Sports Academy

Grades 5–8
July 13-17
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Instructor: Roberto Barron
Fee: $245

Build Skills, Confidence, and a Love of the Game

Step onto the Academy diamond and elevate your game at this camp designed for players eager to strengthen their fundamentals in a fun, supportive, and highly engaging environment. Led by a former Penn State baseball player and longtime Academy Summer counselor and coach, this camp blends high‑level instruction with the positive, encouraging coaching style that helps athletes grow both their skills and their confidence.

Throughout the week, players will develop all the core essentials of the game:

• Hitting mechanics — stance, load, timing, bat path, and situational hitting
• Fielding fundamentals — glove work, footwork, angles, and clean transfers
• Throwing and pitching technique — proper mechanics, accuracy, and arm care
• Base running — reads, jumps, turns, and smart decision‑making
• Game awareness — positioning, communication, teamwork, and strategy

Drills are tailored for middle school athletes, ensuring the right balance of challenge and success. Every session features upbeat skills stations, small‑sided competitions, and game‑speed reps designed to build athleticism and reinforce good habits. Most importantly, campers train in a positive and supportive environment where effort is celebrated, mistakes become learning opportunities, and players will grow and improve.

Equipment Needed: Campers should bring a baseball glove, athletic cup (strongly recommended), cleats or turf shoes, baseball pants, and a refillable water bottle. Campers may also bring their own bat if preferred.

About the Coach

Coach Barron attended high school at Albany Academy, where he played varsity baseball for three seasons. He received dual Bachelor’s degrees in Secondary Education: Social Studies and Sociology at Penn State University at Harrisburg, where he pitched four-years on their NCAA D3 baseball team. He began working at Academy summer programs in 2021 as a counselor and has continued working as a teacher since the summer of 2023.
 

Grades 9-12  | July 20-24 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Grades 5-8   | July 20-24  | 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Grades 5-8 | August 3-7  | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Grades 9-12 | August 3-7  | 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Grades 5-8  | August 10-14  | 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Fee: $225

Experience one of the fastest‑growing team sports in the country!

This high‑energy half‑day camp invites athletes to dive into ball hockey, a fast, skill‑building, and highly accessible version of hockey played on foot. Training takes place inside Albany Academy’s ice rink, where the ice will be fully melted and transformed into an ideal, smooth playing surface for ball hockey. Playing in a real hockey rink adds excitement, authenticity, and a level of play that you simply can’t get in a gym, making every drill and scrimmage feel like the real thing.

Athletes will develop fundamentals including: stick handling, shooting, passing, positioning, and teamwork. Daily sessions blend fun skill stations, small‑area challenges, scrimmages that keep players moving and engaged. Whether new to the sport or ready to compete at a higher level, campers gain confidence, athleticism, and a love for a sport rapidly growing nationwide. wWhether your athlete is brand‑new to the game or eager to level up, this camp builds confidence, athleticism, and a love for a sport that continues to gain national momentum. Learn more about the sport’s expansion at USA Ball Hockey.

Equipment Needed: Campers should bring a hockey stick, shin guards, athletic gloves, sneakers or indoor court shoes, and a refillable water bottle. A mouthguard is strongly recommended.

Grades 9-12  | July 13–17 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Grades 5-8  | July 13–17 | 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Grades 9-12  | July 27–31 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Grades 5-8  | July 27–31 | 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Grades 5-8  | August 10-14 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Fee: $225

Fast-Paced Fun & Fundamentals in the Box!

Get ready to step into the box! This camp introduces middle school athletes to the exciting, high‑tempo world of box lacrosse. Players will build strong fundamentals like quick passing, sharp shooting, tight‑space dodging, defensive footwork, and fast decision‑making through engaging drills and nonstop small‑sided play.

All sessions take place inside Albany Academy’s hockey rink, melted for the summer. The enclosed, board‑lined space creates an authentic box lacrosse environment that elevates every aspect of play. The boards, quick rebounds, and tight dimensions make every rep more dynamic, giving athletes more touches, more speed, and more fun. Whether your player is brand new to box or ready to sharpen their skills, this high‑energy camp offers fast action and endless excitement. Offered multiple times over the summer — come once or join us multiple times this summer.

Equipment Needed: Campers must bring a lacrosse stick, helmet, gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads, mouthguard, athletic shoes, and a refillable water bottle.

Grades 5-8  | July 27-31 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Grades 8-12 | August 3-7 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Coach: Matt Woodworth, Albany Academy Coaching staff
Fee: $245

A Fun, Safe, High‑Energy Introduction to One of the World’s Fastest‑Growing Sports

Discover the excitement, strategy, and teamwork of rugby in this non‑tackle camp. Perfect for beginners and returning players, this camp offers a fun, safe, age-appropriate environment. Athletes will learn the core fundamentals that make rugby such a dynamic game, including:

• Passing technique and handling under pressure
• Evasion skills such as footwork, agility, and finding space
• Support play — how to move as a unit and create opportunities
• Field awareness and decision‑making
• Team strategy and communication
• Fitness, coordination, and balance

Players focus on skill development, confidence, teamwork, and understanding the flow of the game without tackling or collisions. The hands‑free format encourages athletes to learn through movement and play. Rugby’s popularity continues to grow in the United States, and this camp offers a welcoming pathway into the sport, blending athletic development with a culture of respect, resilience, and teamwork.

Equipment  Needed: Campers must bring a mouthguard, cleats or turf shoes, athletic clothing suitable for outdoor play, and a refillable water bottle.

