Past ODP International Trip Testimonials, Movies and History
Excel International Sports has been providing the Maryland ODP program with International trips for 12 years. Below are links to movies capturing last year’s trips to Scotland, England, Denmark and Italy.
In 2011, the 1994 boys team traveled to various cities in Italy; 1996 boys to Manchester, England; 1997 Girls to London, England and the 1998 boys to Scotland. While in Italy, the 94 boys played four games against Delta 2000 Porto Tolle, Lapecer Ceregnano Calcio, AC Sottomarina Lido, and Rinascita Doccia. They also had the opportunity to witness the top quality pro game upset of Padova over Vicenza! The 96 boys played six games against Oldham Academy, Barrow FC, Paramount JFC, Wrexham FC, Farsley Celtic, and Airbus UK. They also visited the EPL game, Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal. The 97 girls played five games against Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, Crystal Palace Ladies FC, AFC Wimbleton Ladies, Charlton Athletic LFC, and West Ham Ladies and watched the professional game Watford vs. Burnley. The 98 boys played six against Glasgow Celtic Academy, Glasgow Rangers
Academy, Livingston FC, Hamilton Accies, Partick Thistle, and Falkirk Academy. They also attended the Edinburgh Hearts vs. Motherwell professional game. While in Europe, the teams visited some of the continent’s most popular attractions including, Venice’s St. Marks Square, Liverpool’s Beatles Museum, London’s Tower of London 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
Below are testimonials from staff and participants on previous ODP International trips provided by Excel International Sports:
Staff Members -
"Glasgow Celtic is proud to have participated in games against the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association ODP since 1999 and our players and staff look forward to this excellent opportunity each year. With the high level of players in the U.S. and Region 1, we feel this tests our players well and also allows us to scout possible future U.S. recruits. As a result of these games, two Maryland ODP players have returned to train with our academy and reserve teams".
--Brian Meehan, Glasgow Celtic Football Club
“I would highly recommend Excel International Sports as the travel company for this event. Their organization and personal contacts have made our ODP trip’s highly successful over the last ten years. Their ability to set up top quality games and tours at facilities like Glasgow Ranger’s training facility and Glasgow Celtic’s stadium were special events.”
-- Bill Stara, Director of Coaching, Maryland State Youth Soccer Association
“We have taken our Boys ODP team to Scotland with Excel International Sports for the last 10 years, all of which have been excellent training, competitive, and cultural experiences for the teams. The quality of the product and the service provided by Excel International Sports continues to be exceptional every year.”
-- Benjamin Neil, President, Maryland State Youth Soccer Association
Participants –
“It was a wonderful trip. You and your team clearly have this business nailed down. You
made what could have easily been a stressful process run very smoothly. I can’t think of
one thing that wasn’t perfect.”
-- Todd Rowe, Chaperone, Maryland Boys ODP, Scotland 2011
“I had a fantastic time and the trip far exceeded my expectations. As a chaperone, it was a pleasure getting to know the girls and their personalities on and off the field. For the girls, the trip was a great introduction to international travel, adapting to other cultures and customs as well a terrific soccer experience. I would recommend the experience to anyone interested in advancing the intellectual and athletic education of their child. Thank you Excel International Sports for a job well done.”
-- Kenneth Stipcak, Chaperone, Maryland Girls ODP, Denmark, 2008
“This trip was perfectly managed from everything before which most of us do not even know about and clear through the actual trip. Eric was terrific with organizing the events and keeping a pulse on the group as well as attending to special requests and changes to the schedule – all done in a very professional manner. Eric was also very entertaining!!”
-- Fran Tana, Chaperone, Maryland Girls ODP, Denmark, 2008
“Scotland is an amazing country. The Stirling Management Center could not have been a better place for the boys to call home for the week. Their staff was fabulous and did everything possible to make it a super trip for the boys. The boys got to see what real football was all about. Woody did a great job of coordinating games and fields - regardless of how much rain they got over there. The kids were great troopers - and I think that they thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
-- Richard Kaiser, Chaperone, Maryland Boys ODP, Scotland, 2009
