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Nike Soccer Camp with Next Star at Howard University

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Camp Overview

IMPROVE YOUR GAME AND HAVE SERIOUS FUN

Join us for an incredible week of soccer development at the Nike Soccer Camp with Next Star at Howard University! Led by Director Phillip Gyau, Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Howard University, former U.S. National Team player, and Maryland Soccer Hall of Famer, and Co‑Director Paul Torres, former University of Maryland standout who played professionally in Europe and is renowned locally for his player‑development expertise, this camp delivers a premier training experience built on Next Star’s proven, elite training curriculum.

Designed for players ages 6–18, this high‑level program ensures that every athlete, whether just beginning or already competing at an advanced level, has the opportunity to grow, improve, and take their game to the next stage. Campers will learn new skills, sharpen technique, build soccer IQ, and enjoy high‑energy training sessions led by an inspiring, experienced coaching staff rooted in top‑tier youth development.

A true summer highlight, this camp provides the ideal environment for young players to build confidence, make new friends, and have fun playing the game they love!

Highlights Include

  • Unique, structured camp curriculum featuring elite technical training, game‑knowledge development, and competitive yet fun scrimmages.
  • Elite professional coaches and support staff
  • Low camper to coach ratio with campers grouped by age, ability and experienced
  • Enjoy best‑in‑class facilities in a top‑tier location designed to elevate every athlete’s experience.
  • Nike Camp T-shirt
  • Team Discounts for groups of 4 or more! Request your discount code through our team discount form below

Camp Coaches

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    Phillip Gyau

    Camp Co-Director

    Phillip Gyau is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in American soccer, bringing more than two decades of elite coaching experience and a distinguished professional playing career to the Nike Soccer Camp with Next Star at Howard University. A former U.S. National Team forward, international professional, and nationally recognized developer of youth talent, Gyau combines unmatched passion with a proven record of guiding players to their highest potential. His background as a championship‑winning athlete, mentor, and leader makes him an exceptional role model for young players and an invaluable co‑director for this camp.

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    Phillip Gyau

    Camp Co-Director

    Gyau, a proud Howard University alumnus (B.A. ’87), returned to his alma mater in April 2014 when he was named Head Coach of the Men’s Soccer program. His playing career includes time abroad in Belgium and multiple seasons in the United States, where he captured several major titles, including the 1987 U.S. Open Cup, the 1990 American Professional Soccer League Championship with the Maryland Bays, and the 1994 APSL Championship with the Montreal Impact.

    Following his playing days, Gyau transitioned seamlessly into coaching, spending a decade leading the U.S. Men’s National Beach Soccer Team, helping elevate the program on the international stage. His impact on youth development is equally remarkable: Gyau has long been recognized as a local coaching icon, celebrated for his unmatched dedication and his ability to identify and nurture top talent. He has coached and influenced numerous elite players, including his children, U.S. National Team player Joseph Gyau and professional player Mia Gyau, as well as many others who have gone on to collegiate, professional, and national‑team success.

    Gyau’s influence extends deep into the local and regional soccer communities, where he has guided several clubs to state and regional championships while earning widespread respect both domestically and abroad for his developmental philosophy and coaching excellence. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the Maryland Soccer Hall of Fame in 2007.

    Today, Coach Gyau continues to inspire the next generation of athletes through his leadership at Howard University and his commitment to fostering growth, passion, and excellence in youth soccer. His presence as Co‑Director of the Nike Soccer Camp ensures young players receive world‑class instruction rooted in experience, integrity, and love for the game.

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    Paul Torres

    Camp Co-Director

    Coach Paul Torres is widely recognized for his exceptional expertise in youth player development, bringing a sharp eye for detail, professional playing experience, and a proven ability to elevate athletes of all levels. Known for his thoughtful, technique‑focused approach, Paul has built a reputation for shaping confident, intelligent, and technically sound players who thrive both individually and within team environments.

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    Paul Torres

    Camp Co-Director

    Paul enjoyed a successful six‑year professional career in Sweden and Norway, competing at some of the highest levels in Scandinavia. Before turning pro, he was recruited to the University of Maryland in 2009, where he competed for two seasons in one of the nation’s top Division I programs.

    His youth career is one of the most decorated in the region. As a standout for the Bethesda Roadrunners, he helped secure three state championships and two regional titles. Paul then captained the D.C. United U16 and U18 Academy teams, winning the U17 MLS Cup Championship and leading teams to two Youth MLS Cup titles. He was twice named D.C. United Academy Player of the Year and earned U‑17 MLS Cup MVP honors.

    At the national level, Paul was selected to the U.S. Soccer Federation U16 Starting XI in 2008 and 2009, as well as the Region I U18 Starting XI in 2009. Starting at age 16, he also trained regularly with the D.C. United First Team, an experience that accelerated his development and helped launch his collegiate and professional career.

    Today, Paul is deeply committed to mentoring youth players. He is passionate about 1‑on‑1 training, building strong groups, and providing athletes with the technical tools and mindset necessary to reach their full potential. His coaching style blends professional experience with personalized attention, making him a trusted and influential leader for aspiring soccer players.

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    Mia Gyau

    Professional Player- San Diego Wave FC

    Mya Gyau brings a unique blend of professional experience, elite soccer education, and a deep passion for youth development to the Nike Soccer Camp. Currently playing professionally with San Diego Wave FC, Mya draws on years spent training and competing at the highest levels, both in the U.S. and abroad, to help young athletes grow with confidence, purpose, and joy.