About the Coach

Born and raised in Albany, Matt Woodworth grew up playing football, baseball, and running track at Colonie High School. After graduation, he played rugby at Siena University and continued his rugby career in Oregon, competing in the PNWRFU Division II Men’s 15s and 7s league for three and a half years. When he returned to the Capital Region in August 2025, he began coaching as the JV head coach and varsity assistant for the boys’ soccer program, as well as serving as an assistant coach for track and field. Matt is passionate about bringing sports into everyday life and helping students discover activities that keep them active, engaged, and building lifelong healthy habits.

Grades 5-8  | June 29-July 2 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Fee: $200
Grades 5-8  | July 20-24 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Fee: $245
Grades 5-8 | August 10-14 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Fee: $245
Coach: Matt Woodworth, Albany Academy JV Soccer Coach 
*No camp on July 3 

High‑Energy Training with Albany Academy Soccer Coach Matt Woodworth

Join us for a fun, high-energy soccer camp focused on building skills, confidence, teamwork and a love of the game. Coach Woodworth brings a positive, player‑centered approach which helps players develop strong technical foundations and game awareness through engaging drills, small‑sided play, and coached scrimmages designed to maximize touches and keep everyone moving. Players will focus on:

• Dribbling & ball control — footwork, touch, rhythm, and creativity
• Passing & receiving — accuracy, movement, and give‑and‑go play
• Finishing techniques — shooting form, composure, and decision‑making
• Defensive fundamentals — positioning, pressure, balance, and timing
• Small‑sided tactics — spacing, communication, and game awareness
• Fitness, agility & speed — developed through fun games and challenges

This coed camp welcomes players of all experience levels, from beginners discovering soccer to seasoned athletes preparing for school or club teams. Campers leave with sharper skills, increased confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the sport. A perfect half‑day experience for players who love soccer and want to keep improving in a supportive, encouraging environment.

Equipment Needed: Campers must bring shin guards, soccer socks, cleats or sneakers, and a refillable water bottle.

About the Coach

Born and raised in Albany, Matt Woodworth grew up playing football, baseball, and running track at Colonie High School. After graduation, he played rugby at Siena University and continued his rugby career in Oregon, competing in the PNWRFU Division II Men’s 15s and 7s league for three and a half years. When he returned to the Capital Region in August 2025, he began coaching as the JV head coach and varsity assistant for the boys’ soccer program, as well as serving as an assistant coach for track and field. Matt is passionate about bringing sports into everyday life and helping students discover activities that keep them active, engaged, and building lifelong healthy habits.

Grades 5-8   | June 29 - July 2 | 1–4 p.m.| Fee: $200  *No camp on July 3
Grades 9-12 | July 6 - July 10  | 1–4 p.m. | Fee: $245
Grades 5-8   | July 13 - July 17  | 1–4 p.m.| Fee: $245
Grades 2-4   | July 20 - July 24  | 1–3 p.m. | Fee: $170
Grades 9-12 | July 27 - July 31  | 1–4 p.m. | Fee: $245
Grades 5-8   | August 3-August 7 | 1–4 p.m. | Fee: $245
Grades  2-4  | August 10 - August 14 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fee: $170
Grades  5-8  | August 10 - August 14 | 1–4 p.m. | Fee: $245

Coach: Mike Murray, Albany Academy Varsity Swimming Coach and Aquatics Director

Equipment Needed: Campers should bring a swimsuit, towel, swim cap, goggles, flip‑flops or water shoes, and a refillable water bottle. Swim caps are optional for beginner swimmers.

Learn More About Aquatics Programming at Academy Summer
 

Grades 9-12  | June 29 - July 2* | 1–4 p.m.  Fee: $200 
Grades 5-8   | July 20-24  | 1–4 p.m.     Fee: $245
Grades 5-8   | August 3 - August 7  | 1–4 p.m. Fee: $245
*No camp on July 3
Coach: Peter Green, Albany Academy Varsity Tennis Coach

Academy Summer’s half‑day Tennis Camp offers a focused, high‑quality experience for students looking to develop their skills, build confidence, and deepen their understanding of the game. Led by Albany Academy’s Varsity Tennis Coach, this program provides expert instruction in a supportive, energetic environment.

Through a combination of skill development, drills, match play, and strategy, campers work on technique, footwork, consistency, and sportsmanship. Instruction is tailored to meet players where they are—supporting both developing athletes and those looking to refine their competitive edge.

This three‑hour format allows for meaningful on‑court instruction while maintaining an engaging, active pace. Campers benefit from individualized feedback, structured practice, and opportunities to apply skills in game‑based situations. Whether campers are newer to the sport or seeking to sharpen existing skills, this summer camp offers a dynamic, instructional experience that promotes athletic growth, discipline, and confidence.

Equipment Needed: Campers should bring their tennis racket, refillable water bottle (no glass), towel, hat or visor, proper athletic sneakers (tennis shoes recommended), comfortable athletic clothing suitable for outdoor play, and sunscreen.

About the Coach

Peter, born and raised in Albany, NY, began playing tennis at the age of 10. After high school, he attended Syracuse University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Peter managed Men’s Leagues in the Northern Region for the USTA and then ran the USTA Junior Team Tennis program in that same region for three years. He coached at USTA Eastern Junior Zonals for 10 years, leading his team to victory twice. Peter has been a member of the USTA Eastern Junior Competition Committee for 11 years and currently serves as its Vice-Chair. He was also named Tournament Director of the Year and U10 Tournament Director of the Year by the USTA. Peter joined the SPORTIME team in 2014.