Travel Stories

Washington Area Girls Soccer League Enjoys Italy Soccer Tour

The Washington Area Girls Soccer League is a youth soccer organization with 650 teams and 10,000 players throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Each year, a group of 18 players are chosen from teams in the division 1 or 2 level to create the WAGS All-Star team. This year, the team traveled to Italy for an international soccer tour led by Head Coach Jim Bruno and WAGS President Sally D’Italia.

From June 24^th – July 3^rd, 2016 the group of 18 girls traveled to Padua, Pisa, Monteccatini Terme, Florence, and Rome for an international soccer tour. During their 10 day journey, they played four international friendly games, enjoyed the local culture with guided sightseeing tours, and learned about the international style of play with practice sessions.

Arriving in Milan, the team was met at the airport by their WorldStrides Excel Sports programs tour guide, Leonardo Calabretta, and headed off to Padua where they would spend the next two nights. After settling in, the team had their first training session at Campo Comunale to prepare for their upcoming friendly matches.

Then, it was time for WAGS to lace up for their first game against Real Venezia in northern Italy. The match was a real test for the team and they came out victorious with a score of 5-1. Post-match, the team enjoyed a “spaghettata” with Real Venezia and had a special visit from the Mayor of Venice! Sally D’Italia, President of WAGS, stated “we have truly felt like ambassadors of the game and of the United States and Leonardo is the best guide ever!”

The rest of the day was spent sightseeing in Venice which included St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Abbey, the Duke’s Palace, the “Sospiri” Bridge, the Duke’s Palace Prisons and much more.

After two short days in Padua, WAGS departed for Montecatini Terme. En route to Montecatini Terme the team stopped in Pisa and visited its famous tower. Shortly after arriving at the hotel, the team enjoyed a visit to the thermal spas and the Montecatini Alto.

Their time in Montecatini Terme included friendly matches and sightseeing tours before they headed off Rome! Upon arrival, the team had to quickly prepare for their third international friendly match vs. RES Roma Calcio. The team fell short with a 2-1 loss against a fantastic Roma team. Despite the loss, the team enjoyed a bonding experience with their opponents with a post-match meal at the field.

It was already the second to last day on the tour, and it was time for the team to take in all that Rome had to offer. They enjoyed visits to the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the ancient city Ruins and the Pantheon. Their day was capped off with one last friendly game vs. VIS Roma NOVA.

On the team’s last day, they enjoyed everything Rome had to offer. After a morning of sightseeing throughout the city. the afternoon was spent at the famous Vatican museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter.

The trip brought 18 players from different teams throughout the Washington D.C., area together to form one amazing All-Star team. The memories that they made together will be remembered forever!

The Washington Area Girls Soccer trip was made possible by WorldStrides Excel Sports programs, the industry leader in organizing international travel for North American teams. When teams travel with WorldStrides Excel they are backed by an industry leading $50 million liability coverage.

If you are interested in planning an international tour for your team visit our website at www.eurosoccertours.net or www.myprogram.worldstrides.com/sports. Contact Eric McAleer at eric@excelsports.net or Daniel Dicce at danieldicce@excelsports.net to learn more information!