Why Travel and Play International Soccer Tours Are More Than Just Overseas Travel
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
When evaluating international sports travel options, collegiate soccer programs are often forced to choose between rigid competitive schedules and meaningful cultural experiences. At Travel and Play, that compromise isn't necessary.
Following up on his program's long-term development strategy, Head Men's Soccer Coach Garry Laidlaw shares an inside look at Central College’s recent international tours. From training at elite professional academies to navigating historic UK landmarks, Garry explains how their travel partner ensures every student-athlete grows on the pitch — and returns with a stronger team spirit.
Quick Takeaways: What to Expect on a Travel and Play Tour
For coaches and athletic directors wondering what makes this tour experience unique, here are the core pillars of the program:
Elite Facility Access: Training at world-class professional venues like Manchester United's Carrington Academy and the Rangers FC Academy.
Live Matchday Exposure: Attending fixtures at historic English grounds, including Goodison Park and Loftus Road.
Holistic Cultural Immersion: Balancing rigorous soccer schedules with educational excursions to iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Edinburgh Castle.
Logistical Excellence: A committed, personal touch with timely communication that eliminates the stress of international sports planning.
An Intentional Destination: Staff Roots and Player Passion
A major differentiator for Central College's tours is the deliberate alignment of the destination with the program's identity. Rather than selecting a location at random, the 2019 tour to England and the 2023 tour to England and Scotland leveraged existing program strengths.
"The reason we chose those destinations were that some of the members of our staff are connected to that part of the world and most of our players are familiar with the European soccer leagues and in particular the EPL," Garry explains.
This built-in familiarity allowed players to engage deeply with the local football culture from the moment they landed, turning a standard trip into a highly meaningful educational experience.
Transforming Squad Dynamics Into Unbreakable Team Spirit
International travel is fundamentally about program development, which means stepping outside the comfort zone of domestic pre-season training. This immersive atmosphere leads to incredible off-field transformations.
According to Garry, navigating a foreign country together accelerates player bonding in a way regular campus schedules cannot replicate. Shared experiences — like navigating new cities or training in elite environments — foster an authentic camaraderie that translates directly to on-field chemistry.
The 2019 Tour: Established the foundational blueprint for international travel, grounding the team in English footballing culture.
The 2023 Tour: Expanded the program's horizons to include Scotland, deepening team connections across multiple roster classes.
"I also believe that traveling with your group is one of the best ways to earn and gain a team spirit," Garry says.
The Perfect Balance: Elite Training Meets Cultural Exploration
How does an international tour keep players pushed tactically while ensuring they absorb the local culture? At Travel and Play, this is achieved through a carefully balanced itinerary.
Here is how the tour seamlessly blends elite athletics and cultural education:
Component | Activity | Focus |
Pro Training | Sessions at Carrington and Rangers Academy | Technical development and exposure to elite professional standards |
Match Attendance | Live fixtures at Goodison Park and Loftus Road | Tactical observation, style-of-play analysis, and authentic stadium atmosphere |
Cultural Exploration | Visiting Buckingham Palace and Edinburgh Castle | Historical education, team bonding, and developing a global perspective |
Preparing for the Future with Strategic Tour Cycles
Navigating the four-year cycle of a collegiate career requires foresight. Central College structures its international tours to ensure every generation of student-athletes receives this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
With successful UK tours completed, the program is already looking toward its next developmental milestone. This deliberate planning gives incoming recruits and current players a distinct competitive milestone to look forward to in their collegiate careers.
A Message to Coaches: Your Program is Supported
Handing over the logistics of an international tour — from flights and hotels to fixtures and field space — is an act of trust. Garry wants other coaches to know that while finding a vendor to book basic accommodations is easy, finding a partner that prioritizes the specific needs of a soccer program makes all the difference.
"What we appreciate about Travel and Play is the personal touch that they put on the entire experience from start to finish," Garry stresses. "They communicate well and in a timely fashion throughout the process, and they are committed to meeting the needs of the group that they are working with."
