FAQs
HOW GOOD DOES MY TEAM NEED TO BE TO TAKE PART?
There is no set answer for this, since teams from all levels will benefit from playing against European opposition. Professional academies in Europe have a tight match schedule and limited window in which to play exhibition games. The quality of opposition they play against must understandably be high, and for the most part, it has not been a problem in putting forward our clubs. The Euro clubs enjoy playing against North American teams because they get challenged physically and athletically. However, we reserve the right to offer alternative opposition if your club is not playing at a competitive level. Of course, we will let you know the full program before the booking period.
HOW MUCH FREE TIME WILL THE PLAYERS HAVE?
Unless we are taking part in a soccer-related activity such as watching a Champions League game or meeting a player, we have dedicated time in evenings to sample the sights and sounds of not just our host city, but further afield too.
As a group we will do set events such as watching local theatre performances, live sport (not just soccer!), historical tours etc, but on other days we may have different activities to suit a player's taste. Since we have a small player-to-chaperone ratio, and have access to various vehicles, one smaller group can visit a local castle, others may wish to go swimming, whilst another may just wish to visit the mall
WHY TOURISM SECOND?
It feels like we have been misunderstood! Yes, soccer comes first to us. We want you to gain as much exposure to as much of it as possible during your 10 Day Tour. However, this does not mean we will do so at the expense of 'tourism'. To be honest, we don't want you to feel like a tourist.
Instead we want our players to live as a young European for the time they are in Europe. Of course we will visit all the popular hotspots but also take you off the beaten track and go where the locals go.
WHAT'S THE MINIMUM/MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF PLAYERS I CAN BRING?
At a bare minimum, each squad should have a starting XI and 4 substitutes but you may find that 15 players is not enough for your team, since they will be playing in a lot of matches and you may wish to rotate players. Often our tours contain 20+ players per squad.
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Do not forget that in Europe, age 'restrictions' are treated more liberally so feel free to mix up some of your squad and bring younger or older players from other teams at your club - in fact we recommend it!
WHAT IS THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE?
Payment is made in 3 installments:
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Deposit / 10% of total fee / Upon completion of Statement of Commitment Form
Installment 1 / 30% of total fee / 30 Days After
Installment 2 / 30% of total fee / 60 Days After
Installment 3 / 30% of total fee / 60 Days Before Trip
CAN PARENTS / FAMILY MEMBERS JOIN THE EXPERIENCE?
Absolutely, parents, friends or family members can come along at a reduced rate (15%-20%) depending on the destination. You can follow your loved one around as much as you want or be free to run your own itinerary!
WHAT SAFETY PROTOCOLS DO YOU HAVE IN PLACE ON TOURS?
A dossier is compiled and kept by the tour manager containing all emergency contact information, insurance coverage and other helpful notes that can be used in the event of an emergency. In addition to the tour manager, adult chaperones are present on all tours to help ensure a first class experience. We maintain a 5:1 player to chaperone ratio on all EFX tours.
IS INSURANCE INCLUDED WITH YOUR TOUR? IS IT REQUIRED?
Insurance policies are purchased separately; it is strongly recommended that you purchase both travel medical insurance as well as trip cancellation insurance however only travel medical is a requirement to join an EFX tour. Of course we carry our own liability insurance as dictated by ABTA.
DOES EVERYONE IN THE GROUP TRAVEL ON THE SAME FLIGHT?
EFX strives to have the group travel together however there may be circumstances where members of a party need to take another flight due to seat unavailability. This is the exception rather than the rule as we work with airlines to book in bulk in advance but sometimes, especially with late additions we have to find alternate travel arrangements to accommodate. Regardless of how everyone travels, all tour members are taken care of upon arrival at the destination and are promised a high quality experience.
IS BAGGAGE INCLUDED WITH TOUR PURCHASE?
Yes, 1 checked bag is included per tour attendee. Weight restrictions vary depending on the airline. Additional baggage allowance may be booked for a supplementary fee.
HOW DOES THE GROUP TRAVEL DURING THE TOUR DESTINATION?
We hire a private coach/bus to take us to all of our destinations. In certain cities, we may use public transport for one afternoon so that the players can experience local life.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
Dietary restrictions are noted in the registration documentation and accommodations are made. In the event that accommodations cannot be met, the lead team representative (coach or manager) will be made aware in advance so that alternate arrangements can be made.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR ME TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS?
Pay your deposit; share a list of your party members, identify 3 adult chaparones and we will handle the rest.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN READY MADE AND DIY TOURS?
Our years of expertise have hand-picked the best tours for North American teams. We go at the same time of year, every year, and play against the same teams so that's why we can offer the tours at such a competitive price. Of course, if our timeframe does not suit your schedule, you can fully customize your sojourn to Europe!
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH TOURNAMENT IS BEST FOR ME?
Tourneys in Europe come in all shapes and sizes and it can be a bit daunting for first timers. There's about 8 'main' tournament which attract the world's top youth soccer clubs and a handful of smaller bespoke ones. Just remember, bigger doesn't always mean better!
DO COACHES GET A FREE PLACE?
YES! For every group of 20 players/parents, 1 coach gets a free place! In a group of 30, the next coach is half price. Any subsequent coaches receive 25% off, because we know you have a lot on your plate. But don't worry, we'll be there with you, every step of the way.
HOW DO YOU HAVE SUCH CLOSE CONNECTIONS TO PRO CLUBS?
We first started taking North American players for trials to pro European clubs, and as that became more popular, we were asked whether we could take entire teams. How could we refuse? Our staff include a current Premier League captain, a former Premier League Manager, and top coaches, agents and scouts in the game!
HOW MUCH EXTRA DO I HAVE TO PAY ON TOP?
ZERO DOLLARS! All you have to do is book your flights (or get us to do it for you!). We have everything else covered - games, training, accommodation, 3 meals per day, everything! So you will not have to reach into your pocket again. Your child will have an incredible time even without a dollar in their pocket. However, we find that giving them an allowance means they can buy souvenirs and the odd snack!
WHAT AGE GROUPS CAN TRAVEL ON YOUR TOURS?
The youngest Tour we do is for 11 year old players, and the oldest is college age (usually 18-22). The optimum age group may be 13-15 years old, but really there is no bad age to play in Europe - there will always be benefits! Some countries such as Australia and New Zealand take full tours for players as young as 7 since they believe exposing their top players at such a developmental age helps them appreciate the game in greater depth.
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Girls, Boys, Mens, Womens, and even Mixed teams are all welcome!
WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
You may always reach us at play@eurofootballexchange.com – additionally, one of our directors can host a video call with your team / organization management to answer live any questions that you may have about a prospective tour.