Two players on a soccer pitch in a 1v1 situation.

From Train Effective Camps

to very first PRO contract

updated on March 14th, 2024

3 mins read

Itgel attended the Train Effective Football Camp ⚽️ in Miami, USA in December 2022 / January 2023.

In only a matter of weeks since then, he has signed his very first pro contract at the age of 16 with FC Bavarians (2nd division in Mongolia). ✍️

He noted that “I believe that living and breathing football for 3 weeks at the camp put me in the perfect position to become a better player”. ⚽️

He also gave a special mention to our very own coach Simon O’Neill for his valuable advice and guidance during the camp. 🗣️

So what is Itgel referring to with his experience at the camp?

Here are 3 key takeaways you can apply to your own game:

1) Create a sports high performance environment

When Itgel mentions "living and breathing football for 3 weeks", he's talking about the environment which pros have on the daily. That means sleep, rest, recovery and so forth ... so all the things you do at the Train Effective Camps.

We mirror this philosophy by providing athletes with a comprehensive environment that supports their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

By creating a holistic environment akin to that experienced by professionals, Train Effective empowers players to excel both on and off the field.

Some tips to mimic this at home:

Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly for energy and muscle function.
Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours nightly for recovery and focus.
Active Recovery: Stretch and use foam rollers to prevent injuries and aid muscle recovery.

2) Surround yourself with experts

Itgel gave a special mention to one of the residential coaches at the camp, Simon O’Neill.

Simon is a national scout. He's the Head of Pro Game Academy & U21 Manager at Liverpool.

His lifelong experience in football helps players gain an edge. Mentorship is key. Daily wisdom and advice from someone more knowledgeable than yourself. Be a sponge.

Don't have good coaches around you and not ready to join a camp, try our app where you can learn more from Simon!

3) Want to play abroad? Try it first.

Itgel is from one of the coldest places on the planet. At the camp he told us about the stories of bracing frosty, minus conditions to play the game he loves. And with his own dreams of aspiring to play abroad one day, what better way to see if its a match then trying.

In Miami he was able to expose himself to a new environment and align himself with foreign coaches that'd support his development.

The great thing is then you come home and get to apply all the things you've learned, which make you better and even more motivated!

And Itgel is just one of out many players who have worked with our coaches, learned how to analyse and work on their strengths and weaknesses, and then went on to reach their next goals in football.

And you can do so too!

Regardless of where you are on your journey, we can help you reach the next step in your football career! Just book a call with our Camp Expert Sam Shaban, a former professional player himself.

Book your 1-on-1 Call

In the call, Sam will speak to you (and your parents) about your individual playing situation and work out a plan with you how our camps can help you reach that next step in your journey - just like Siam Yapp has done!