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Cost/Payment:
How much do the trips cost?
The cost of the trips varies. Please fill out a Player or Team Contact Form for more cost details.
Is there a payment plan?
Yes. Initially every person traveling will pay a non-refundable deposit to secure their spot on the trip. The remaining balance will we divided up over 3-4 additional payments. Deposits will be refunded for those on a team that does not form. If a trip gets canceled, all deposits will be refunded.
Will there be fundraising?
Yes. We have a fundraising method where the average player has raised between $1,400 - $1,700 for their trip. You can also do additional fundraising on your own.
How are payments made?
After filling out a NASDA Soccer contact form, a NASDA Soccer representative will contact you. If you are officially invited on one of our trips, additional payment directions will be provided.
Parents:
Can parents and/or siblings go on the trip?
Yes! Parents and siblings often go on the trips and enjoy the destination.
Does a parent need to go on the trip?
At NASDA Soccer, we understand that some players may need to travel unaccompanied (UA). Rest assured, the safety and well-being of our UA players remain our utmost priority throughout their journey.
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Supervision:
UA players will receive constant supervision from the dedicated NASDA Soccer staff or a designated family member throughout their travel experience.
Transportation:
We provide transportation for all UA players, with the costs for vans and gas evenly divided among the number of UA players. Prior to the trip, we request flight details for all UA players to ensure seamless pick-up upon arrival at the destination and safe drop-off when departing.
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Consent and Documentation:
For UA players traveling without family but with another designated family, NASDA Soccer can supply parents with a 'Consent to Travel' form. It is mandatory for the player to carry a copy of this form at all times during travel. Both NASDA Soccer staff and the accompanying family will also require a copy for reference.
Medical Considerations:
If a UA player has any medical conditions requiring medication reminders or specific food allergies, it is imperative to inform NASDA Soccer staff prior to the trip. Clear instructions must be provided to ensure the player's safety and well-being throughout the journey.
Your child's safety is our priority, and we strive to provide a secure and comfortable travel experience for all our players, whether accompanied or unaccompanied.
Are these trips for boys or girls?
Both. For the most part. Most events in Europe are now inviting girls as
well. There may still be a few tournaments that are strictly for boys. When
we post our trips, you will know exactly who is invited.
What if my player is still in school?
When needed, NASDA Soccer can provide families with an official “School Release Letter” notifying the school that your player has been chosen for this unique experience. This has worked quite well.
Travel/Accommodations:
Do we need to make our own accommodations?
No. The price you pay will include all accommodations. Everyone traveling
will need to stay at the designated hotels.
If my player travels alone, will they get their own room?
It is an option but for the most part, no. Unaccompanied players will share
double or triple rooms. However, if for some reason your son/daughter
“need” their own room it is possible.
What airport do we fly out of?
Flexibility in airport selection can significantly impact your travel expenses. While you can depart from any airport, we highly recommend exploring options beyond your local airport to find the most cost-effective flights.
It is advisable to broaden your search radius and consider all airports within a 4-hour drive from your location. For instance, if you reside in Detroit, exploring flight options from Chicago or Toronto, both within a 4-hour radius, can yield substantial savings. On average, tickets from Detroit have ranged between $1,700 to $1,800 per ticket, whereas flights from Chicago or Toronto have been priced at $1,000 or less. This translates to savings of $700 to $800 per ticket, making the 4-hour drive well worth the investment.
When comparing costs, remember to factor in baggage fees for all your flights to ensure a comprehensive assessment of expenses.
Your travel experience can be both economical and efficient with strategic airport selection. Explore your options beyond local airports to maximize savings and convenience.
Do we need a Passport?
Yes. You will need a passport to travel. You must also make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of returning home. For example, if the trip concludes on April 3rd, 2024, your passport needs to be valid through October 4th, 2024.
Do we rent a car or can we use Uber/public transportation?
Parents will rent their own vehicles. We do this to allow for maximum flexibility. The cost of a seat on a bus for 2-3 people will pretty much pay for an economy rental vehicle for the duration of the trip. Some parents have used ride share services in the past.
Do we need an international driver’s license?
It is recommended you get an international driver’s license. Many AAA offices offer these at a very reasonable cost (Approx. $30). This license is also helpful if you were to get pulled over. You can give them your international license instead of your real one. We have always gotten an IDL and have never needed it.
How do players get to practices and games?
Parents are responsible to get their players to games and training sessions. Unaccompanied players will be transported via the vans.
Do parents stay with the players?
