LFA Soccer Camps
Lake Forest Academy Soccer Camp is designed for players ages 9 to 15, whether they are just starting or looking to take their skills to the next level. The camp focuses on individual technical skills, small-sided tactical development, and physical conditioning, all delivered through engaging and competitive sessions.
Campers will participate in drills, small-sided games, and speed, strength, and agility training, using both modern training methods and the classic “street soccer” approach to develop independent thinking, creativity, quick decision-making, and soccer intelligence. Every challenge teaches something new, and every success builds confidence, helping players grow both on and off the field.
Special events such as Competition Day, Jersey Day, and a celebratory End-of-Camp Ceremony make the camp memorable while building teamwork and fostering a lifelong love of soccer.
Registration
Registration is now open.
Tuition & Terms of Payment
Full payment is required at the time of registration for each camp session. Tuition includes all camp activities, instruction, and use of facilities.
Payments are made online at the time of registration. Lake Forest Academy does not accept deposits or partial payments. For any billing questions, please contact Judée Koppenhoefer at jkoppenhoefer@lfanet.org or 847-615-3228.
Refund & Credit Policy
- Cancellations received before June 1, 2026 will receive full refund.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations made on or after June 1, 2026. In cases of illness or injury prior to camp, a camp credit will be issued for a future session or the following year.
Soccer Camps Contact
Payment Inquiries
Lake Forest Academy
1500 W. Kennedy Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Attn: Judée Koppenhoefer
jkoppenhoefer@lfanet.org or 847-615-3228
Camp Details
Secure Your Spot!
Secure your spot today and take your game to the next level this summer at Lake Forest Academy Soccer Camp!
Spaces will fill quickly for this high-energy, skill-building experience that challenges players to grow, compete, and have fun on and off the field.
Residential & Day Camp
- Dates: July 19-22
- Ages: 9–15
- Gender: Co-ed
- Camp Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (varies by group)
- Check-in: 12-1 p.m. on the first day of camp
- Check-in Location: Marshall Field House
- Check-out: 11 a.m. following final games and award ceremony
Meals: Hot meals provided 3 times daily
- Day 1: Dinner
- Days 2, & 3: Breakfast*, Lunch, Dinner
- Final Day: Breakfast*
*Breakfast is for overnight campers only,
unless arranged in advance
Extended Day Hours
- Day 1 Extended Hours: 1 - 8:15 p.m.
- Day 2 & 3 Extended Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:15 p.m.
- Day 4 Extended Hours: 9 - 11 a.m.
Location: Meet at Soccer Fields
Camp Info
This program is geared towards players of all abilities. Campers will work on mastering the proper fundamentals, techniques, and advancing their overall skills and knowledge of the game. A great opportunity for players to learn through a mix of drills, games, and competitive play. With a number of different camp options for all to enjoy!
Housing
Subject to change based on camp numbers
- Dorm Name: Marshall Field House
- Number of Campers per Room: 2–4 (no more than 4 to a room, regardless of request)
- Roommates: Rooms are assigned by age & roommate requests. Roommate requests must be mutual. If a camper doesn't have a roommate request, they will be placed in a room with someone near their age. It will be a great opportunity to meet someone new!
- Linens: Not provided. Bring linens or a sleeping bag, pillow, pillowcase, and towel.
- Air Conditioning: A/C available in dorms.
What's Included in the Fee?
- Instruction: Training from high-level coaching staff
- Overnight Campers: Dormitory housing on campus, and all meals are provided.
- Extended Day campers: Breakfast is not provided
- Supervision: Staff members reside in rooms strategically placed throughout the dorm to provide optimal supervision and participation in all activities
- Camp Apparel: All campers receive a Lake Forest Academy (LFA) Camps t-shirt
Instruction, Equipment, & Facility
- Ratio: Low camper to coach ratio (10:1)
- Groupings: Campers are grouped by age, ability, and experience
- Equipment Needed: All campers must bring soccer cleats, shin guards, athletic shoes, and a water bottle.
- Facility: Lake Forest Academy
- Medical Protocol: There will be an athletic trainer on-site to help with illness or injury during all active soccer sessions. In case of an emergency, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital.
Checklist of Things to Bring
Below is a suggested list of clothes, equipment, and personal items. Lake Forest Academy is NOT responsible for lost or stolen articles or money.
Overnight Campers:
- Athletic clothing (1-2 pairs/day)
- Soccer Cleats (no metal studs)
- Shin guards
- Water bottle
- Sunblock
- Comfortable off-court clothing (pants/shorts, shirts, sweatshirts, 1 pair/day)
- Undergarments (1-2 pair/day)
- Swimsuit and beach towel
- Pajamas
- Bathrobe
- Flip flops
- Laundry bag
- Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, facewash, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
- Personal items & medications
- Eye mask, ear plugs (optional)
- Washcloth and bath towel
- Alarm clock (optional)
- Fan (optional)
- Bed sheets
- Comforter or sleeping bag
- Pillow and pillowcase
Extended Day Campers
- Athletic clothing
- Soccer Cleats (no metal studs)
- Shin guards
- Water bottle
- Sunblock
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Small gym bag/backpack
Technology Policy
- Camp encourages minimal device use
- Boarding campers may use phones: 7–9 a.m. & 8:15–10:30 p.m. only
- Day campers may use devices for necessary communication with parents
Parent Communication
- Multiple staff contact points provided at check-in
- Counselors assist campers to reach parents if needed
Transportation
Transportation is not provided. Campers are responsible for getting to and from camp on their own. There is no supervision before or after camp hours, so please make arrangements to pick up your child on time.
Soccer Balls
Please note that it is not required or recommended to bring a soccer ball to camp, as they are provided by the staff for camp instruction.
