Have you done much traveling? If you have, you know that traveling anywhere outside of your own home, routine, or comforts can be quite challenging. Not to mention VERY EXPENSIVE. Add to that experience traveling for longer periods of time, crammed in with people you don’t know. That can really tell you much about yourself. An international soccer experience done the right way will bring memories for a lifetime. Note: This post may contain some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
International travel can be especially trying depending on your country of destination and how similar or different it is from your own culture.
Experiencing Personal Growth
Each year I have several students who get the opportunity to travel abroad with their youth squad or family to experience international play.
Some of my individual students get opportunities to travel abroad and train with professional youth clubs such as Real Madrid. This is a great experience for them and while the play is similar to what they can experience at the Dallas Cup.
The opportunity for [at least personal level] growth is quite different with international travel.
Save money with these travel tips
Think about it – personal growth is really what we want for our kids more than soccer growth.
Development in soccer can do wonders for their futures but at most all soccer will be is a career.
The character of our kids is what we value the most because it is who they ARE.
However, as much as international travel might offer certain opportunities, the experiences like I have described above often come at a significant financial cost… but maybe not as much of a cost as you think.
I thought people knew about the opportunity I am about to describe, but recently having discovered most don’t.
So today I am going to tell you an affordable way to give your kids international soccer experience, on a budget, while sharing in the experience and [hopefully] bonding as a family.
Introducing the Europass
Have you ever heard of a Europass?
While its name and exact offerings can vary among companies, the Europass is essentially a rail pass that can offer access for anywhere from 5 to 25+ European countries.
The cost is a fraction of an indoor water park weekend pass in the U.S.
Prices generally range from $50 [1 country] to $350 [28 countries] with discounted tickets for youth and family travel passes also at a significant discount.
The accommodations are comfortable and you can travel from country to city center in different countries while you sleep.
Many different passes to choose
There are many different ways to structure the passes. Based on the time of year you want to travel, as well as the number of days you wish to stay.
Kids 12 and under are usually free and should you want to spread out your travel to have time to spend in various cities, then there is a pass for that!
Most popular Europe destinations
Plan for your trip to include 3 of the most popular Eurorail (and soccer) destinations: France, Italy and Spain. Plan to give yourself time in each place to scout out the local parks and beaches for soccer games.
Even if you are there to observe others play the game, I think you will get so much out of the experience. To see so much more than a particular training methodology.
You will experience it along with the culture, the people, passion and more!
Learn what to do if you’re staying for several days in certain areas. Ask your trip adviser if they have affiliates or recommendations; otherwise I recommend finding a reputable hostel for other great options.
Plan now for better price on tickets
I am sharing this now because this is THE time to plan your travels and make your reservations for next summer.
You can often get better pricing on airline tickets with such advance notice. Also you can explore all the differing Europass / Eurorail companies have to offer as you map out your trip.
This can be a great time for each family member to provide input as to where they would want to go and why. This could easily turn into an entire year of family bonding. It would make a great Christmas or birthday present to one another!
Links for Europe’s international soccer experience
Here are a few companies to get you started. Please note, I do not receive compensation from nor do I endorse any of these companies.
These links are being provided merely from an information standpoint. Have fun and enjoy your international soccer experience.
EURAIL.COM
RAILEUROPE.COM
EURORAILWAYS.COM
International soccer experience to South America
In South America, Brazil for example, you can reach out to clubs and negotiate deals.
See if they can put your team or group up, while you pay for training or visa versa.
Every club is different, but some have dorms that are not being occupied year round. It would be a good money maker for them if you bring a group in to experience their culture and playing style.
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