Student and Parent Quotations
At
the end of every session, we ask the students to complete evaluations
of every aspect of the program. We are also are fortunate to receive
several emails and letters from parents whose daughters attended the
JFSLA. We have included some of our favorites below!
Excerpts from student evaluations from 2009 (first name and TEAM name):
NJ:
“I thought it was really interesting how we got to be coached by professional soccer players who went through all that we are going through.” (Jalo, GERMANY)
“They have shown me to always be myself and help everyone around me. They have made me laugh so much this week, and all I want to do is pass it on.” (Shay, CHINA)
“The staff is amazing and motivating. Leaving this camp, I feel inspired to make a difference in my community and hopefully eventually, the world. I feel I am more confident as a player and have learned to “love the skin I’m in!!” (Rachel, CHINA)
“The evening talks impacted the way I think and have no doubt improved my leadership and personality. The soccer sessions included drills that incorporates learning and had effective ways of teaching us skills.” (Megan, CHINA)
“This camp has affected me so much because I used to just sit on the couch and watch the day go by, but now I want to make a difference in the world to be a leader and a great soccer player. I have also learned so many more soccer skills that I can’t wait to use on the field.” (Mackenzie, IRELAND)
“This camp has affected me. I feel confident and strong. I am a leader. I also fell in love with soccer more which I didn’t think was possible. I pledge to choose to matter, and I found my voice.” (Krysta, USA)
“They gave me drills, advice, and confidence to being back to my home teams and influence them to be better leaders. I want to get my soccer team involved in a community service project and I would never have thought of doing that without this camp.” (Annie, USA)
“I came to this camp not knowing what it would offer. I never knew they would apply soccer and it’s concepts to real life so greatly. I was impressed and it definitely improved my soccer skills as well as my self-character.” (Stephanie, USA)
“This camp and its staff are amazing. I don’t always get this kind of encouragement, advice, or exposure during the school year. It inspired me to be a leader, a public servant, and be a better person. It is my happiest and favorite week of the year.” (Casey, USA)
“It has affected me positively, I want to take everything home with me and really work hard for my varsity team. As captain, it is really important to take what I learned and teach it to others.” (Samantha, NORWAY)
IL:
“The staff all seems like they were so connected and all on the same page about making sure we got something out of this, and making it the best experience possible: it worked. I will take everything I learned from this amazing staff and incorporate it into my life.” (Bridget, USA)
“Its taught me that doing good stuff for others makes you feel great about yourself.” (Maggie, MEXICO)
“Up until the age of 13, every summer I would go to a soccer camp and hate it because I would always feel excluded and the first time I came here, it was amazing. Best camp EVER.” (Emily, GERMANY)
“It has influenced me to make whatever difference I can in the world, and to not be afraid to try anything.” (Aly, GERMANY)
“This camp has helped me so much becoming a leader and known how to deal and act under pressure situations. Also they have influenced me to always follow my dreams, never give up, and to be quick, but don’t hurry. I just want to say, I am so blessed to have this opportunity.” (Charlene, USA)
“Personally, this camp has affected me in my personality and truly the way I am inside and out. It has changed my perspective towards other and my feeling towards other fellows. It has changed me to be a better person.” (Dalia, MEXICO)
CA:
“The one word I would use to describe my experience at JFLSA would be inspiring. Here, your staff and team mates are constantly encouraging and challenging you to push yourself, try your best, and achieve your goals.” (Emily, NIGERIA)
“This camp has helped me to feel that every comment that I make has an effect on how a team or group looks at me as a leader. Consequently, I feel more apt to encourage and speak up on and off the field. Also I feel like I am truly able to make a difference.” (Arikai, GERMANY)
“It has made me more confident and vocal on the soccer field. I feel like a stronger player and person.” (Maddie, IRELAND)
“I came last year and I went back a better person, but I was still shy and now thi year, I feel like I’m totally a different person of the field. Maybe I has more courage to step out of my comfort zone, which I am how comfortable with.” (Alondra, GERMANY)
“I can’t believe how different I feel, I want to make a difference now. Before, it was like, yeah, I’ll donate some money, but now I’ll choose to matter.” (Lena, NORWAY)
“It has taugh me to be more courageous and to not care what other people think because being ‘cool’ isn’t always the right was to fit in. Be yourself!” (Molly O, CHINA)
“This is my first time coming here and let me tell you I had so much fun here. I didn’t want to leave here I had so much fun!” (Kimberly, SWEEDEN)
“I have become more confident, better at controlling my nerves, performing under pressure, and being thankful for the life I’m living.” (Kelsie Burns, ENGLAND)
Words of thanks from the parents of 2009 attendees:
NJ:
"Choosing to matter isn't just what you all say, it's what you do -- and we notice!"
"It was [my daughter's] second year – and once again she loved it. Thanks for inspiring her and pushing her to become a better soccer player and leader. Fabulous stuff."
"The staff was incredible, the organization equally amazing, and [my daughter] was completely sparked by the mentors she encountered, from her coaches, to the guest speakers, and of course Juile herself, who stands out as uniquely available to the girls-something that I can't say enough about."
IL:
“Something told me when I found the website for the Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy that it was different... That it was far more than just another summer soccer camp, and I was right.
"I wanted to say thank you for such a great camp. My daughter was so excited and happy at the end of each day. She talked nonstop on the drive home about all the things she'd done and learned all week. What a fantastic camp! From a parent's perspective the camp was well worth the money. The accommodations, the food (so I hear, was healthy and very good), coaches, speakers, etc. …I'm so impressed that Julie not only lends her name to the camp, but is actually there in person. She was a great lady, very motivational and what she's doing for these girls is an experience I know my daughter will never forget. Wonderful life skills as well as soccer skills that she can use in her daily life."
CA:
"My daughter attended your Leadership Academy this summer at St. Mary's. She came back a different person. She has more self-confidence, she constantly says 'I'm doing-- because it is leadership behavior' and 'I'm not doing-- because it is not leadership behavior.' She apologizes when she is wrong and has stopped justifying her behavior - she leaves it at the apology. She is taking an amazing amount of responsibility. As a mother and a psychologist, I am in awe of your academy. I am grateful to you and your staff. What you are doing is truly amazing. THANK YOU."
"I also love the theme and content they are covering and that Julie talks about. I am thrilled [my daughter] is a part of this!
"We appreciate the time that you take to make us feel connected to our daughters this week. As a mom of a ‘first-time camp attendee’ and, the first time my daughter has ever been away for more than one night!, I am very appreciative of these pictures. It looks fun and my daughter keeps using the word ‘inspiring’ when I talk with her! I know she is safe and happy and learning tons!"
