germany

Transcription

germany
FX
INTERNATIONAL FUTBOL X-CHANGE
INTERNATIONAL SOCCER IMMERSION PROGRAMS
PLAY SOCCER OVERSEAS
YEAR LONG PROGRAMS, INTERNATIONAL SOCCER CAMPS,
TEAM TOURS, & MORE
www.ifxsoccer.com
Live your dream! Play soccer
internationally!
Welcome from IFX President Michael Carlson
The International Fútbol X-Change is a culmination of my own
experience playing overseas many years ago in Germany. As a young
man dreaming of playing professionally, I embarked on an unforgettable
adventure to Freiburg, Germany, where I ultimately played with a local
semi-professional club while studying abroad.
IFX President Michael Carlson
My experience was life-changing in all aspects. I grew tremendously not
only on the pitch but also off of the pitch. During my 8 months in
Germany, I improved more than I had over the course of several years
back in the U.S. Off the pitch, my life was a continuous adventure. I
traveled throughout Germany, met players and people from around the
globe, and improved my German language skills to eventually become
fluent.
I will cherish the memories I have of playing in Germany for the rest of my life and am so glad that I followed
my dreams. I invite everyone to read through our IFX catalog where you may find an opportunity or experience
that fits into your own dreams.
Mike Carlson
The International Fútbol X-Change is a premier international soccer organization providing total
immersion programs to soccer players from around the world. Since 2003, we have sent hundreds
of players to experience soccer and life in a variety of international destinations. Our expertise in
managing the complex demands and issues surrounding playing and living overseas, enables
players to hit the ground running and focus on their game and new life in an exciting new world.
We offer over 20 unique soccer programs in 6 different countries, varying from one week
international soccer camps with Europe's most renowned clubs, to full season/academic year
programs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
YOUTH YEAR INTERNATIONAL FUTBOL X-CHANGE (Ages 14-18 Boys/Girls)
Germany Program Overview.......................................................4
Germany Testimonial..................................................................5
Spain Program Overview.............................................................6
Spain Testimonial........................................................................7
Brazil Program Overview.............................................................8
England Program Overview.........................................................9
PRO YEAR INTERNATIONAL FUTBOL X-CHANGE (Ages 18+ Men/Women)
Germany Program Overview......................................................10
Germany Testimonial.................................................................11
Spain Program Overview............................................................12
PRO IFX 30 DAY PROGRAMS (Ages 18+ Men only)
Brazil Program Overview............................................................13
Germany Program Overview......................................................14
Germany Testimonial.................................................................15
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH RESIDENTIAL SUMMER CAMPS
IFX Germany Youth Summer Program.......................................16
Germany Youth Summer Testimonial.........................................17
INTERNATIONAL TEAM TOURS
International Team Tours Overview...........................................18
APPLICATION INFORMATION
How to apply and application request form..............................19
Youth Year IFX Germany
Full Season
Half Season - Fall or Spring
GERMANY
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Situated in the heart of Europe, Germany's diversity
astounds the visitor. Live in Germany and discover
medieval castles, charming villages, crystal-clear lakes
and snow-capped mountains, the mystical Black
Forest, pagan-inspired harvest festivals and of course
the world-famous Oktoberfest. Learn about German
history, politics, language, and culture through
interaction with your host family, friends, and locals.
Students who choose a full season or a half season in
Germany will live with a host family, attend a local
public high school, and play with a competitive
German soccer club.
SOCCER CLUB PLACEMENT
Germany has consistently developed some of the top
young talent throughout the world due to their
knowledge and passion for the sport. With many
clubs well over 100 years old, the expertise in
German coaching and club management provides
youth unlimited opportunity for growth and player
development. Germany's youth Bundesligas,
Regionaligas, and Oberligas (top 3 national youth
leagues) are comprised of Germany's top youth
talent, many of whom will enjoy a professional career
in the future. Amateur and professional clubs alike all
field their own youth teams, using their facilities and
resources to mold their youth players to be units of
their own professional team someday. Their is no
doubt that the German clubs now realize that their
most valuable asset is their youth.
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IFX players are placed within a competitive German
soccer club fit to their level. Players are placed within
a challenging football environment that allows
tremendous opportunity for development, while
keeping in mind their physical strength and technical
foundation.
