How to Prepare for an ID Camp: What to Do Before, During, and After
Most players show up to an ID camp, play hard, and hope for the best. The players who leave with real recruiting conversations started do a bit more than that. They arrive prepared, they know how to make the most of the time they have in front of coaches, and they know what to do after the weekend ends.
Here is a practical guide to getting the most out of an ID camp.
Before Camp: Set Yourself Up
Email the colleges you are interested in — before you arrive.
If you know which college coaches are scheduled to attend the camp, email them in advance. Tell them who you are: your name, class year, position, club team, and a brief line expressing genuine interest in their program. Include your highlight video link.
A player who has already reached out and expressed interest is more likely to receive focused attention. Keep the email short. A couple paragraphs is enough. The goal is to be a name they recognize when they arrive.
Arrive physically ready.
Summer can provide an opportunity for players to relax a bit – that is fine and might be needed – but make sure you are fit prior to camp. It will help you show well not just on day 1, but throughout the entire event.
During Camp: How to Make an Impression
Free up and play your game.
The most common mistake players make at ID camps is trying to do too much — taking risks they would not normally take, attempting things outside their comfort zone, or forcing moments to stand out. Coaches evaluating players are experienced at identifying players that fit their programs, you do not need to try and over-perform or play your best game ever. Free up and play the way you play in any regular match. Be yourself.
Communicate on the field.
Coaches notice players who organize their teammates, call for the ball, and communicate defensively. Verbal communication is a sign of soccer intelligence and leadership — two qualities that cannot be measured from film alone. If you are naturally vocal on the field, let that show. If you are not, make a conscious effort to be more communicative than usual.
Be coachable during organized sessions.
Most ID camps include some structured coaching or instruction, not just games. How you respond to coaching — whether you listen, adjust, and apply feedback quickly — is something coaches pay close attention to. A player who is easy to coach is a player coaches want on their roster.
Introduce yourself if the opportunity arises naturally.
If you have the chance to speak briefly with a coach after a game or during a break, take it. Keep it short: your name, class year, and a sentence expressing genuine interest in their program. You do not need a long conversation to make a meaningful impression.
After Camp: Follow Through
Send a follow-up email within 48 hours.
The window immediately after an ID camp is one of the most valuable in the recruiting process — and most players do not use it. Within 48 hours of camp ending, email every coach whose program you are interested in. Thank them for attending. Reiterate your interest in their program and invite them to continue the conversation.
Be patient but proactive.
Recruiting conversations rarely move at the pace players want them to. If a coach does not respond immediately, it does not mean they are not interested — it may mean they are still evaluating, waiting on roster decisions, or simply managing a high volume of communication. Continue following up on a reasonable cadence and keep building relationships with every program on your list.
Future 500 ID Camp brings 50+ Division I, II, and III college coaches to each event specifically to identify recruits. Boston: July 17–18. Philadelphia: July 25–26. Both camps are filling now.
