Travel Stories

Missouri Olympic Development Program Chooses to Travel with WorldStrides

WorldStrides, the nation’s largest and most trusted educational travel provider is pleased to announce that Missouri Olympic Development Program (MO ODP)  is partnering with the company to deliver international soccer tours for their players through their WorldStrides Excel Sports programs. This is an exclusive, three year agreement for the Missouri teams.

Missouri ODP cultivates standout youth soccer players to represent Missouri, Region II, and the United States at the highest levels of competition. The addition of international travel to the Missouri ODP player development strategy provides opportunities to play against top professional academy teams around the world and engage in a higher level of competition. The trips also facilitate evaluation by scouts for international teams for players in advance of extended formal tryouts.

“Missouri Youth Soccer is excited to offer this possibility of International travel to its ODP registered players-trips such as this offer not only fantastic playing and training experiences but a full immersion into European Futbol culture and educational experience,” Nik Bushell, Missouri ODP Executive Director, said. “These memories will last a lifetime for the players that chose to go.”

Under terms of the agreement, 2017 the trip will be open to the 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 boys and girls registered for the ODP program. From July 7^th – July 15^th, 2017 the 2002 and 2003 boys will travel to Scotland and the 2002 and 2003 girls will travel to England. From August 1^st – August 9^th, 2017 the 2004 and 2005 boys will travel to England and the 2004 and 2005 girls will travel to Scotland. All tours will include training, match play, stadium tours, cultural activities and attendance at professional matches. Destinations for team travel in 2018 and 2019 will be determined at a later time.

“We are extremely proud to welcome Missouri ODP to WorldStrides Excel programs and to become their exclusive international soccer tour provider,” Eric McAleer, Vice President, WorldStrides Excel Sports programs, said. “We have long admired what Missouri ODP does for the development of their players. Taking players and coaches abroad for international competition, including changes to learn new skills and tactics, is a natural extension of their desire to give them the best resources for top-quality performance.”

Learn more about WorldStrides Excel Sports programs.