    Mia Gyau 150x150

    Mia Gyau

    Professional Player- San Diego Wave FC

    A product of the renowned Duke University women’s soccer program, Mya cultivated a high-level understanding of technical development, game IQ, and the mental resilience required for long-term success. Her experience within U.S. Youth National Team environments (U‑14 through U‑20) further shaped her ability to teach advanced concepts in a way that is clear, encouraging, and age‑appropriate.

    Mya’s coaching style is rooted in patience, detail, and connection. She excels at meeting young players where they are and helping them progress through thoughtful instruction, strong communication, and a genuine investment in their growth—on and off the field. She is especially passionate about empowering young athletes through confidence-building, movement education, and positive mentorship.

    Coming from a family deeply embedded in American soccer, her father, Phillip, is a former U.S. National Team player and her brother, Joseph, has competed professionally around the world, Mya brings a lifetime of high-level soccer insight to every session.

Camp Details

CAMP INFO

You can expect high demand on these first-come-first-serve camper spots, so please be sure to register early.

  • Camp Dates:

    • June 22-26, 2026 (Mon-Fri)

    • June 29-July 3, 2026 (Mon-Fri)

    • July 6-10, 2026 (Mon-Fri)

  • Ages: 6-18

  • Gender: Coed

  • Half-Day Hours: 9am-12pm

  • Full-Day Hours: 9am-3pm

  • Meals: Lunch is NOT provided
  • Location: Howard University - Greene Stadium

*Check-in starts 15 minutes before camp start time

ABOUT NEXT STAR

Next Star is a premier soccer development program focused on building complete players through high‑level technical, tactical, physical, and psychological training. Their philosophy emphasizes passion, diligence, and long‑term growth, giving both players and parents valuable insight into youth leagues, academy pathways, college recruitment, sports psychology, nutrition, and discipline. Led by former professionals and nationally recognized coaches, the program delivers elite instruction grounded in real playing experience, with inspiring guest appearances from top‑level athletes who reinforce the values of consistency, fundamentals, and resilience.

With more than 25 years of proven player development success, Next Star’s training has produced hundreds of collegiate, national team, and professional athletes through high‑intensity, detail‑oriented sessions that elevate ball mastery, speed of play, and game intelligence. Players train on state‑of‑the‑art fields using modern performance tools, all within a diverse, motivating environment that attracts athletes from around the world and provides opportunities for exposure to college, academy, and professional scouts. This combination of elite coaching, professional‑grade facilities, and a track record of advancing players makes Next Star a trusted choice for families seeking meaningful development for their young athletes.

SKILL LEVELS

Nike Soccer Camps provide a fun and challenging environment where players are grouped by age and ability to maximize development. Guided by experienced coaches, campers sharpen their technical skills through focused training, dynamic drills, and small-sided games, building confidence and a lifelong passion for the game.

TEAM DISCOUNT

Bring your teammates and save! To claim your discount, simply fill out the Team Discount - Soccer with your group’s name and the names of all campers registering. We’ll create a unique discount code just for your team!

PREPARE FOR CAMP: COMPLETE YOUR PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST

To view your customer account, complete your mandatory forms, pay balance dues, and review important camp information, visit Pre-Camp Checklist

All necessary camp information is on this page. If there are any imperative changes prior to camp start, registered campers will be notified via email and this webpage will be updated!

The information below is based on previous years and is subject to change each year.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE FEE?

  • Instruction: Training from the Howard University Men's Soccer Team and Next Star coaching staff

  • Day campers: Lunch or snacks are not provided. Please bring a packed lunch. There will be a water station available to fill up and stay hydrated

  • Supervision: Staff members are strategically placed throughout the camp to provide optimal supervision and participate in all activities

  • Camp T-shirt: All campers receive a Nike Soccer Camps t-shirt

INSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT, & FACILITY

  • Ratio: Low camper-to-coach ratio

  • Groupings: Campers are grouped by age, ability, and experience

  • Equipment Needed: All campers must bring a soccer ball, soccer cleats, shin guards, athletic shoes, and a water bottle.

  • Facility: Howard University - Greene Stadium

  • Medical Protocol: Most camps have an athletic trainer on-site to help with illness or injury. In case of an emergency, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital

CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING

Below is a suggested list of clothes, equipment, and personal items. US Sports Camps is NOT responsible for lost or stolen articles or money.

  • Athletic clothing
  • Soccer Cleats (no metal studs)
  • Shin guards
  • Water bottle
  • Sunblock
  • Packed lunch and snacks
  • Small gym bag/backpack

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is not provided. Campers are responsible for getting to and from camp on their own. There is no supervision before or after camp hours so please make arrangements to pick up your child on time.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL

Most camps have an athletic trainer on-site to help with illness or injury. In case of an emergency, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital.

COMPANY POLICIES

For information regarding our cancellation policy and all other company policies, please visit USSC Policies

NIKE SOCCER CAMP FAQ

For general questions about our soccer camps please see our FAQ page

***Camps are open to any and all entrants. Enrollment in our camps is limited only by age, gender, and capacity restrictions as specified by each camp.

Important Information & Sample Daily Schedule

Equipment Needed All campers must bring soccer cleats, shin guards, athletic shoes, and a water bottle.

9:00am Check-in

9:00-9:30am Rosters and juggling

9:30-10:00am Speed, agility, quickness drills

10:00-10:30am Technical introduction

10:30-11:00am Technical development

11:00-11:45am Full pressure activity

12:00-12:45pm Lunch/Snack Break

12:45-1:45pm Small-sided games

1:45-2:45pm Scrimmages

2:45pm Wrap up

3:00pm Campers depart

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Howard University - Greene Stadium

What Camper Families Say

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