ACADEMICS
The German school system is divided into three types
of schools that prepare students toward a vocational
or academic future. IFX students will attend what is
called the Gymnasium, a nine-year secondary school
that provides a comprehensive general education for
students who wish to continue their studies at the
university level. Roughly 30% of German students
attend the Gymnasium schools.
School subjects include language, literature and art,
the social sciences, mathematics, science, and
technology. Students are required to take classes in
each of these categories.
Dates:
Full Season (August - July)
Half Season - Fall (August - January)
Half Season - Spring ( January - June)
Housing:
Family Homestay
Academics:
Local High School
Club:
All levels
Age:
15-19
Youth Year IFX Germany
Testimonial
Freie Turner Braunschweig
Zachary Shiposh
Hometown: Clarks Summit, PA
Former Club: FC Delco
German Club: FT Braunschweig
League: U-19 Niedersachsenliga
Braunschweig, Germany - 2010-11
Braunschweig is a city of 247,400 people located in
the German state Lower Saxony. It is located north of
the Harz Mountains. Although it's a large city about
two hours from Berlin, it is extremely clean, has both
modern buildings and historic castles, and it feels
very much like my home
- Northeastern
Pennsylvania - surrounded by green and mountains.
When I first got to Braunschweig I trialed with the
U19 men's team for the city's highest level
professional club, Eintracht Braunschweig.
Eintracht's youth team plays in the 2nd division of
German soccer. After several weeks on trial, I
received word that the club was not going to sign me.
The following Monday I trialed with another semiprofessional club's U19 team, Freie Turnerschaft
Braunschweig. Their semi-pro team is in the 5th
division of German soccer, but the U19 team is
playing in the Niedersachsenliga - 3rd highest of the
eight German youth soccer divisions, so the
challenge and quality of play was still excellent. Freie
Turner picked me up after the first week and then
began the submission of my player pass and
international transfer certificate with the Deutscher
Fussball Bund (German Soccer Federation).
After a several weeks of breaking into the team, I was
promoted to the starting attacking center midfielder
for Freie Turner and playing full ninety minute games.
At any given time, there were players trialing for a
spot with Freie Turner's U19's so I knew my spot was
never secure and that was always in the back of my
mind at every practice and game. That 'fear' of losing
the chance to play pushed me harder than I ever
pushed myself back in the U.S. Our league, the
Niedersachsenliga, is comprised of teams from cities
and towns all over the Lower Saxony or northwestern
region of Germany such as Verden, Bückeburg,
Garbsen, Lüneburg, and Hildesheim among others.
We travel throughout the state and every town is full
of boys my age just as good as me or better. I'm
Shiposh 2nd from left at summer training camp
getting tested and pushed every game and it's exactly
what's going to make me a better player.
School & Host Family
I go to school at the local high school and have made
many friends. School is challenging but my host
teachers and host family are very supportive and
have helped me along the way. I have become
extremely close with my host family - they treat me
as if I were their own son. I am very happy here in
Germany, and am truly fortunate to have had this
opportunity of a lifetime to pursue my dreams.
5
Youth Year IFX Spain
Full Season
Half Season - Fall or Spring
SPAIN
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
... Moorish palaces, Dali, La Liga. All synonymous with
the energetic, diverse and stylish country that is
Spain. A year playing soccer in Spain is one you won't
forget.
Lying on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern
Europe bordering Portugal and France, Spain is home
to 39.2 million people. See a fiesta, soak in the
Mediterranean sun… Spain will charm you time and
again.
Players who choose a full season or a half season
program in Spain will live with a host family, attend a
local public high school, and play with a competitive
Spanish soccer club.
SOCCER CLUB PLACEMENT
With a rich history of professional and amateur
soccer, Spain's extensive league system provides
opportunities for all levels of players to compete and
develop. Enjoying one of the most temperate
European climates, Spanish soccer runs year round
with quality field conditions even in the dead of
winter.
While the Spanish style tends to be be more
individualistic than their English and German
neighbors, Spanish clubs have tremendous capability
both tactically and technically. Training sessions are
designed and orchestrated to fully develop the
players' quickness of decision making while
promoting their creativity and individualism.
