Defined by its multiculturalism and sporting heritage, the United Kingdom is a fantastic destination for a tour with XL Travel. In April 2014, the Georgia United Soccer Alliance Under 14 team took a weeklong tour of the United Kingdom, immersing themselves in the culture and history of one of the world’s soccer hotbeds.
During the trip, the GUSA players were treated to practice sessions and matches at the state-of the-art training facilities of the English national team at St. Georges Park. This proved to be a valuable experience for the group, as they got a glimpse of the day-to-day work of a professional soccer player.
The GUSA group played several matches against English Premier League academy teams such as Manchester City and Stoke City. They delivered accomplished performances, impressing the English coaches with their technique and teamwork.
The tour featured several live English Premier League games, featuring teams such as Fulham FC and Norwich City FC. The GUSA group bought into the English fans’ exuberance and subsequently gained an authentic English soccer experience during these games.
One of the most popular parts of the trip for many of the GUSA group was the tour of the Manchester United FC stadium, Old Trafford. At one stage in the tour, the group was allowed to try on match-worn shirts and boots from players such as Scholes and Nani, which proved to be a fantastic experience for the group.
Aside from the soccer, the tour presented an opportunity for the GUSA group to take in the sights and scenes of the United Kingdom. Visiting historic spots such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Kenilworth Castle provided fantastic cultural experiences for the group. In summary, the tour was a once in a lifetime experience for the GUSA group, generating memories that will remain with the group for years to come.
XL wishes GUSA U14’s the very best for the future and hopes to see them again soon.