ID Camps Part 1: Overview
Ages 13–15 & 16-18
If you are stepping into the college soccer recruiting world, you’ve probably heard the term “ID camp” but might still be unsure about what they actually are, how they work, and whether they’re worth the money.
This guide breaks it down simply: what ID camps are, who hosts them, what to expect, and the pros and cons to consider before signing up.
Key Takeaways
ID camps are designed for players to showcase their skills directly to college coaches.
Camps can be hosted by a single university, multiple schools, or a third-party organization.
They typically include training drills, small-sided games, and full scrimmages.
The biggest benefits are direct exposure and hands-on feedback, but there’s no guarantee of recruitment.
Costs can vary significantly, and not every camp is worth attending.
Identification camps, often referred to as “ID camps” or “ID clinics,” are usually one to three-day events designed to showcase players to college coaches for recruiting purposes. They also give players a chance to experience the college environment firsthand.
Some are single-day camps, while others span an entire weekend and include meals, dorm stays, and multiple sessions.
The goal is simple: give players the opportunity to be evaluated directly by college coaches in a controlled setting.
Who Hosts Them?
There are a few different forms of ID camps, but for the most part they can be broken down into two categories: university-held camps and third-party-held camps.
University-held ID camps: These camps are hosted by a specific university. The host school organizes the event, runs the sessions, and uses it as a tool to identify potential recruits for their program. Many schools also invite other college coaches to attend and recruit during the camp.
Example: At University of Denver’s July 2025 ID camp, they invited a bunch of other colleges to attend. At that camp, there were 10 other Division I schools (from California to Florida), 7 Division II programs, 2 Division III schools and 3 junior colleges (mostly local).
Third-party camps: These camps are organized by outside companies or individuals and bring together dozens of college coaches in one place. They run the sessions, while the attending coaches can scout and speak to the players. In these camps it is common for the college coaches to give talks in-between sessions. These camps can be based on factors like region or division.
Example: The Future 500 ID Camp runs multiple camps on the East Coast and at each one they typically host 30+ colleges (spanning Division I to Division III) to give wide exposure.
Who Attends?
Players who attend ID camps are typically interested in attending the host university or one of the other schools that will be present. These players are often looking to get on coaches’ radars or to strengthen relationships they have already started to build.
Camps are usually broken down by age or graduation year, so players compete against others in a similar stage of development.
Even though most players attending are between ages 14 and 18, the intensity and goals can vary.
Ages 13–15: Exposure and experience. It’s more about learning what college-level soccer looks like.
Ages 16–18: Evaluation and opportunity. Coaches are now watching to fill future roster spots.
What Happens at an ID Camp?
Each camp is structured slightly differently, but most include a combination of drills, small-sided games, and full scrimmages.
Typical camp activities include:
Technical drills: Passing patterns, first-touch exercises, and short possession drills to assess technical ability.
Positional or situational drills: Crossing and finishing, 3v2 to goal, or small attacking/defending scenarios that help coaches evaluate decision-making and positioning.
Scrimmages: Larger 9v9 or 11v11 games that allow coaches to evaluate players in-game awareness and ability to play within a team.
Campus tours and facilities visits: Many university-hosted camps include tours of the school, dorms, and training facilities.
Residency components (for overnight camps): Staying in dorms, eating in the dining hall, and interacting with college players or staff.
The Pros
1. Controlled evaluation environment
When coaches watch you play in a regular club or high school game, there are a lot of variables that affect what they see. At an ID camp, those variables are reduced. Coaches get to see your touch, movement, and game awareness up close.
2. Direct coach-to-player interaction
Before June 15th of your sophomore year, heading into your junior year, players cannot have regular recruiting conversations with college coaches. ID camps are one of the only exceptions. Even after that date, being face-to-face with a coach can go a long way toward building a genuine relationship.
3. More opportunities to be seen
During scrimmages and drills, you have the full attention of the coaching staff for an extended period of time. That rarely happens in tournaments or showcases where coaches are bouncing between multiple fields.
4. Networking and learning
If multiple coaches attend, you can talk with each of them, get feedback, and learn about their programs. You can also connect with current college players who are helping run the camp and hear their honest perspectives.
The Cons
1. Cost
ID camps can be expensive.
Non-residential camps typically range from $100 to $300.
Residential or overnight camps often range from $300 to $600.
For families traveling out of state, costs increase further once you add transportation and lodging.
2. Large camp size
Big showcase-style camps can have hundreds of players. That means less one-on-one time with coaches and fewer meaningful touches on the ball.
3. Inconsistent level of play
When a camp has a wide range of talent levels, it can be harder to find rhythm or stand out. Players who are significantly better or worse than the group can both struggle to showcase their game.
4. No guarantee of attention
If you do not already have some form of contact or connection with the coaching staff, there is no guarantee they will know to watch you. Emailing the coaches ahead of time, introducing yourself, and letting them know you will be attending can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts:
ID camps can be incredibly valuable experiences, especially when approached with the right mindset. They are not just about earning a scholarship on the spot, but about learning, gaining exposure, making connections with coaches, and understanding the level of play you are working toward.
By knowing what to expect and being intentional about where you go, you can make the most of every opportunity.