6
IFX players are placed within a competitive Spanish
soccer club fit to their level. Players are placed within
a challenging environment that will foster
development, while keeping in mind their physical
strength and technical foundation.
ACADEMICS
For full season and half season programs, students
will attend a local high school with a wide range of
coursework and curriculum. Students are required to
take certain core courses, which generally include:
Spanish language, Spanish literature, foreign
language, philosophy, and physical education.
Students may choose one optional area of study to
broaden their curriculum including: arts, science or
technology.
All classes will be conducted in Spanish. Exposure to
Spanish in the classroom and in their daily life helps
them to master and become fluent in their foreign
language skills. Soccer activities will also enhance
players' Spanish development.
Dates:
Full Season (August - July)
Half Season - Fall (August - January)
Half Season - Spring ( January - June)
Housing:
Family Homestay
Academics:
Local High School
Club:
All levels
Age:
15-19
Youth Year IFX Spain
Testimonial
Cádiz C.F.
Brian Levy
Hometown: Clarks Summit, PA
Former Club: PA Classics
Spanish Club: Cádiz C.F.
League: División de Honor
Cádiz, Spain - 2011-12
School & Host Family
Cádiz is a great small city. I love how easy-going the
people are here. I think it's a great place to train and
learn a new language because there really isn't any
pressure - very laid back. The older part of the city is
very historical and beautiful. The nightlife is great
and I have found it easy to adapt socially here. There
really isn't anything not to like about Cádiz.
I attend classes at a Cervantes accredited language
institute called Spanish in Cádiz. I have classes in
grammar and conversation Monday-Friday from 9
AM to 1:30 PM. The people at the school are really
great people and I have enjoyed being with them.
The school is very organized and also provides some
tourism and social activities, as well as the
opportunity to meet new people (I have met and
learned about people from close to 20 different
countries through the school). At times, learning the
language can be a little frustrating, but that's normal.
I've really improved and am conversing much better
each day.
Trainings have been going well. It's very difficult these are the best players I have ever played with.
Drills include tactical segments, specific match
preparation, or high intensity 11 v 11 segments. At
times it's frustrating if I make a mistake or turn the
ball over because I'm not used to being the small fish
in a big pond and such fast paced play. It's a
completely different style of play. They move the ball
like a pinball machine. It's hard enough to get the ball
and when you do get it, it's even more difficult to
play the next ball because everything is so quick.
I have training Monday through Friday and have a
match on Saturday. We do some weight training
before the actual training on Wednesdays and
Fridays.
I'm happy this has all worked out and that they felt
my level was fine enough to let me on board. Training
in a professional club is awesome. The facilty is great
with locker rooms and what not. It's also pretty cool
to be training next to Cádiz A & B. The players and
trainers love picking on me because I'm the foreigner,
but it's a futbol team, it's all in good fun, and they
seem really happy to have me there.
The host family has been phenomenal. They have
helped me settle in and introduced me to everything
here in Cádiz. They provide all the necessities and a
comfortable environment. The family has really
exceeded my expectations. Living in a host family is a
great opportunity. I'm able to experience a different
culture, mature, and practice Spanish every day.
7
Youth Year IFX Brazil
Full Season
Half Season - Fall or Spring
BRAZIL
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
ACADEMICS
Samba, Carnaval, Beaches, Futebol!...Come
experience life in Brazil while playing with a Brazilian
soccer club!
For full season and half season programs, students
will attend a local high school with a wide range of
coursework and curriculum. Classes are challenging
with expectations of completion of coursework not
only in, but outside the classroom. Students are
required to take certain core courses, which generally
include: Portuguese language, literature, foreign
language, philosophy, and physical education.
Additionally, students may choose one optional area
of study to broaden their curriculum including: arts,
science or technology.
Brazil is South America's largest country, and the
world's fifth largest by both geography and
population. From the Amazon jungle in the East to
the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil offers a vast diversity in
land and culture. The many cultures, warm people,
exciting cities and colonial towns make Brazil a
fascinating country.
Students who choose a full season or half season
program in Brazil will live with a host family, attend a
local public high school, and play with a competitive
Brazilian soccer club.
