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The 2026 Notre Dame Soccer Camp Guide: Dates, Elite ID Programs, And How To Get Recruited

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The University of Notre Dame Soccer Camps are widely regarded as one of the premier destinations for elite youth players seeking to transition to the college level. As of December 2025, the official 2026 camp calendar is beginning to take shape, offering crucial opportunities for high school athletes to train under the esteemed Fighting Irish coaching staff and showcase their skills on the legendary South Bend campus. The focus for these camps remains on high-level instruction, tactical development, and, most importantly for prospective student-athletes, direct exposure to the Notre Dame program.

The latest and most critical dates on the calendar are the Winter ID Camps, which serve as a direct evaluation tool for the coaching staff. For players serious about pursuing college soccer, these camps offer a rigorous and competitive environment that mirrors the demands of a Division I program. The information below provides the most current details, camp structures, and what you need to know about attending a Notre Dame soccer camp in 2026.

The Essential 2026 Notre Dame Soccer Camp Schedule and Focus

The Notre Dame soccer camp series is meticulously designed to cater to different age groups and skill levels, but its flagship programs are the Identification (ID) Camps and Elite Prospect Camps, which target serious college-bound athletes. These sessions are run directly by the Notre Dame Men's and Women's Soccer staff, providing an unparalleled recruiting opportunity.

Current and Upcoming 2026 Camp Dates (Men's Soccer)

  • Winter ID Camp: Saturday, January 31 – Sunday, February 1, 2026. This two-day session is the most immediate opportunity for high school players to be evaluated by the Notre Dame Men's Soccer staff.
  • 2026 Summer Camp Dates: Information on the Residential Advanced Soccer Camps and Summer ID Camps is listed as "Coming Soon" on the official Fighting Irish Athletics website. Prospective campers should monitor the official site closely for registration openings, which typically occur in early spring.

Women's Soccer Camp Structure and Eligibility

The Notre Dame Women's Soccer program, known for its national championship pedigree, offers Elite Prospect and Middle School Camps. These camps are open to any and all campers in grades 8-12, as well as Junior College (JC) players and 4-4 college transfers.

  • Elite Prospect Camps: Designed to challenge the elite player who is committed to pursuing soccer in college. These are high-intensity sessions focusing on technical refinement and tactical awareness.
  • Middle School Day Camps: These camps provide fundamental instruction and a fun, challenging environment for younger players in grades 6-8, focusing on core techniques. Previous camp costs for this session were approximately $200.

While specific 2026 dates for the women's summer camps are pending, previous summer camps have been held in mid-July, typically running for four days. The registration process is managed online through the official Notre Dame Athletics camps portal.

Meet the Notre Dame Coaching Staff and Training Facilities

A key differentiator for the Notre Dame camp experience is the direct and hands-on involvement of the entire Fighting Irish coaching staff. Attendees are not just learning the game; they are being evaluated by the very coaches who make recruiting decisions for one of the nation's top college soccer programs. This direct interaction is invaluable for any serious college prospect.

Men's Soccer Staff and Program Focus

The Men's Soccer camps are primarily run by the staff led by McFarland Family Head Men's Soccer Coach Chad Riley. Coach Riley, along with Assistant Coach Mike Graczyk, emphasizes a philosophy centered on technical excellence, tactical intelligence, and a competitive drive.

The ID Camps, in particular, are structured to give the staff an extended look at a player's ability to integrate into a collegiate system. This includes small-sided games, full-field matches, and technical training sessions designed to expose a player's ceiling and potential.

Women's Soccer Staff and Elite Training

The Women's Soccer camp experience is guided by Doug and Lisa Jones Family Head Women's Soccer Coach Nate Norman and Associate Head Coach Dawn Siergiej.

The women's Elite Prospect Camps are known for their rigorous schedule, often including multiple training sessions per day, classroom sessions on college recruiting and player development, and competitive matches. The aim is to replicate the daily life of a Notre Dame student-athlete.

World-Class Training Facilities

All Notre Dame soccer camps utilize the university's state-of-the-art athletic facilities, providing a professional environment for development. Campers train and play on the same grounds as the Fighting Irish teams.

  • Alumni Soccer Stadium: The primary competition field, offering a professional-grade playing surface.
  • Loftus Sports Center: An indoor facility that ensures training can continue regardless of weather conditions, essential for the winter ID camps.
  • Practice Fields: High-quality natural and turf fields utilized for daily training sessions and matches.

The College ID Camp Experience: What You Need to Know

The Identification (ID) Camps are the most crucial sessions for high school players with aspirations of playing college soccer. These are not merely instructional camps; they are intensive evaluation periods. Attendees are constantly being assessed on their technical ability, tactical decision-making, physical fitness, and mental toughness.

Key Components of the ID Camp

The two-day format of the Winter ID Camp is packed with activity designed to give the coaching staff a comprehensive look at each player. The schedule typically includes:

  • Technical Sessions: Focused drills to evaluate ball control, passing accuracy, and striking technique under pressure.
  • Small-Sided Games (SSGs): These games (e.g., 4v4, 7v7) are critical for assessing a player's Soccer IQ, decision-making speed, and ability to perform in tight spaces.
  • Full-Field Matches: The opportunity to play 11v11 in front of the coaching staff, showcasing tactical positioning, endurance, and communication skills.
  • Q&A/Informational Sessions: Typically includes a session with the coaching staff or current players to discuss the recruiting process, academic demands, and life as a student-athlete at Notre Dame.

Maximizing Your Recruiting Exposure

The Notre Dame ID Camps are designed for a select group of competitive players. To maximize your exposure and make a lasting impression, consider the following:

Be Proactive and Coachable: Coaches are looking for players who are receptive to instruction and show a willingness to adapt their game. Ask questions and demonstrate a high level of engagement in every drill.

Showcase Your "Elite" Trait: Whether it's speed, defensive leadership, or precise passing, make sure your best attribute is consistently on display. The coaches are looking for a few standout skills that translate to the college level.

Understand the Transfer Portal Context: The women's camps specifically note that they are open to 4-4 college transfers, but any NCAA transfer must be in the transfer portal before attending the camp. This highlights the current landscape of college soccer recruiting, where the transfer portal is an active component.

Registration, Cost, and Future 2026 Outlook

Registration for all official Notre Dame Soccer Camps is conducted exclusively through the official Notre Dame Fighting Irish Athletics website. It is crucial to register early, especially for the elite ID camps, as capacity is limited to ensure a high coach-to-player ratio for effective evaluation.

While the exact 2026 costs for the major summer camps are pending, past camp fees provide a general expectation:

  • 1-Day Elite Prospect Camp: Approximately $140.
  • Residential Advanced Camp: These multi-day camps, which include room and board, typically range from $650 to $750.

The 2026 Notre Dame Soccer Camps represent a vital step for any serious young player. With the Winter ID Camp already scheduled and summer dates on the horizon, the opportunity to train with the Fighting Irish staff and compete against top talent is right around the corner. Stay locked into the official Notre Dame Athletics website for the latest 2026 summer camp announcements and registration details.

The 2026 Notre Dame Soccer Camp Guide: Dates, Elite ID Programs, and How to Get Recruited
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noter dame soccer camp

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