145 high schoolers from as far away as Nebraska invaded Lakeside field at Eastern this Sunday.

The Advanced Boys Soccer Team Camp lasts until Thursday and is run by men’s soccer head coach Adam Howarth.

“We have boys from all over the state, Indiana, Missouri and even from Nebraska,” said Howarth.

The campers could register as a team, consisting of 11 or more players, or as an individual who would later be placed on a team.

The camp emphasizes formations, specifically the 4/3/3 formations and 4/2/2 formations, said Howarth.

“It teaches the boys how teams play and introduces them to other ways play than the ways they are used to,” said Howarth.

Casey DeCalowe, a coach at the camp, explained that the 4/3/3 formations feature four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. The 4/2/2 formations feature four defenders, two midfielders and two forwards.

“The boys play soccer morning and afternoon. At night they have to sleep because they are so exhausted,” said DeCalowe.

While the campers aren’t sleeping and aren’t playing soccer the coaches try to focus on the importance of teamwork.

“We have three lectures. We focus on form, playing like a champ and then we have a Q and A with the coaches,” Howarth said.

Similar camps are held all around the country.

“I’ve been to similar camps and the top camps you want to attend are Division I, like Eastern and they are a great opportunity,” said DeCalowe.

The campers recognize what a great opportunity the camps are.

Steven Reiley, 15, from Centralia, plays midfield for his high school team. He said he hoped the camp made him a better player.

Reiley’s teammate, 17-year-old Derrick Gluek also hoped to improve his soccer skills.

“My coach told me about the camp. I wanted to come last year but couldn’t,” Gluek said. “I want to improve my ball handling skills. “

Gluek said he plans on attending college at either Eastern or Southern Illinois University to play soccer and hopes to one day become an orthodontist.