SOCCER CLUB PLACEMENT
All classes will be conducted in Portuguese. Exposure
to Portuguese in the classroom and in their daily life
helps them to master and become fluent in their
foreign language skills. You will have an added
advantage over other foreign piers with additional
exposure to the Portuguese language through your
soccer activities.
Brazil is arguably the top footballing nation in the
world. Combining the athleticism and tactics of the
European style with a magical, improvized flair, the
Brazilian style is both beautiful and effective.
With a passion for the sport dating back over a
century, Brazil's extensive professional and amateur
systems ensure sustainable production of world class
talent.
IFX players are placed within a competitive Brazilian
soccer club fit to their level. Players are placed within
a challenging soccer environment that enables
tremendous opportunity for development.
8
Dates:
Full Season (August - July)
Half Season - Fall (August - January)
Half Season - Spring ( January - June)
Housing:
Family Homestay
Academics:
Local High School
Club:
All levels
Age:
15-19
Youth Year IFX England
Full Season
Half Season - Fall or Spring
"Playing in England
was a
dream come true for
me. My
game improved by lea
ps and
bounds"
Christian Diaz
Wolverhampton, UK
ENGLAND
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
ACADEMICS
Home to some of the world's greatest soccer clubs
including Manchester United, Chelsea FC, and
Arsenal, England is the country most desired to play
in worldwide.
For full season and half season programs, students
will attend a local high school known as Sixth Form
with a wide range of coursework and curriculum.
Classes are challenging with expectations of
completion of coursework not only in, but outside
the classroom. Students are allowed to choose their
courses of study, whether it be English, Math, and
Literature, or more vocational subjects which focus
on technical or practical work.
With a diverse landscape from large, bustling cities,
to quaint towns and shires, England has something
for everyone. With an excellent reputation for
fashion, film, music, and football, England is the
number one destination in the world for students.
Students who choose a full season or half season
program in England will live with a host family, attend
a local public high school, and play with a competitive
English soccer club.
SOCCER CLUB PLACEMENT
All classes will be conducted in English. Exposure to
English in the classroom (for those in which English is
a second language) and in their daily life helps them
to master and become fluent in the English language.
You will have an added advantage over other foreign
piers with additional exposure to the English
language through your soccer activities.
England is the founding father of the world's most
popular sport and today is home to the highest
quality professional soccer league, the English
Premier League. It is the world standard when it
comes to professional soccer, and is home to some of
the world's most profound players and clubs.
The English style is fast paced, physical, and strategic.
Club facilities are world class, with even the smaller
amateur clubs enjoying their own stadiums and
clubhouses.
IFX players are placed within a competitive English
soccer club fit to their level. Players are placed within
a challenging soccer environment that allows
tremendous opportunity for development.
Dates:
Academic Year (August - July)
Fall Semester (August - January)
Spring Semester ( January - June)
Housing:
Family Homestay
Academics:
Local High School
Club:
All levels
Age:
15-19
9
Pro IFX Year Germany
Full Season
Half Season - Fall or Spring
GERMANYNÜRNBERG
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
CLUB PLACEMENT
Our Pro IFX Year Program enables competitive
players over the age of 18 the opportunity to play for
a German semi-professional/Amateur club for one
full or one half season. Players are placed to train and
compete with a German club according to their level
of play. An initial evaluation period upon arrival in
Germany determines club placement.
As one of the world's footballing superpowers,
Germany is home to some of the finest professional
European clubs and players. Their extensive league
system is comprised of multiple professional and
semi-professional clubs that compete for promotion
and relegation from one league to the next, year
after year.
Players live in a shared apartment with other IFX
players and attend an intensive language institute,
enabling rapid advancement in the German
language.
IFX players are placed within a competitive German
soccer club fit to their level enabling tremendous
opportunity for development. IFX manages the full
international transfer of each player enabling
participation in official league matches.
LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Located in the heart of Nürnberg, Germany, our Pro
IFX Year program enrolls each player in our partner
language institute, for intensive German language
lessions for the duration of the program.
CLUBS
IFX has close relationships with the professional and
semi-professional clubs throughout the greater
Nürnberg region as well as relationships with clubs
throughout Germany, spanning all divisions.
