The Berkshire Soccer Academy For Girls (BSA) is a unique training setting for girls, ages 10 to 15, who are passionate about soccer and looking to elevate their game. As the only specialty soccer camp to actively infuse balance and fun into a rigorous training environment, BSA is intentional about cultivating meaningful relationships among athletes and coaches, while, at the same time measuring and tracking each athlete's progress.
Location: The Berkshire Soccer Academy for Girls takes place at The Berkshire Sports Academy, a picturesque 116-acre training facility located in East Otis, Massachusetts, approximately 2 hours drive from Boston and 2.5 hours from New York City. The camp surrounds a private and pristine 20-acre lake and is adjacent to the 1,000-acre Tolland State Forest.
Facilities: Our athletic facilities include two full-size, natural grass fields; and one artificial turf practice field. We also have a shooting wall with turf surface, basketball court, and an indoor strength and conditioning area. Other areas include our lakeside dining hall, playhouse with stage, and oversized recreational deck. The lake is outfitted with boats, swimming and fishing docks and a blob.
Residential Life: Athletes live in newly renovated cabins with pine-paneling, comfortable beds, electricity, screened windows, and storage areas. Each cabin has its own bathrooms and showers. A typical cabin houses 8-12 athletes, and 2-3 cabin counselors, many of whom are NCAA soccer players from our soccer staff. Cabin Counselors provide ongoing supervision and promote friendships among cabin-mates.
Staff: Directors Eric and Liza oversee a team of highly qualified and reliable individuals who carefully manage every aspect of the Academy experience. Soccer Staff and Elective Staff work together to create a balanced community of healthy competition and fun, both on and off the soccer field. Every BSA staff member is hired and trained to be a positive mentor and to help provide an inclusive and fun environment for each and every girl.
Soccer Training: The “Berkshire Way” is about preparing our athletes to be well-rounded and fully capable soccer players and girls. From the beginning, athletes are separated by skill-level and grouped into small teams of 6-10 girls. These teams train daily with the same coach, who ensures each player is improving and having fun. The teams also play numerous league games to focus on tactical strategies and team play. Both coaches and players enjoy the benefits of getting to know one another; and these meaningful relationships, combined with an elite training environment, yield extraordinary improvement.
Another unique Academy trademark is the mental skills training that is intentionally woven throughout all aspects of the Academy experience. Dr. Tiffany Jones, PhD integrates her instruction during technical and tactical sessions on the field, but also during separate workshops off the field. Alongside Tiff, all Academy staff are trained to encourage the “whole player” development of each athlete by maximizing opportunities that challenge them physically, mentally, and socially.
Daily Schedule And Other Activities: While every day at the Berkshire Soccer Academy for Girls is unique and full of surprises, the days do follow a common structure. On a typical day, girls participate in three soccer-specific periods, two elective periods, and one evening activity. We bring variety to each 6 and 10-day session with “Wacky Berkshire Days” that can include surprise events and special guest appearances, such as Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) or US National Team players.
Food: A well-balanced and nutritious menu provides the girls with the energy and nutrition necessary to compete at the highest level. A variety of entrees and side dishes are offered at each meal. Fruit, salad, and pasta bars are always featured, with fresh local produce and whole grain pastas, breads and cereals. We offer healthy snacks every evening, with occasional indulgences like ice cream, homemade desserts, and s'mores of course!
Directors: Liza & Eric Wittenberg direct the Berkshire Soccer Academy for Girls, working year-round to create a safe, inclusive environment for each girl to develop as a player, make friends and have fun.
Eric grew up at Elmwood Day Camp in White Plains, New York where he was a camper and staff member, holding many supervisory positions. Eric ultimately rose to be Athletic Director where he trained and oversaw a staff of 14 coaches. He also worked as the full-time Program Director at Woodmont Day Camp in New City, New York. He has a Masters in the Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Northern Colorado. He graduated from Keene State College where he played baseball and rugby. Eric also founded CrossFit Potrero Hill, a unique training and fitness facility in San Francisco.
Liza graduated from Georgetown University where she captained the Hoyas Division I Women's Soccer Team. After college, Liza taught elementary school in the Bronx through Teach for America, and then directed a global citizenship program in ten major US cities for the United Nations Association-USA. Liza has held various athletic director and coaching positions at both traditional and soccer camps, including the North Carolina Girls Soccer Camp under the direction of legendary Coach Anson Dorrance. Liza is also a certified CrossFit trainer.
Additional Information: Please contact Liza or Eric Wittenberg by phone at 800-326-9219, or email us below.
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