Why College Soccer Teams Should Travel to Europe for Preseason: A Competitive Edge You Can’t Replicate at Home

For college soccer programs, August is more than just the start of a new season—it’s when foundations are laid, rosters are tested, and team identity begins to take shape. As programs look for ways to elevate their performance, one opportunity stands out above the rest: taking your preseason overseas to Europe.

From elite training environments to world-class competition, European preseason tours provide advantages that simply can’t be matched domestically. Here’s why more and more college programs are choosing to cross the Atlantic before kickoff.

1. Hand-Picked Opposition Designed for Player Development

Every team has different needs—maybe you want physical, fast, high-pressing opponents, or technical, possession-based sides that test your players’ patience and discipline.

In Europe, you’re not locked into whoever happens to be available locally. Instead, your matches are custom-selected based on:

• Your team’s style of play

• Your roster composition

• Your coaching objectives for the season

Facing European academies, reserve teams, or semi-professional sides exposes players to new styles, higher speed of play, and different tactical environments—accelerating growth before your first NCAA match even begins.

2. Elite Training From Top-Tier UEFA-Licensed Coaches

Training in Europe means accessing elite coaching quality. Your players benefit from sessions led by UEFA-licensed coaches who operate daily within some of the most respected systems in the world.

Sessions can focus on:

• Position-specific development

• Tactical principles used in modern European play

• Finishing, defensive shape, pressing triggers, and more

This infusion of new coaching voices and methodology sharpens players while reinforcing the standards your program values.

3. Professional-Grade Training Facilities & High-Performance Environments

Imagine starting your season at facilities used by professional clubs or national teams—surrounded by immaculate pitches, cutting-edge technology, and top-tier recovery amenities.

These environments don’t just enhance training—they elevate mindset.

A Coach’s Perspective

Barry Chastey, Head Men’s Soccer Coach at the College of St. Scholastica, described his team’s performance experience with XL Travel and P3FORM at St. George’s Park

“I would highly recommend teams spend the time with the guys from XL and  P3Form. I really believe it added so much to our tour! It was certainly a highlight. They gave our players a wonderful insight into what goes into the ‘other 22 hours’ when the national team is together. We were given full access to everything and they were very open and willing to answer any and all questions. Our lads enjoyed the recovery session and thought the testing was very interesting to experience. The highlight was the access to the hydro pools and the session the boys got to participate in. Three hours well spent, and we will definitely be looking to do this again in the future.”

Quotes like this showcase what’s possible when your preseason includes exposure to professional-level performance training—not just games and practices.

4. Team Bonding That Actually Lasts

Sure, you can run team-building activities at home… but nothing compares to bonding on the road in a foreign country. Travel requires players to lean on each other, adapt quickly, and communicate—traits that translate directly to the field.

Off the pitch, players explore world-class cities, try new food, and experience new cultures together—building trust and cohesion before the season even begins.

5. Recruiting Advantages You May Not Have Considered

A preseason tour is more than a competitive advantage—it’s a recruiting asset.

Prospects want programs that:

• Invest in player development

• Offer unique, high-level opportunities

• Provide global soccer experiences

• Demonstrate ambition

Being able to say, “We take our team to Europe for preseason” instantly strengthens your recruiting pitch.

6. Experience Live Matches in Europe’s Biggest Leagues

Players get to watch top-level soccer in person—Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, the Scottish Premiership, and more.

They leave inspired, motivated, and hungry to raise their own level.

7. Start the Season Sharper Than Your Opponents

By the time your conference rivals are beginning double sessions back home, your team has:

• Played international competition

• Received elite training

• Learned from UEFA coaches

• Bonded as a unit

• Trained an

  d recovered in professional-grade facilities

Your players enter Week 1 mentally, physically, and tactically ahead.

Elevate Your Program With XL Sports Tours

At XL Sports Tours, we specialize in designing customized preseason tours that deliver real value for college programs. We handle every detail—from training sessions and match selection to performance experiences, travel logistics, hotel accommodation, stadium tours, and live match tickets.

If your program is ready to take a major step forward this August, Europe isn’t just an option—it’s your competitive advantage.

👉 Interested in planning a preseason tour? Contact us at XL Sports Tours to get started.