Courses include normally 15-20 hours per week of
lessons covering grammar, pronunciation,
conversation, and cultural subjects.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Players are placed to live in a shared private flat
usually shared with other IFX players. Apartments are
furnished, and have one bathroom and a kitchen,
shared between the flat mates. Each player is given
their own room, furnished with a bed and wardrobe.
Public transportation including trains and buses are
easily accessable to IFX apartments.
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Dates:
Full Season (August - July)
Half Season - Fall (August - January)
Half Season - Spring ( January - June)
Housing:
Private Shared Apartment
Academics:
German Language Institute
Club:
Amateur/Semi-professional
Age:
Price:
18+
Pro IFX Year Germany
Testimonial
SpVgg Weiden
Brandin McClay
Hometown: East Taunton, MA
Former Club: Cape Cod Crusaders
German Club: SpVgg Weiden
League: Regionalliga
Weiden, Germany
My soccer experience in Germany was life changing.
Training with various clubs and leagues helped me
develop as a player. Some of the clubs I initially
trialed with included SpVgg Bayreuth, SV
Weidenberg, SGV Friesen, and SpVgg Weiden. It was
a very unique journey for me. The language barrier
was difficult but sometimes soccer has its own
language…a language I was familiar with.
hard I had to work. I went through some rough times
but a trial with a club down the road led me to a two
year professional contract with a quality D4 club.
When SpVgg Weiden offered me a contract to
become a professional footballer, a lifelong goal of
mine was achieved. Language barriers, difficult
playing conditions, a foreign land only made my
resolve all the more resolute. I love this game and I
hope to make it my lifelong career…first as a
player…next as a coach…and ultimately as a person
who will give as much back to the game as it has
given me. At this point I am so thankful to all the
people and organizations, particularly IFX who have
contributed to my success.
McClay warms up before a match in Etzenricht
As you walk in the door before every training session
the players would shake hands and say "Hallo" and
make you feel comfortable, but once on the pitch it
became a very competitive atmosphere. All of the
top divisions have natural grass fields which were in
immaculate condition. I was fortunate to be able to
play well on all surfaces.
My intension was to become a professional player, no
matter what I had to do, where I had to go, or how
Brandin McClay during his signing with Regionalliga
club SpVgg Weiden
11
Pro IFX Year Spain
Full Season
Half Season - Fall or Spring
SPAIN
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
CLUB PLACEMENT
Our Pro IFX Year Program enables competitive
players over the age of 18 the opportunity to play for
a Spanish semi-professional/amateur club for one full
or one half season. Players are placed to train and
compete with a Spanish club according to their level
of play.
Spain's extensive league system provides
opportunities for all levels of players to compete and
develop as players. Spanish soccer runs year round
with quality field conditions even in the dead of
winter. While the Spanish style tends to be be more
individualistic than their English and German
neighbors, Spanish clubs from youth through
professional have tremendous capability both
tactically and technically.
Players live with host families and attend an intensive
language institute, enabling rapid advancement in
the Spanish language.
CLUB PLACEMENT
Located in a variety of Spanish cities, our Pro IFX Year
program enrolls each player in a partner language
institute, for intensive Spanish language lessions for
the duration of the program.
Courses include normally 15-20 hours per week of
lessons covering grammar, pronunciation,
conversation, and cultural subjects.
IFX players are placed within a competitive Spanish
soccer club fit to their level. Players are placed within
an environment that will challenge the player and
allow tremendous opportunity for development,
while keeping in mind their physical strength and
technical foundation.
IFX has close relationships with the professional and
semi-professional clubs throughout throughout
Spain, spanning all divisions.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Players are placed to live with carefully selected host
families who provide an invaluable support system
for each player. Host families live in close proximity to
public transportation enabling easy transit to and
from training and language school. Daily meals are
eaten with the family.
12
Dates:
Full Season (August - July)
Half Season - Fall (August - January)
Half Season - Spring ( January - June)
Housing:
Family Homestay
Academics:
Spanish Language Institute
Club:
Amateur/Semi-professional
Age:
Price:
18+
Professional/Amateur Training & Trials
Pro IFX 30 Day Brazil
BRAZILSÃOPAULO
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
CLUBS
The Pro International Fútbol X-Change (Pro IFX) Brazil
30 day program gives highly competitive players a
unique opportunity to train and trial with high caliber
Brazilian clubs in the São Paulo region.
