more information, or to register, CLICK HERE.
