Maryland State Youth Soccer Association

1. Maryland State Youth Soccer Association Olympic Development Program 1995 Girls International Travel 2009 Denmark and Sweden (Depart Evening of 4/5, Return 4/13)

2. Mission For many years teams from Maryland State Youth Soccer Association have traveled to different countries to participate in the world’s greatest game while breaking down barriers of language, culture and geography. The combination of playing quality opponents, excellent facilities, visiting professional games, guest coaching, and great sightseeing are opportunities we will continue to provide for MSYSA players.

3. Why Europe? • Competition – The opportunity for our players to play against the best opposition, offering game experiences they cannot achieve in the U.S. (May 2008) Men’s FIFA rankings had 14 of the world’s top 20 from Europe; Women’s FIFA rankings had 13 of the world’s top 20 from Europe. In 2006, the top four teams in the FIFA World Cup were from Europe: Italy, France, Germany and Portugal respectively. Six out of the top eight teams in 2006 were also from Europe. In 2007, two of the top four teams in the FIFA Women's World Cup were from Europe: Norway and Germany. • Culture – The great food of Italy, the fantastic sites of Denmark, England and Scotland, the opportunities for our players to learn and grow are lifelong. • Coaching – Guest sessions by some of the top professional and national staff coaches give our players a unique learning experience. www.msysa.org

4. International Soccer Travel “Our teams developed more in four games on international trips than in three months on our training field. All of our teams from age ten and up travel at least once per year.” Academy Director of English Professional Club

5. Why Denmark and Sweden? • Top quality youth girls programs. • Ranked #7 and #3 respectively in the FIFA world women’s soccer rankings (July ’08). • Availability for U.S. players to play against Regional and National youth teams. • Top quality facilities. • No travel visa requirements for U.S. Citizens. • Good flight options from Mid Atlantic region. • Future professional playing/try-out opportunities for our female players. (Daniel Malagari – a former UMD and MSYSA ODP player – played professionally in 2007 with Fortuna Hjørring, the top women’s team in Denmark) • Highly respected coaching programs with strong emphasis on player development. • Limited language barriers, English is spoken as a second language by most Scandinavians. • Excellent cultural opportunities. • MSYSA Girls ODP have established relationships with top clubs since their first visit to Denmark and Sweden in Spring, 2008.

6. FC Nordsjaelland Stay on-site at this Copenhagen based professional club with excellent soccer facilities right on your doorstep.

7. What others have Said! “I had a fantastic time and the trip far exceeded my expectations.  As a chaperone, it was a pleasure getting to know the girls and their personalities on and off the field.  For the girls, the trip was a great introduction to international travel, adapting to other cultures and customs as well a terrific soccer experience.  I would recommend the experience to anyone interested in advancing the intellectual and athletic education of their child.  Thank you for a job well done.” Kenneth Stipcak, Maryland Girls ODP, Denmark and Sweden 2008 trip

8. Other activities… • Visit top level professional soccer game • Visit to the wonderful capitol city of Copenhagen and also spend a day in Sweden, less than one hour from Copenhagen. • Social Activities

9. Accommodations Farum Park Sports and Conference Center is in a unique location built into the stadium of the FCN soccer club, a division I club based just outside of Copenhagen. The facility is ideal for top-level soccer training and games as it has 5 soccer fields within 300 yards of the hotel.

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