Matt thoroughly enjoyed the Brazil Trip. From the pre-trip training, through the games, the sightseeing and the exposure to Brazilian life, Matt delighted in his new friends, the great soccer, and so many new experiences. (I hope it goes without saying that he also came back a better soccer player.) Thanks for everything you did to make this trip such a wonderful experience for him.
Barbara and Randy Bovbjerg
The National Capital Soccer Academy's 2004 Brazil trip was a wonderful cultural and athletic experience for my son, Chris. He received a solid introduction to Brazil's rich culture and language, as well as an opportunity to experience soccer the Brazilian way. We'll never forget the games on the beach in Santos or attending our first professional game in Sao Paolo. In addition, the trip significantly improved Chris' soccer skills. Thom's caching style and positive attitude made practice fun and each game a learning experience. His emphasis on fundamentals helped Chris enhance his ball control skills and in-game decision making. We're looking forward to doing it again!
Mark Borges
The session my son Dominic did with Thom last year was a real breakthrough for him. It increased the fun he gets from the game by giving him the chance to play with school mates who are not on his team. It also increased his overall skill level to such an extent that regular watchers of his rec team were amazed at the improvement in his contribution.
David Sarley
Father and DC Stoddert Rec Team Coach
Thom Heath runs a strong clinic. My son, David, attended Thom's Winter Indoor Soccer Program SENSATIONAL SOCCER and he learned technique, tactics and how they go together. As a player, Thom can show; as a coach Thom can not just "tell" but can explain "WHY" in ways kids can understand. My son came away from the clinic a much stronger player. He also had a lot of fun and is looking forward to more of Thom's camps in the future. I strongly recommend Thom's camps for the child who has played a few years and is ready for the next step.
Donald Weightman
Father of David
Thom has a wealth of experience working with young soccer players. His emphasis on skills development and focus on creating complete soccer players clearly benefited my son, Jordan. Thom was Jordan's NCSL coach, 1996-99, and Jordan has attended several of Thom's summer camps and winter clinics.
In large part, as a result of Thom's guidance, Jordan has become a fine NCSL and Virginia State Olympic Development Program(ODP) player and has won first place in soccer skills competitions at the local, regional, and national level including being the MLS National Skills Champion for his age group."
Eric Graye
Father of Jordan Graye
My daughters, Emily and Naomi, and many kids I have coached have attended Thom Heath's outdoor summer camp and winter indoor soccer programs for years. They keep returning for two simple reasons: The programs are great fun and the kids consistently see their skills and understanding of the game improve.
Ron Flagg
Thom Heath is an extraordinary fitness teacher who understands how to motivate young kids. In a short period of time working with my daughter he made her stronger, more flexible, and gave her an understanding of what it means to "go to the next level of her tennis game." Thom would help any youngster in any school athletic program.
Stephen Long
parent
Father of the Number-1 ranked Varsity Tennis Player
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
The coaching staff of The National Capital Soccer Academy under the direction of Thom Heath provide kids and especially girls with the tools to reach their playing goals.
My daughter has attended a number of camps from the age of eight to eleven. She has enjoyed them all and I have enjoyed watching those camps. What sets NCSA apart from the others is their teaching and player development successes. I am always amazed at how just one week of NCSA's teaching and instructive play can bring out such wonderful results from even the most timid young ladies. From day one, girls develop their agility, speed, conditioning, individual attacking and defensive skills as well as overall team play. I have observed that there are two things that are very important when teaching girls to play sports: first, one must be very clear and straightforward when explaining concepts or techniques; and second, girls need to have confidence in themselves and their skills before they will try different tactics or techniques in the flow of play. Thom and his staff excel in both departments.
Michael M. Frodyma
parent
The NCSA is led by Thom Heath, who is the most impressive youth soccer coach that I have observed here. There are several reasons supporting my impression and recommendation: First, Thom knows how to play soccer the artistic (contra journeyman) way. Second, which follows, he emphasizes soccer skills and footwork (unlike many coaches who escape teaching by letting kids run into exhaustion, without ball! -partly because they don't have the skills and thus cannot teach what they don't know). Third, Thom teaches field positioning (which, together with lack of skills and ball control, plague youth soccer). Finally, which is remarkable, Thom has a demonstrated sense of fairness (without showing favouritism during practices), games aesthetics (he is a former ballet dancer, as all soccer players double at), and is able to recall the name of every pupil. Your daughter will be well served by participating in Thom's camp.
Ednaldo Da Silva
Former Brazilian Pro Player and
Father of Lara Da Silva
E-mail: admin@nationalcapitalsocceracademy.com