2012 Maryland ODP International Trips

Tentative dates and destinations

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 1, 2012 - Monday, April 9, 2012. All MSYSA sponsored international trips are designed and administered by Excel International Sports. Destinations for 2012 are as follows:

1999 Boys – Stirling, Scotland

1997 Boys – Manchester, England

1995 Boys – Venice and Florence, Italy

*1999 Girls – London, England

*1997/98 Girls – Holland/Germany

*Beginning in 2012, international trips will be scheduled for the 1999 (U13) and 1997 (U15) girls teams. Because of this transition, the 1998 (U14) Girls will be invited to join the 1997 (U15) Girls trip in 2012. Depending on the number of players, teams will either be combined or seperate age group teams will be created. Please contact MSYSA with questions.

CLICK HERE to watch Maryland ODP 2011 International Trip Highlights

About Excel International Sports: "Excel International Sports has been leading soccer teams from the United States on International trips for 13 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 ODP teams to Europe for 12 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.

**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.

Maryland ODP teams return from Europe

The Maryland ODP teams traveled to Europe over Spring Break 2011 for some top quality soccer matchups and an enriching cultural experience. 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

Maryland ODP European trip plans for Spring 2012 are now posted at http://www.msysa.org/odp/index_E.html