50 Years

50 Years: "Woody" - From Summer Camps To WorldStrides

WorldStrides is celebrating 50 years as the leader in student travel by sharing the stories that have shaped our company’s past and will propel us into the future. Throughout the year, we will highlight stories from our history, many of the people who have made us what we are today, and some of the special ways travelers have been impacted by their experiences in our blog series, 50 Years of WorldStrides Stories.

“We love Woody!”

That’s the cry that comes from our social media followers on the WorldStrides Excel Sports Facebook page. Soccer teams that travel to Scotland usually meet Robin Wood, known to most as “Woody,” and leave with an everlasting impression of him. Woody has been a tour director with WorldStrides Excel Sports for 18 years.

“I had the misfortune of meeting Eric McAleer back in 1995,” Woody jokes about his relationship with WorldStrides Excel Sports Vice President Eric McAleer. “We used to do summer camps together. One evening, I got this phone call saying ‘Hey, Woody, I’m thinking of setting this company up. I figure I’ll bring Americans to you rather than you come across to coach in the States. That’s how it all happened.”

Our account manager, Ashley, recently had a chance to catch up with Woody in Scotland. Watch the video below as he recalls his first trip with Eric and the newly formed then Excel Sports and discusses why it’s so important for athletes to travel and compete internationally.

Watch our interview with Woody below!

Learn more about WorldStrides Excel Sports programs.