IFX has close relationships with the professional and
semi-professional clubs throughout the greater São
Paulo region as well as relationships with clubs
throughout Brazil, spanning all divisions from the
Série A down to the Amateur leagues.
IFX picks up each player at the airport, transports
them to their pre-arranged accommodations, and
introduces each player to the club/s where they will
train for a period of 30 days.
The IFX 30-day Brazil program is an incredible way to
showcase your talent to clubs looking for players to
reinforce their squad.
TRAINING & TRIAL PERIOD
The training period is an opportunity for players to
experience intensive training routines, develop a
quicker sense of pace and decision making, enhance
their overall technical and tactical ability, and
showcase their talent to our partner clubs. All
partner clubs seriously consider IFX players as
prospective members of their roster. Many past IFX
participants have become active members of their
original host club, using the Pro IFX as a starting point
in their international soccer career.
While training with highy competitive Brazilian clubs,
many IFX players to experience soccer in a faster
paced environment than they have ever before
experienced. The Brazilian style, combining exquisite
creativity and flair, while maintaining organization
and discipline, is world class.
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Accommodation in an apartment, youth hostel, or
pension.
Airfare not included. IFX player must purchase
their own airline ticket.
Training with selected team during weekly
training sessions for a 30 day period.
Support from local IFX representative
Advisement on everything from local culture to
tips to help you adjust to the foreign playing
environment.
Airport transfer
Dates:
Year round
Housing:
Club housing facility
Level:
Amateur, Semi-pro, & Pros
City:
São Paulo, Brazil
Age:
18 + ; Men
13
Professional/Amateur Training & Trials
Pro IFX 30 Day Germany
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GERMANYNÜRNBERG
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
CLUBS
The Pro International Fútbol X-Change (Pro IFX), is a
uniquely structured international soccer program,
very different from the standard international soccer
academy. Not only does it give qualified players
access to our extensive club network, but it also
allows them experience soccer and life in another
country giving them total immersion in a foreign
professional or semi-professional soccer club. IFX
places each player individually among one of our
partner foreign club teams to train/trial with for a
period of 30 days and arranges for the players’
accommodations.
IFX has close relationships with the professional and
semi-professional clubs throughout the greater
Nürnberg region as well as relationships with clubs
throughout Germany, spanning all divisions from the
Bundesliga down to the Amateur leagues.
TRAINING & TRIAL PERIOD
The training period is an opportunity for players to
experience intensive training routines, develop a
quicker sense of pace and decision making, enhance
their overall technical and tactical ability, and
showcase their talent to our partner clubs. All
partner clubs seriously consider IFX players as
prospective members of their roster. Many past IFX
participants have become active members of their
original host club, using the Pro IFX as a starting point
in their international soccer career.
While training with highy competitive German clubs,
many IFX players experience soccer in a faster paced
environment than they have ever before
experienced. The German emphasis on organization,
efficiency, and discipline on the field provides IFX
players with an opportunity to learn invaluable,
fundamental principles, enhancing their playing
foundation.
14
Recent player trials have been arranged with clubs
such as FC Nürnberg, FSV Erlangen Bruck, FC Bayern
Alzenau, and VfR Aalen to name a few.
PROGRAM INCLUDES
Accommodation in an apartment, youth hostel, or
pension.
Airfare not included. IFX player must purchase
their own airline ticket.
Training with selected team during weekly
training sessions for a 30 day period.
Support from local IFX representative
Advisement on everything from local culture to
tips to help you adjust to the foreign playing
environment.
Airport transfer
Dates:
Year round
Housing:
Private Apartment
Level:
Amateur, Semi-pro, & Pros
City:
Nürnberg, Germany
Age:
18 + ; Men
Pro IFX 30 Day Germany
Testimonial
GERMANYNÜRNBERG
Mark Oliphant
Hometown: Georgetown, TX
Former Club: Univ. of Texas at Tyler
Trials: FC Nürnberg; Erlangen-Bruck
League: Bundesliga; Oberliga
Nürnberg, Germany - 2011
To be honest, I was a bit hesitant about the
opportunity to make a trip to Germany with the IFX
program. I finally just went for it and was headed to
Nuremberg, Germany. As soon as I landed I knew
that this would be an adventure I would never forget.
