Hi Vinnie –
Just a quick thank you for sharing the photo album. It was awesome to see the sights, hear a few more of Evan's stories, and get a sense of what the boys accomplished both on and off the field. It was a fantastic adventure for him thanks so much!
Hope you summer is winding down nicely with enough time to enjoy some R&R. It never ceases to amaze me how July 4 to Labor Day evaporates almost instantly
Evan says hello. (Today was try-outs for the fall team…J)
Take care!
Donna Rae
To Real Red Parents,
Last summer Devon went to a soccer camp in Costa Rica affiliated with Saprissa (similar to Manchester United in England or Barca in Spain, though not quite at that level). While we took a bit of a chance in not knowing the owner or some specifics of the camp, it turned out to be an incredible experience for Devon.
In addition to great hands on instruction, there were several other activities in Costa Rica including beaches, canopy tours, waterfalls, etc. Devon met some great new friends, learned about a foreign culture, and improved both his soccer skills and passion for the game..
He is looking forward to once again going this year July 12-26. The cost is very reasonable and I recommend the experience highly. The website is www.saprissasocceracademy.com The owner/general manager, Vinnie, is always available to answer any questions you may have.
If you are considering a soccer camp for your boy, this is a very unique and worthwhile experience.
Mike
Hi Vinny,
I have been meaning to reach out to you for some time. I hope all is going well with you and the camp. I don't know if James ever told you, but he wrote his essay to get into college about his experience at the camp. (He wrote about how important the sport was to the country etc).
I also wanted to let you know that when I asked James (and Doug) what they best camp they ever went to was Saprissa - by far. In case you were not aware - did want to share the good news, James made the roster for Ithaca as did Doug!
http://bombers.ithaca.edu/roster.aspx?path=msoccer
Thanks again for giving my son an experience that he will always remember. Will let you know how his college soccer goes...
Ronnie
Hey Vinny,
I just wanted to thank you for opening your camp. When I look back on it, it probably was the best soccer camp I have ever gone to. Everyone really bonded and helped me make friends with Denzel who I still keep in touch with. It really did help my game and gave me more confidence when I came back to the US. I never got to tell you. So thank you so much for that opportunity, it was something I will remember the rest of my life.
Doug R.
New York, NY
I found Vinnie's website very early on, actually way before he even had the application formalized. It sounded like a great program and my son Alex, 14 had been to Costa Rica before and felt comfortable going there by himself for soccer. I looked over the website and had many conversations with Vinnie. Vinnie seemed very positive about the experience and the description made us very comfortable. Alex was really excited. He had been the middle school soccer captain and the outstanding player on his team and against any rivals. He wanted to improve his skills as he is attending a very competitive high school and wanted to make JV. He is also thinking of a career in soccer.
This camp felt right along with the wonderful Spanish immersion program Alex had the opportunity to attend. Well, the camp was excellent. Alex absolutely loved it. The boys ate, drank, and slept soccer. The facilities were secure, clean, friendly, and had many amenities. Alex really enjoyed the coaches from Saprissa and can not wait to come back next summer. Vinnie was extremely responsible with the boys and treated them like his own. I can not say enough positive things about the experience. The Spanish was also excellent and gives Alex an edge this year. By the way, my son made the JV team. There are only 2 other freshman on the team. The rest are juniors and sophomores. There is also a fresh-soph team.
When soccer camp was over, my husband, daughter, and I joined Alex and toured the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and it was great. The people are very kind there and friendly.
I will be glad to answer any other questions or provide my phone numbers if you would like to talk with me or my son. I think Vinnie worked really hard and put alot of time, thought, and energy into this camp. It is not a mill and was very personalized.
I can't say enough positive things about the experience and my son is not easily pleased.
Sincerely,
Renee
My son Bobby attended the Saprissa Soccer Academy with Vinnie this past summer. He is 16 years old and a Junior in high school. Bobby describes the experience as the "best in his life." The soccer was very challenging. The skill level of the boys on Saprissa is much higher than he has ever seen. He learned a great deal them. He loved the adventures, especially the white water rafting. The food and Costa Rican culture was great. He is taking Spanish in school and attended the classes as well. He raves about Vinnie and everyone else who participated in the program. He keeps in touch with boys he met on the trip.
Bobby would be happy to discuss the program with anyone interested in attending. Feel free to contact us through Vinnie.
Ginger
Vinnie.
I have been meaning to write to you for over a month. I wanted to thank you for the fabulous camp you created. Jamie had an absolutely wonderful time. Playing with the Saprissa team was an experience he will never forget. It has definitely got him in good form. Plus all the fabulous trips that you took him on .. the volcano, hot springs, waterfalls, ziplining, white water rafting, the beach, professional soccer game? What an amazinng program. He really enjoyed it all. You did a terrific job . we really appreciate all that you did. Thank you.
By way we loved our time in Costa Rica (except that Jamie did get a little bored hanging out with his boring parents vs. his campmates and the Saprissa team).
Would love to hear what your plans are ? also is you need any kind of 'testimmonial' for your website? we would be happy to write one.
Hope all is going well with Year 2 of the Saprissa Camp. How did you get on Fox Soccer!!! That is great advertising for the club.
Best,
Ronnie
