Every summer, fields across Manatee and Sarasota County fill up with camps, clinics, and training offerings. From local park sessions to private trainers offering small group workouts, parents have more options than ever before. Its a new world, that is for sure.

But with so many choices available, one big question comes up:

How do you know which program is actually the right fit for your athlete?

The truth is that not all summer training environments are created equal. Some are built simply to fill time. Others are designed intentionally to help players grow, develop confidence, and take real leaps forward before the next season begins.

Summer can be one of the most important development windows for young athletes. While many players take a break from improving, others use the offseason to sharpen their skills, increase their physical capacity, and build a deeper understanding of the game.

For parents and players trying to make the right decision, here are a few things to consider.

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What Parents Should Look For in an Off-Season Program

A great offseason program should accomplish four things:

1. Keep the game fun
   Players should enjoy showing up each day. When athletes are engaged and excited, they absorb more and develop faster.

2. Provide real learning opportunities
   Quality coaching matters. Look for licensed coaches with real playing or training experience who can teach the game properly.

3. Challenge athletes appropriately
   Growth happens when players are pushed slightly outside their comfort zone.

4. Prepare players for the next season
   The right environment builds fitness, confidence, and decision-making that carries into fall competition.

The reality is that many programs  don’t have the resources, facilities, or staff to deliver that full experience.

That’s where DME Academy, Sarasota is building something different.

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Option 1: Boarding Camp Experience in June

One of the unique opportunities available to Sarasota athletes this summer is the DME Academy Boarding Camps hosted at the DME campus in Daytona Beach. This is not your typical day camp.

Players will train and live on a state-of-the-art private campus, with full access to:

• Secure dorm accommodations

• Full meal service

• Three training sessions per day

• Strength and conditioning programming

• Futsal training

• Outdoor field training

• Recreational and social activities

Because the camp operates on a private campus, athletes benefit from a structured, safe environment where soccer development and fun go hand-in-hand. For Sarasota families, the program offers a chance to experience the full academy environment at an affordable rate.

Learn more here: 

2014-2017

June 5th-8th

2014 + older

June 25th-30th: 

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Option 2: Monthly Camps With DME @ GSI

Another exciting development this summer is the launch of DME Academy training camps model~

Through access to a 40,000-square-foot indoor training facility at GSI, athletes will be able to train in an environment that most local programs simply cannot match.

Florida summers are hot. Storms are frequent. Most camps rely on local park fields with limited shelter and minimal facilities.

This new program changes that completely and gives athletes a look at what our full-time student athletes do year round.

Athletes will have access to:

• Indoor soccer training  (Futsal)

• Outdoor field sessions

• Strength and conditioning

• Air-conditioned training spaces

• A student lounge and café for recovery and relaxation

• Transportation to and from outdoor fields

• Safe, secure facilities with proper restrooms and shelter

Camps will be offered in weekly and monthly packages, giving families flexibility throughout the summer.

In addition, older DME athletes will have opportunities to assist younger players, gaining valuable leadership experience while earning hours and compensation.

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A Different Kind of Training Environment

The goal at DME Academy Sarasota is to create something unique.

Rather than simply running drills on a field, the focus is on building a complete development environment where athletes can train, recover, learn, and enjoy the game on the field, in the gym, and with other like-minded athletes. 

At the moment, there is no other organization in the Sarasota and Manatee area offering this type of structured indoor-outdoor training combination.

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Don’t Forget: Rest Matters Too

One final piece of advice for families planning their summer schedule:

Make sure your athlete takes a break.

Development doesn’t happen through nonstop training alone. Players need time for their bodies and minds to recover.

Parents should consider scheduling at least one full week off in June, July, or August where players step away from the game entirely.

Even during camps, good coaches know how to “read the room.” Sometimes that means reducing intensity and focusing on things like:

• Video analysis

• Tactical learning

• Scanning exercises

• Classroom sessions

• Recovery and mobility work

Rest is not the enemy of development. It’s part of the process.

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Looking Ahead

Summer is a powerful opportunity for athletes to grow while others stand still.

The right environment can help players build confidence, sharpen their skills, and return to the fall season stronger than ever.

At DME Academy Sarasota, the goal is simple:

Provide a summer experience where athletes can learn, compete, have fun, and take real steps forward in their development.

Stay tuned for more details and registration information as the upcoming summer programs are announced. ⚽️