 "This past fall I had the experience of a lifetime. I was given the opportunity to travel to Holland and play soccer. This experience by far surpassed my wildest expectations. From the moment I was picked up at the airport, I was treated superbly and could not have asked for much more. Throughout the trip, my chaperons provided me with everything I needed to be successful. Also, they were available 24 hours a day if I ever had a simple question or needed anything. All at the same time, I was on my own, living in an apartment, cooking for myself most nights, as well as putting myself to sleep and waking up for training every morning. My schedule consisted of training with a professional soccer team and participating in their routine training sessions. Essentially, I lived the life of a professional soccer player in Holland. I was made very welcome on my first day of training and was treated as an equal member of the team, participating in everything they did as a team. Although the training was in Dutch, everyone there, including the coach spoke very good English and quickly translated for me. This was a great experience because I not only learned an immense amount on the soccer field, but also became good friends with the team, and learned a lot about the way of life in Holland. Also, when the team had a day off, I had the opportunity to train 1 v 1 with Harold van Ineveld, a Dutch coach, which was extremely fun and rewarding. In addition, I had several days with no soccer at all, during which my chaperons arranged for me to go on day trips to places such as Amsterdam. During my stay in Holland I was provided an apartment, living with a young man from Japan earning his coaching license, and Harold van Ineveld. I was provided with a bus pass and bicycle so I could grocery shop or simply go to town when I had an afternoon or morning off. Overall, I had an amazing experience; improving my skills and greatly broadening my overall knowledge of the game. Also, most importantly to me, I made some great friends that I stay in touch with on a regular basis via email."
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This program is for serious select soccer players currently playing at the highest level in their age group. This is an opportunity to train, play and possibly be discovered while in Europe. Players play with professional and amateur soccer clubs in the Ere-divisie and first division of the Dutch Professional League in Holland. This is a 14 day program available to players age 11-18.
environment: players will train every morning with an assigned Dutch coach and train 2 or 3 times a week with their host club. Players will be assigned to a club based on availability and level of play. On weekends they will play with their assigned amateur or professional team. The assigned coach will be available for the group/player 24 hours a day. All players will be fully evaluated and a complete evaluation report will be sent to their home. The program also includes visits to professional matches and three sightseeing days. Parents and coaches are more than welcome to travel with the player. Please note: Some events and scheduling may change slightly. Includes ground transportation, all accommodations, scheduled team activities, tickets to professional games, sightseeing, and three meals/day except for lunch on certain sightseeing days. For more information please select this