DESTINATION:

Galway, on Ireland's West Coast

DATES:

Depart Boston Sunday 31 July, Return on Monday 08 August.

THE PROGRAM

Has evolved from 25 years of feedback and football travel experience. Each player will return with an improved attitude and approach to competition, training, and teamwork…tools which ultimately help performances. The team, staff, and people met along the way all contribute to making this a lasting experience. Much more than a series of matches, plane and bus rides.

ITINERARY:

PreTrip Training & Orientation will prepare you to make the most of this 8 day adventure.
The Football: no easing into a contest over there…the Irish, English, or Scot opponents will be coming right at you from the first whistle (yet are the first to offer a hand to help you up). Americans have produced decent results, and come away with a new understanding of what it means to concentrate for an entire match. Get to know opponents over tea or a meal…a highlight that adds to the football experience.
The Culture: Galway City is over 1,000 years old, and you’ll experience a mix of the "city" and relaxed Irish pace of life. Martin Ridge’s colourful round Galway walkabout includes the renovated waterfront, the Claddagh (now famous for it’s ring), St Nicholas (built 1300), and sites dating from 900AD to present. It’s an old market city and seaport, full of small shops, lively street buskers, musicians, and international visitors. You may find yourself saying "Slainte" or "Dia Dhuit" on your return!

REFERENCES

We have 25 years of them, would be glad to put you in touch with former travelers or contacts on either side of the big pond.

PLAYERS' FEEDBACK

• "...communication, responsibility…hard work, I hadn’t realized how much more concentration can be put into playing with others…feel more mature, in control."
• "team really came together in a short time. I feel more comfortable meeting and dealing with new people now; level of competition really opened my eyes, learned what it takes to prepare for it."
• "We were treated like guests, rather than tourists; a great time, hard work, staff had a good sense of humour and still kept things under control."

 WHO WE ARE

Tom Johnson, Director, is a USSF “A” level coach; NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, past ODP staff, attended Dutch, Canadian, and English coaching courses; has traveled with teams in North & South America, Britain, Ireland, and the Continent, since 1978.

 HOUSING

Galway: Corrib Village, our headquarters for the Umbro Cup, 15 minute hike from downtown, and on the right side of town for easy access to Drom Soccer Park.

TRANSPORT

Your feet (yes, walking is a mode of transport outside the USA!), taxis, and motor coaches.

 ORIENTATION

Includes information on what to pack, money exchange, local customs, geography, player's responsibilities, and what to expect of the staff. Special needs or interests can be reviewed to help you make the most of the experience.

 MEDICAL INFORMATION

Medical information and emergency contact numbers will be collected; parents will be furnished with contact phone, fax, and email addresses should we have to be reached while overseas.

 PASSPORTS

Are required for travel into Ireland. Your local post office will have the applications, or click HERE for additional information. If you have a passport, check the expiration date!

CONTACT, QUESTIONS, or CONCERNS?

Atlantic Crossing
133 Steppingstone Road, Lee NH  03861-6613 
Phone:603.659.8040
Web site: http://atlanticcrossing.org 
email: Atlantic Crossing

 DEPOSITS

$250.00 deposit holds a space. For Credit Card payment, please click HERE.
For payment with check, please make payable to Atlantic Crossing, and mail to address above.

 TOTAL EXPENSES

Trip is "all inclusive", players are responsible only for their own personal shopping, phone calls, and snacks. We include orientation, staffing, and transfers, daily transport, housing, breakfast, lunch, dinner; laundry (wash and dry); all training, match, and touring costs.
Please contact us for current 2011 pricing.