I am proud to say that I quickly stepped into the role
of the touristy person with eyes wide open and
camera ready for anything. However, pictures could
not do any justice for the awesomeness of the
architecture, the landscape, and the weather that
surround me during my stay. Every time I was able to
roam the city I found a new piece of culture that
topped the experience from the day before. Also the
food was more than fantastic. Everything I tasted
seemed to overwhelm my taste buds with pleasure. I
am the type of person to try almost anything and am
pretty sure I did not leave without a clean plate. The
German culture, landscape, and food certainly
captured my affection and will be visited again in my
future for sure.
we were from or what language we know best,
soccer was the universal language! It was such an
indescribable experience to walk onto a field not
knowing what conversation is about but still knowing
how to communicate when there was a soccer ball
around.
But beyond all of my tourist activities, I did not miss
out on the sole reason I came to Germany which was
to play soccer. Although there was a language barrier
that was ever present on and off the pitch, it was
interesting and actually pretty fun to try and work my
way around it. However, being engulfed in a language
I have never been exposed to, there was a universal
language that we were all able to communicate
perfectly with and that was the language of soccer.
Soccer is a commonality between every player from
all over the world. I met players from Switzerland,
Thailand, Haiti, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, and some
other American players as well, but no matter where
Oliphant dives during a goalkeeper training session
with Bundesliga club FC Nürnberg
One of the most interesting aspects of this program
was being able to train with multiple teams with
different styles of training and to see how the game
of soccer is the same yet totally different. This
opportunity was one of the most amazing things I
could ever experience. It is difficult to put the
experience into words, but I can say that my love for
the game for the soccer has grown insurmountably!
All in all this experience has exceeded my
expectations and was definitely worth it!
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Germany Summer Immersion Training
Youth Summer IFX Germany
GERMANYNÜRNBERG
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
To provide world class training opportunities for top
youth soccer players, the International Fútbol XChange has partnered with German semiprofessional club, SG Quelle Fürth to allow a limited
number of American players to train amongst their
youth teams. Contrary to the traditional international
soccer tour where American teams travel to play
against foreign teams, our program immerses players
in the foreign game, experiencing the German game
as if they were a part of the team.
Players spend two weeks in Fürth where they are
professionally trained by the head youth coaches of
SG Quelle Fürth. Program participants stay in local
accommodations, attend daily training, play in
friendly matches organized by the club, visit local
tourist attractions, and learn about the German
culture and life.
CLUB TRAINING & IMMERSION
Each morning, players either train under the
instruction of the coaches of SG Quelle Fürth.
Licensed German trainers lead the daily training,
engaging the group in technical drills and tactical
maneuvering. Players will then join the SG Quelle
Fürth youth teams in the afternoons to participate in
their normal training sessions.
SG Quelle Fürth has a strong reputation for its youth
development. Their youth teams compete in the
highest youth categories of the Bavarian Football
Association.
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PROGRAM INCLUDES
Accommodation in IFX Flat or Youth Hostel.
Roundtrip airfare not included.
Full board included. Breakfast, lunch, and dinners
eaten at hostel. Lunches sometimes eaten out
during tourist excursions. (Lunches to be paid for
at player's expense if eaten out.)
Full time chaperone during entire program.
10-15 training sessions, Mon-Fri each weekday
morning and/or afternoon.
Participation in friendly matches as guest players
of SG Quelle Fürth youth teams subject to
scheduling and guest player pass approval.
Official SG Quelle Fürth club gear including warmup suit, practice jersey, shorts, and socks.
Tourist activities including visits to Nürnberg
downtown, the Adidas and Puma Headquarters,
and surrounding areas.
Attend a professional Bundesliga (German pro
league) match upon availability
Dates:
August - 2 weeks
Check Website for exact dates
Housing:
Private Flat or Youth Hostel
Level:
Competitive
City:
Nürnberg, Germany
Age:
14-18; Boys only
Youth Summer IFX Germany
Testimonial
SG Quelle Fürth
Fürth, Germany
By Greg Baker
I picked the IFX youth summer exchange program
because, out of all of the programs I was looking at, it
seemed like the best for soccer. All the other
programs were about promoting their name and
making money, but IFX seemed like it was all about
the training, which was exactly what I wanted. I was
happy to experience what it was like to train with a
youth team overseas.