Medical Protocol
All LFA Camps have an athletic trainer on-site during active sessions to help with illness or injury. In case of an emergency, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital.
Meet the Coaches
Camp Director
Ackim Mpofu
Ackim Mpofu brings a wealth of international playing and coaching experience to his role as Camp Director for Lake Forest Academy’s Soccer Camp. A former captain of Zimbabwe’s Youth Olympic Team, he represented Zimbabwe at the U15, U17, and U20 levels. At the collegiate level, Ackim played for Northeastern University serving as a captain and St. John’s University, earning All-CAA honors twice, and competed with Reading United in the U.S. and Highlanders FC professionally in Zimbabwe.
In addition to his playing career, Ackim is a Grassroots U.S. Soccer License holder who has coached at Bolts Academy and CM International Soccer Camp, and currently leads the LFA Varsity Girls Soccer program. A former High School All-American himself, Ackim understands the pathway from youth to elite levels and is passionate about creating a camp experience that develops skills, builds confidence, and fosters a love for the game.
Play Development Lead
Paul Makovec
Paul Makovec joined Lake Forest Academy in 2011 and has been an integral part of the school community ever since. After leading the Mathematics Department from 2018 to 2024, he transitioned into academic leadership as Dean of Faculty in 2025.
Paul brings over 23 years of high school and club soccer coaching experience, including 15 years at LFA, where he currently serves as the Head Varsity Boys Soccer Coach. His leadership and deep understanding of the game have helped shape a competitive and character-driven soccer program that emphasizes growth, teamwork, and integrity on and off the field.
A former collegiate player at the University of Indianapolis, Paul was a two-time team captain and standout competitor. He also earned All-State honors in high school, serving as captain for two seasons.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from the University of Indianapolis and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Ball State University. His dual dedication to academic excellence and athletic development continues to inspire LFA students and athletes alike.
Sample Schedule
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7 a.m. | Wake-up | Marshall Field House |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast | JC Cowart Student Center Cafeteria |
| 8:50 a.m. | Walk to Field | Soccer Fields |
| 9 a.m. | Day Campers Arrival Check In and briefing of the day with the campers via World Cup Teams |
Soccer Fields |
| 9:15-11:15 a.m. | Main Session | Soccer Fields |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Lunch | JC Cowart Student Center Cafeteria |
| 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Break | Marshall Field House |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Seminar | TBD |
| 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Technical Session/Games | Soccer Fields |
| 4:30-5 p.m. | Short break | |
| 5-6 p.m. | Dinner | JC Cowart Student Center Cafeteria |
| 6:30-8 p.m. | World Cup Evening Games | Soccer Fields |
| 8 p.m. | Extended Day Campers Pick Up | Soccer Fields |
| 8:15-10 p.m. | Evening Bonding Activity | ex. pool, game night, watch soccer w/pizza night, etc. |
| 10 p.m. | In Rooms | Marshall Field House |
| 10:30 p.m. | Lights Out | Marshall Field House |
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can attend LFA Soccer Camp?
The camp is open to boys and girls, ages 9–15, of all skill levels. Players are grouped by age, ability, and experience to ensure competitive balance and player safety.
2. What level of player is this camp designed for?
LFA Soccer Camp is designed for players of all abilities—from beginners developing fundamental skills to advanced players refining tactical awareness and game strategy.
3. What kind of coaching can campers expect?
Campers receive top-quality instruction from experienced former professional coaches and collegiate-level staff who focus on player development, teamwork, and leadership. Training sessions include a balance of technical drills, small-sided games, and competitive scrimmages.
4. What does a typical day at camp look like?
Each day includes on-field training, skill stations, tactical sessions, and match play, along with fun team-building activities and rest breaks. Residential campers also enjoy evening activities in the dorms.
5. What should campers bring?
Campers should bring soccer cleats (no metal studs), shin guards, athletic clothing, and a water bottle. Overnight campers should also pack linens or a sleeping bag, pillow, towels, toiletries, swimsuits, and casual clothing for off-field time.
6. Are meals provided?
Yes. Overnight campers receive three hot meals daily, while extended-day campers receive lunch and dinner. Breakfast is provided only for overnight campers unless arranged in advance.
7. Where do overnight campers stay?
Campers stay in Marshall Field House, which features air conditioning and rooms that accommodate 2–4 campers. Roommate requests must be mutual, and campers without a request will be paired with peers of similar age.
8. What is supervision like?
Our staff-to-camper ratio is low (10:1) to ensure individual attention and a safe, structured environment. Camp counselors and staff members live in the dorms and supervise campers during all activities.
9. What if my child has a medical issue or injury?
A certified athletic trainer is on-site during all active sessions to provide medical support and first aid. In case of an emergency, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital.
10. Can parents attend training sessions?
Parents are welcome to attend designated viewing times, especially for the final day’s games and awards ceremony. Details will be communicated prior to camp.
11. Is transportation provided?
No. Campers are responsible for their own transportation to and from camp. Please arrange prompt drop-off and pick-up, as there is no supervision before or after camp hours.
12. What’s included in the camp fee?
- Professional instruction from experienced coaches
- Dorm housing and meals for overnight campers
- Lunch and dinner for extended-day campers
- LFA Camps T-shirt
- Access to LFA’s world-class fields and athletic facilities
13. What happens if there’s inclement weather?
Camp will continue rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, sessions will move indoors to our indoor turf and/or be adjusted for safety while maintaining a full day of soccer-related activities.
14. How do I register?
Registration is available online through the Lake Forest Academy Soccer Camps registration form. Spaces are limited, and early registration is recommended to guarantee your spot.