Region 1 ODP Chooses WorldStrides Excel for 2018 International Travel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 17, 2017 US Youth Soccer Region I Partners with WorldStrides Excel for International Soccer Tours Brick, New Jersey — October 17, 2017 — WorldStrides Excel, the nation’s largest and most trusted sports travel provider is pleased to announce its expanded partnership with US Youth Soccer Region I (Region I ODP) to deliver international soccer tours for their players.

Region I ODP cultivates standout youth soccer players to represent the entire northeastern region and the United States at the highest levels of competition. Traveling internationally allows Region I ODP teams to play against top level 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.

Through its partnership with WorldStrides, Region I ODP will be taking eight of its teams on international soccer tours in spring 2018. Traveling internationally will allow Region I players to compete against teams from their respective destinations and participate in some of the most elite youth tournaments in the world.

This spring, Region I girls will be traveling to Scotland, Netherlands, Ireland and Iceland to immerse themselves in European soccer culture and experience a new country by seeing new sights, taking guided tours and participating in a number of activities associated with each destination. The boys’ teams will share similar experiences in their own destinations of Spain, Iceland, Italy and Scotland. Traveling abroad will surely expand each player’s horizons and build a bond for members of each team that will never be severed.

“I am excited to partner with WorldStrides Excel Programs to provide international travel and competition for Region I ODP teams. They have an impressive track record with state associations within Region I and around the country. Their professionalism, experience, contacts and comprehensive support structure were a huge draw for us. WorldStrides Excel has proven itself as a leader in this industry and we are looking forward to a great relationship going forward,” said Katia Sarokon, Administrator, US Youth Soccer Region I. “We are extremely proud to continue to grow our relationship with Region I ODP and organize all eight of their international soccer tours for 2018. We continue to admire what opportunities Region I ODP provides to continue the development of their players. Taking players and coaches abroad for international competition, including chances to learn new skills and tactics, is a natural extension of their desire to give them the best resources for top-quality performance,” said Eric McAleer, Senior Vice President, WorldStrides Excel Programs.

About WorldStrides WorldStrides Excel Programs is the leader in international tours for U.S. soccer teams and is a specialist in meeting the unique requirements of international team travel at the recreational, travel, ODP, and collegiate team level. Founded in 1998 by Eric McAleer, a former European professional soccer player, Excel International Sports was acquired by WorldStrides in 2015. For more information on WorldStrides Excel Programs, visit www.worldstrides.com/excel.