May 17, 2023
US Sports Camps Debuts French Football Federation Summer Camps Across Metro NY
Fresh off two trips to the World Cup finals, the French Football Federation brings their world-class instruction to US shores for the first time. Through a partnership with US Sports Camps, the official provider of Nike Sports Camps, young athletes can elevate their game with a fun, memorable week-long soccer camp experience like no other at three New York metro locations this summer.
As the governing body for French soccer teams since 1919, the French Football Federation operates 14 elite academies in France—including the widely-acclaimed Clairefontaine, which has produced one of the best strikers of all-time, Thierry Henry, and Champions League-winning forward Louis Saha.
After playing over 170 Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 games, Camp Director Jean-Claude Lafargue spent his retirement coaching future FIFA World Champions and supervising at INF Clairefontaine. Among his proteges are: Best FIFA Award contender Kylian Mbappe (Paris-St. Germain); France’s “youngest superstar,” Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich); and 2021-22 Bundesliga “player of the season” Christopher Nkunku (Leipzig).
Coaches from the French Football Federation Academy will teach the core fundamentals of the game using a mix of traditional and modern soccer coaching methodologies in a fun and competitive camp environment.
Lafargue explains, “Our coaches are tremendously excited to extend their talents outside France and into the US market—and the Nike name is similarly well-known and esteemed around the world, so it’s a natural fit for us. With the World Cup coming to North America in 2026, youthful excitement around soccer is skyrocketing.”
USSC Executive Vice President Brendan Doyle shares the sentiment, stating: “We’re overjoyed to bring the French Football Federation to America. FFF’s values of respect, commitment, tolerance and solidarity, while taking pleasure in learning the game, align with our brand. We feel the partnership provides a great opportunity for aspiring young athletes to elevate their soccer skills while enjoying fun, memorable camp experiences and making new friends. Not to mention, it’s exciting for parents who share a love of the game to watch their children blossom under world-class coaching.”
Nike Soccer Camps with the French Football Federation will take place at three locations in the New York metropolitan area this summer. Boys and girls ages 5-16 may choose from full-day or half-day options at Flowers Park in New Rochelle (June 26-30) or Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn (July 10-14 and July 17-21). Full-day, extended-day, and overnight camps are open to ages 10-18 at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry (August 6-10). Campers are grouped by age, ability, and experience, so athletes at all levels are welcome.
Registration for the Nike Soccer Camp with the French Football Federation is now open; capacity is limited and is expected to fill up quickly. Prospective campers and parents are encouraged to visit the Mercy College, Brooklyn Bridge Park, or Flowers Park websites for more information and to sign up.
About US Sports Camps:
For over 45 years, US Sports Camps has partnered with coaches across the country to produce leading youth sports camps. From traditional sports like basketball and football to activities like eSports and pickleball, US Sports Camps provides athletes with the support they need to develop their skills in a fun, challenging environment.