The Maryland State Youth Soccer Association’s ODP program aims to provide high-level training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels.  This is why MSYSA offers ODP teams the chance to travel internationally and play soccer.  The level of play and the level of coaching in Europe are second to none!  Through travel to Europe, players engage in a level of competition not found in the U.S. as well as learn a different style of play.  Not only will an international tour enhance your player’s soccer skills but their cultural experience.  Players mingle with their opponents at post-game and pre-game socials, try new foods, see new sights and bond with their teammates.  Don’t let this opportunity to broaden your player’s horizon slip by.  All trips will take place Sunday, April 17 - Monday, April 25, 2011. Please see the sidebar for information about each of the trips offered this year.  All of the MSYSA sponsored international trips are designed and administered by Excel International Sports.

About Excel International Sports:  "Excel International Sports has been leading soccer teams from the United States on International trips for 12 years.  Because of our experience, our knowledge and our network, we are one of the top companies in our industry.   Excel International Sports’ mission is to bring people from North America to different countries to participate in the world’s greatest game while breaking down barriers of language, culture, and geography.   As world travelers, we make it our goal to enhance your cultural and sports awareness. Excel International Sports has been taking the MSYSA ODP teams to Europe for 11 years; we know how to customize this trip to the needs of an ODP team. Recent teams that have traveled with us are University of Maryland, Loyola College, UMBC, Salisbury University, Gettysburg College, Lynchburg College, Frostburg State University, Good Counsel High School, Loyola High School, Iowa ODP, Maryland ODP and Maryland DDP."  More information about us and our tours can be found at www.eurosoccertours.net.

MSYSA International Travel Program   (PowerPoint presentation)

**ODP players are not required to travel internationally.  Participation is strictly optional and no player will be penalized if they do not take the trip.  All international trip costs are the same for players and chaperones. 

The Maryland ODP teams traveled to Europe over Spring Break for some top quality soccer matchups and an enriching cultural experience.  The 1993 boys team traveled to various cities in Italy; 1995 boys to Manchester, England; 1996 Girls to Copenhagen, Denmark and Sweden and the 1997 boys to Scotland.

While in Italy, the 97 boys played four games against Udinese F.C., A.C. Concordia Sagittaria, Calcio Union Quinto and  A.C. Este 1920. They also had the opportunity to witness Udinese v Juventus! The 95 boys played four games against Everton Academy, Manchester City Academy, Bolton Wanderers Academy and Farsley Celtic. They also visited the EPL game, Bolton Wanderers v Aston Villa. The 96 girls played four games against Skovlunde (the Danish Champions), Farum BK, Brondby IF and Eskilsminne IF and watched the top professional game of the season, FC Copenhagen v. Brondby. The 97 boys played six against Glasgow Celtic Academy, Glasgow Rangers Academy, Hamilton Accies, Livingston FC, Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath FC.  They also joined 55,000 other fans in watching the U.S. Men’s National team player Maurice Edu score the only goal of the game as table toppers Glasgow Rangers beat Hamilton Accies.

While in Europe, the teams visited some of the continent’s most popular attractions including, Venice’s St. Marks Square, Liverpool’s Beatles Museum, Denmark’s Frederiksborg Castle and Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle.  The trip was made possible by the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association and Excel International Sports, European Soccer Tour Specialists. For more information on the teams and/or the organizations visit their websites at www.msysa.org and www.eurosoccertours.net