I gained a lot of experience out of playing at such a
high level for two weeks. I got a feel for how the
game is played in Germany, and I would love to get
the chance to go and play there, or anywhere in
Europe, again. I also learned a few things about
IFX partner club SG Quelle Fürth's U19s before a
match with Quelle and IFX players.
There were also challenging things about the trip.
The level of play was definitely one of them, but
in a good way, because it made me a better
player. The language barrier was also hard, but I
was expecting that, and I had fun learning
German in preparation for the trip. The
information about German soccer and list of
German soccer words IFX provided helped me a
lot. I was not expecting to understand much
German, but I ended up understanding more than
I thought I would be able to.
Along with the challenging things, there were also
a lot of fun things that I did while in Germany.
Going to the Adidas and Puma headquarter stores
may take the cake in that category, but the
professional soccer game we went to and visiting
Bayreuth was also a blast. I also enjoyed seeing so
many historic buildings and being able to take
pictures of them. Bamberg and the Castle in
Nürnberg were both very cool.
In summary, I greatly enjoyed my trip to Germany
with IFX. My chaperones were great, and I had a
lot of fun playing soccer and experiencing
Germany and its culture. The food was awesome,
and the traveling was as smooth as it could have
been. If I had a friend that was trying to decide
whether to do a trip with IFX, I would definitely
recommend that they take it. I would also
recommend that they train hard and study
enough of the language to get by in everyday
conversation, because these things made my
experience better.
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International Team Tours
Spain, Germany, England, Italy & More
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Imagine traveling with your team across the globe to
experience soccer in another culture. Compete
against foreign clubs at pristine facilities, train within
foreign clubs training sessions, and soak up exciting
tourist destinations and historic monuments.
Since 2003, IFX provides turnkey management of
international soccer tours, managing all aspects, from
airfare booking, to on-site/in country tour facilitation.
Our extensive club relationships enable us to organize
friendly matches fit to the level of your club. Full time
guides oversee and organize daily actitivies, training,
and interaction with partner clubs.
DESTINATIONS
Germany
Italy
England
Spain
Argentina
Brazil
CLUBS THAT USE IFX
IFX manages tours for all kinds of teams:
Youth Clubs & Teams
Universities
Amateur & Semi-Professional Clubs
Professional Clubs
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TOURS INCLUDE
Roundtrip airfare
Accommodations in hotel or pension
Full board included
Full time IFX guide throughout the tour
Friendly matches against competitive European
clubs
Possibility of training sessions with European
clubs at their facilities (upon request)
Access to training facilities for team trainings
IFX Vans for ground transportation
Tourist/sightseeing activities
Travel/medical insurance
Tournament opportunities
Customized programs available
Call us today to request a customized
proposal for your club or team!
Tel: +1 510 599 4625
Dates:
Year round options available
Durations are flexible/customized
Housing:
Hotels, Pensions, & Youth Hostels
Level:
All levels and ages
Country:
Germany; Italy; England; Spain; Arg.; Brazil
Age:
10 +
Price:
Proposal furnished upon request
How to Apply
APPLICATION & ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Application and enrollment packets for IFX's International Fútbol X-Change programs and international soccer
camps are downloadable online at www.ifxsoccer.com. If you are interested in receiving more information
about any of IFX's programs, please fill out the form below and mail it to us at:
IFX
84 Dublin Drive
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
USA
To contact us by phone, please call (510) 599-4625
Name
Language(s) spoken
Level of Education
Address
Citizenship
Program(s) of Interest
City
State
Phone
Zip
Pro IFX 30 Day
Pro IFX Year
Youth Year IFX
Summer Camps
Countries of Interest
E-mail
Germany
Spain
DOB
England
Brazil
Current team
Italy
Current league
19
FX
INTERNATIONAL FUTBOL X-CHANGE
84 Dublin Drive
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
USA
Phone 510|599.4625
E-mail [email protected]
www.ifxsoccer.com