HOW I GOT TO TRAIN FOR FREE IN NYC?
- Pari Surana
- May 30, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: May 27, 2024
Whenever we hear about people training abroad, our minds naturally assume that only "rich kids" can afford to do this, and for the longest time, I did too. While there's definitely a cost involved, here's how I trained for free in New York for two months. Read on to find out how!
My sports psychologist suggested this incredible opportunity, and what started as a mere idea quickly became a reality. In this blog, I will recount the reasons behind my decision, the steps I took to contact coaches, how I got to train for free, and the resources for y'all to attend summer camps abroad for almost no cost!
2 Reasons Why I Chose To Do A Summer Camp:
Training in the US for Skill Enhancement:
The driving force behind my decision to train in New York was my ambition to get recruited by a US college for diving. As a 1-year diver in India, I wasn't even qualified to compete at the district level in the US. However, I knew that the facilities in India for diving were not sufficient for me to accomplish my Olympic dreams. I realised that the NCAA offered a pathway to achieving my aspirations. With only one year to elevate my skills to catch the attention of college coaches, I decided to attend a summer camp in the US. That way, I could get the best training, meet coaches, and accept college offers!
Exploring New Training Environments:
Training abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me socialise and become more independent. It allowed me to be carefree and truly enjoy my sport. The difference between the training environments in India and the US is striking. In the US, I could bond with my coaches, joke with teammates, and still perform at my best. In contrast, the atmosphere in India is often overly strict, leading to fear and suppression among athletes, which won’t do any good in the long run. Attending a summer camp abroad gave me a refreshing perspective, a change from the daily grind, and a healthier and more enjoyable training experience.
How to Reach Out to Coaches :
Step 1: Speak to Your Parents.
The journey to attending a summer camp began with an open conversation with my parents. I enlisted my sports psychologist to help explain the importance of the camp and its potential impact on my performance. If you want to embark on a similar journey, it is critical to communicate your passion and commitment, as well as how investing in a summer camp can contribute to your growth as an athlete.
Step 2: Search for sports-specific clubs.
Once your parents are on board, the next step involves researching sports clubs in your desired location. Use AI to compile a list of clubs and summer camps that correspond to your sport. Take note of the coaches associated with each club; you can easily find their contact details on their sports club website. Craft a well-written email introducing yourself, expressing your interest in their club's summer camp, and requesting further details. Be patient and wait for their response, and don't hesitate to send a follow-up email if necessary.
Step 3: Arrange a call.
Upon receiving responses, you can request coaches to fix up calls for you to get a better understanding of their camps. This also gives you the opportunity to inquire about other camps or coaches who may offer similar programs. Even after your call, make sure to maintain regular contact with the coach, as this shows your interest in and dedication to attending their camp. If possible, involve your parents in conversations with the coaches to make sure there is enough clarity.
How did I get the opportunity to train for free?
Now, here’s the part you’ve all been waiting for: How did I manage to train for free? Here’s how:
Constant communication:
I focused on building a rapport with the head coach of one of the summer camps I had shortlisted. I made sure to call him at least once a month and email him every two weeks to keep him updated on my training and competitions. Even before attending his camp, this constant communication helped me establish a relationship with him. During our calls, I didn’t just talk about my sport or his camp; I shared my background, dreams, and the vision behind my decision to come to the US.
Conversation with Parents:
In addition to speaking with him myself, I arranged a call between him and my parents. This helped him understand my family background, making him feel more comfortable and confident about making an offer. My parents’ involvement added credibility and transparency to the conversation.
His Offer:
Initially, I thought he was independently hosting summer camps for diving. However, I later learned that he was organising camps under a larger summer camp company. This connection led him to offer me a volunteer coaching position for the kids at the dive camp, allowing me to train for free. As a result, I trained for at least 3.5 hours a day and coached younger kids. Although I had to cover my living and food expenses, this opportunity saved me a lot of money and helped me gain leadership skills, making me the youngest coach at the camp!
Tips to Train for Free :
Do not fall for scams.
Be very clear about the financial aspects, and don't hesitate to ask about costs. In my case, even though I didn't have to pay for two months of summer camp, I initially thought it was a three-month program and ended up paying for one month of regular classes. The coach’s communication was unclear, so it’s crucial to have your parents discuss the financial details, especially if you’ve been offered free training. This ensures there are no misunderstandings or hidden costs.
Be open to asking for volunteer opportunities.
In the US, people start interning and volunteering at a young age, so there’s a good chance you can get a volunteer position as a coach at a summer camp. Don’t hesitate to ask the coach about such opportunities. The worst that can happen is that they say no. By asking, you might train at no cost and gain invaluable experience.
Here are a bunch summer camps y’all could reach out, If you're interested in learning more about any of these summer camps, please feel free to reach out :
CONCLUSION
One final thing I would like you to do is write down the outcome you want from this trip, your main goals, and the skills you want to work on over the summer. You should also sit down with your coaches in your hometown and discuss the things that they want you to work on and build on. It's very important to keep your coaches updated about your training because, at the end of the day, you're going to come back and train with them, so always keep them informed.
If you follow the process and steps mentioned above, I truly believe you can find an amazing summer camp for your sport, and who knows, you might even be able to train for free! So, stay persistent and don't give up on the journey because you never know what opportunity will come your way.
What were your thoughts on the blog? Would you be willing to travel abroad for your sport?
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