About Us
Cardinal Soccer Camps LLC is owned and directed by Kurt Putnam (Greenwich United DOC and Greenwich HS Head Boys Coach) and Stuart Smith (Greenwich Soccer Association DOC, NYSC Girls Zone 1 Director and Sacred Heart Head Girls Coach) and was formed in 2004 to provide camps and coaching services to players in Lower Fairfield and Westchester Counties to boys and girls aged 3-17.
A message from Kurt and Stu
"Cardinal Soccer Camps LLC is different to most other soccer camps. Our coaches live locally and are full-time licensed youth soccer coaches, physical education teachers, high school coaches, college coaches and coaching directors. They are actively involved at the grass roots level in developing soccer programs and curriculum that focus on whole-player development. This development is based on the very different athletic, physical, emotional and cognitive dynamics that exist in a child's ability to play soccer and thus each program is specifically tailored to that age grouping. Most other camps let you know who is the camp director or special guest, yet what you never see is them on the field actively working with the players the entire week. What sets us apart is that we are actively involved on the field coaching and guiding/advising our coaches in each program that we run. We expect high standards of coaching, positive player interaction and fun on our camps because that is how we lead on the field. Every child should leave with a smile on their face wanting to return and every parent is welcome to come and watch".
Camp Directors and Owners
Stuart Smith
Stuart graduated from the University of Gloucestershire in 2001 and moved to the US to pursue a career in professional coaching. He was the Girls JV Coach at Greenwich High School from 2002 to 2011 and King Girls Varsity coach in 2013. Since 2016 he has been the Sacred Heart Head Coach. In 2014 he coached New York SC Girls team to win EDP, NY State Cup and achieve the #1 national ranking with gotsoccer. He is both the Director of Coaching for Greenwich Soccer Association and New York Soccer Club Girls. Stuart holds numerous coaching qualifications that include the NSCAA Premier Diploma, USSF, NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma and several qualifications with the English FA.
Kurt Putnam
Kurt graduated from Loughborough University in 1994. Since 2001 Kurt has been the Greenwich High School Head Varsity Boys Soccer Coach, winning 5 FCIAC Championships in 2005, 2007, 2013 2016 and 2017 (3 of those were in undefeated seasons) while being Runners-Up in 2008, 2009 and 2014. He was FCIAC Coach of the Year 2005, 2007, 2013. His team has made FCIAC tournament qualification 17 of 19 seasons, CIAC for 19 consecutive years. In 2019 his team was the CIAC Large Schools state runner-up. As Head Coach he has the best winning percentage in FCIAC Conference over past 15 years. Kurt is the Athletic Director at Whitby School and Director of Coaching for Greenwich United. During his time in that role, he has won three state championships, and been runners-up twice. Kurt played soccer at West Ham United Academy, Southend United U17 and at Loughborough University in England. Kurt is a licensed coach with the USSF, NSCAA and English FA.
Our Program Philosophy
Know what to do, Know when to do it, Know how to do it, but most of all, Do it Well.
• We strive to create a fun and educational learning environment for every player
• We believe in placing children in groups that are ability based so that they are challenged
• Our program is focused on character development with an emphasis on
Respect & Honesty:
Towards the officials, team-mates, opponents, coaches, parents and THE facilities
Creativity & Learning through Failure:
Making decisions on the field and trying the unexpected and the unconventional
Leadership & Positive Attitude:
Being a role model and leading by example through action and interaction
Perseverance & Problem-Solving:
The pursuit of finding solutions to problems & leaving everything on the field
Fun and Joy of Playing:
Win or Lose to always hold playing for fun as the highest priority