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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. 4 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. 10 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 Mark Oliphant e trialing "My experienc rg was an be rn Nü FC th wi a lifetime of e nc rie expe get." for r ve ne ll that I wi 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! 15 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. 16 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. 17 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 18 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