Yes. If mom and dad travel with the player the family will get a triple room. If only one parent goes it will be a double room. Four people would get a quad room or two doubles depending on availability. Five or more members would get a combination of double, triple or quad rooms.
Soccer:
Will there be scouts watching the games?
Yes. The destinations we travel to have scouts. Also, the opposing coaches
are scouts. If someone is interested in your son/daughter the NASDA Soccer staff will be approached. We have had players in the past attract the attention of scouts.
Will the games be streamed, videotaped or televised?
Usually not. There have been, on rare occasions, games that were
streamed or videotaped.
Will we train before we go?
Not regularly. Since players are coming from numerous states, we will have 2-3 training sessions and a warm up game.
Are uniforms included for the players?
Yes. All players, including goalkeepers and full teams, will get two sets of uniforms. This will include two jerseys, two shorts and two socks. These are yours to keep once the trip concludes.
How many games will we play?
At NASDA it’s all about the soccer. We will always strive to get our players the most games possible. Most trips will include a minimum of 8 games. For abbreviated trips, a minimum of 4 games will be provided however we will work on adding additional games to maximize playing time.
How many players are on the roster?
NASDA wants to maximize playing time for all players. The 11v11 groups will carry rosters of 16 which includes 2 goalkeepers. For teams playing 9v9 rosters of 14 players, including 2 goalkeepers, are ideal. For the 7v7 groups rosters will be 12 players. Most international competitions allow 2-3 older players to play with a younger group. Leaving a few roster spots open ensures we don’t go over the maximum roster sizes.
Lifestyle:
Can we drink the water?
Just to be safe, we recommend only bottled/filtered water on the trip. At restaurants sometimes water is served out of a pitcher. No one has ever gotten sick from this however sticking to bottled water is probably the safest bet.
Can we eat fresh produce?
Yes. However, it is highly recommended that it be thoroughly washed before consumption.
Do we need to bring any medications?
Your typical over the counter medications are highly recommended. These would be Advil, Tylenol, NyQuil, Benadryl, Sudafed, band aids and so on. Obviously, all prescription medications should be brought. For prescription medications, a copy of the doses and times to be taken must be provided to the NASDA Soccer staff.
Do we need to carry cash when walking around town?
Yes. Although most places will accept your credit/debit card, some places might not. Also be aware, some public restrooms require change. Having a bit of cash can’t hurt.
Can we use our electronics on the trip?
Yes. However, you will need the proper adapter for the country you are visiting.
Will there be time for sightseeing?
For NASDA the emphasis is soccer. We will not dictate your schedule outside of soccer. Players are responsible for attending all games and practices. Any free time belongs to you. Every trip, parents will be provided with a “Things to do” list.
Will we be able to do laundry?
Players will have their laundry done occasionally. This will include their uniforms and some small under garments such as socks, underwear, shorts and t-shirts. Bulkier items as well as the laundry of parents and siblings will not be done. Players should bring a mesh bag for their laundry that has their name on it. Players should also bring a sharpie marker to label all of their items.
Where is the best place to exchange dollars for foreign currency?
Believe it or not, the airports have always been pretty fair. I do recommend you purchase your foreign currency stateside. This appears to be the best exchange rate overall.
Can I use my credit/debit card in Europe?
Yes. However, it is recommended that you notify your bank of the dates you will be abroad so they don’t misconstrue your purchases as fraudulent activity. You will also want to let them know what countries you will be in. Make sure you also let them know the dates of what countries you have layovers in. If you are going to Greece but have a layover in Munich, Germany, your card may not work if you simply told your bank you will be in Greece for two weeks. If you have a choice to pay in euros or dollars it was recommended to us that you always choose dollars.
Will my phone/GPS work in Europe? What about WhatsApp?
Before embarking on your international journey, it's essential to ensure seamless communication throughout your trip. We recommend visiting your cell phone carrier to inquire about international plans tailored to your needs.
Major carriers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T typically offer international plans that allow you to extend your current plan's privileges abroad for a nominal fee. For instance, you can often piggyback off your existing plan for $5 per day or $25 per week, granting you access to the same features and benefits you enjoy at home.
Opting for an international plan is highly recommended to maintain connectivity and leverage essential services such as GPS navigation. With an international plan in place, GPS functionality has consistently performed reliably during travels.
While services like WhatsApp are effective for communication, it's important to note that they rely on WiFi connectivity. Sole reliance on WhatsApp may pose challenges for GPS usage. Therefore, securing an international plan ensures uninterrupted access to essential navigation tools throughout your international adventures.
Stay connected and navigate with ease by exploring international plan options offered by your cell phone carrier before setting off on your journey.