Excel Int�l Sports

							Excel Int’l Sports
1709 Willow Springs Drive, Sykesville, MD 21784
Telephone: (410) 489 2287, Toll free: (866) 501 TOUR, Telefax: (410) 489 2288, E-Mail: info@excelsports.net

Tour itinerary and information
2008
European Soccer Tour
Scotland and England
Loch Raven Soccer
Excel Int’l Sports
1709 Willow Springs Drive, Sykesville, MD 21784
Telephone: (410) 489 2287, Toll free: (866) 501 TOUR, Telefax: (410) 489 2288, E-Mail: info@excelsports.net
Day 1 – Monday, July 28, 2008:
Depart on overnight flight for Glasgow, Scotland.
Day 2 – Tuesday, July 29, 2008:
Arrive Glasgow – upon arrival you are met by Full Time Tour Director &
transfer to accommodations for a 4 night stay in a 3* hotel in triple/twin
rooms with breakfast and dinner included each day. Welcome meeting and
orientation.
Dinner and optional evening practice session.
Day 3 – Wednesday, July 30, 2008:
Guest morning coaching session by S.F.A. National Staff coach.
Enjoy a day Trip to Glasgow - see the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral,
Provans' Lordship - the oldest house in the city; Glasgow Green - ideal for
walks and visiting the People's Palace; Merchant City - marvel at the
mansions, banks and warehouse buildings built by Glasgow's wealthy
merchant traders; City Chambers - Glasgow City Council's magnificent
headquarters in George Square; Glasgow School of Art - designed by world-
famous architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the wonderful
Victorian architecture - Glasgow's elegant streets are lined with some of the
most beautifully preserved Victorian buildings.
Evening friendly match #1 v Scottish team with post match social
Day 4 – Thursday, July 31, 2008:
Morning guest practice session
Afternoon friendly match #2 v Scottish team with post match social
Evening Dinner at hotel and social activity
Day 5 – Friday, August 1, 2008:
Guest morning coaching session by S.F.A. National Staff coach.
Spend the day sightseeing in Edinburgh. Edinburgh has everything you would
expect and more from Scotland's historic Capital. Visit Edinburgh Castle as it
stands guard over the city, and then explore the many shops and restaurants
on Princess Street, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Museum of Scotland,
and the Royal Botanic Garden are all well worth a visit.
Excel Int’l Sports
1709 Willow Springs Drive, Sykesville, MD 21784
Telephone: (410) 489 2287, Toll free: (866) 501 TOUR, Telefax: (410) 489 2288, E-Mail: info@excelsports.net
Day 6 – Saturday, August 2, 2008:
Depart for morning bus journey to the Roman City of Chester, England. Stop
off en-route for sightseeing at the beautiful Lake District.
Early afternoon arrival and check in to hotel accommodations.
Light evening practice session
Day 7 – Sunday, August 3, 2008:
Morning practice session
Enjoy a half day of sightseeing in the beautiful city of Chester. No visit to
Chester is complete without a walk around the Roman Walls around the city
and a walk thru the city center cobbled streets.
Evening friendly game #3 v English team with post match social
Day 8 – Monday, August 4, 2008:
Today you will enjoy a guided tour and visit to Old Trafford Stadium, home of
the world’s largest soccer club, Manchester United. When you step into the
Theater of Dreams you’re walking into more than just a football stadium. It’s
been the focus for the passion of millions of fans around the world for nearly
a century. All the hopes and dreams of the club have been played out there
and every blade of grass on the pitch could tell a story. There’s something
for all ages, whether you’re old enough to remember the Busby Babes or
young enough to remember only the last few seasons.
Evening practice session.
Excel Int’l Sports
1709 Willow Springs Drive, Sykesville, MD 21784
Telephone: (410) 489 2287, Toll free: (866) 501 TOUR, Telefax: (410) 489 2288, E-Mail: info@excelsports.net
Day 9 – Tuesday, August 5, 2008:
Morning practice session. Half day visit to Liverpool where we have the option of
visiting the world famous Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool F.C., or enjoy a tour of
the Beatles Museum. Evening friendly game #4 v English team with post match
social.
Day 10 – Monday, August 6, 2008:
Return flight to the U.S.
Excel Int’l Sports
1709 Willow Springs Drive, Sykesville, MD 21784
Telephone: (410) 489 2287, Toll free: (866) 501 TOUR, Telefax: (410) 489 2288, E-Mail: info@excelsports.net
Scotland:
Scotland, home of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Robbie
Burns and bagpipes, is a diverse country filled with passionate
Celtic people. It is also home to two of the most fanatically
followed soccer clubs in the world: Glasgow Celtic and Glasgow
Rangers. No tour of Glasgow, its largest city, is complete
without visiting Hampden Park, Scotland‘s national stadium.
Then see Ibrox Park (Rangers) and Celtic Park to experience
firsthand Scottish soccer fever and passion. A short ride from
both Glasgow and Edinburgh is Stirling, real “Braveheart”
country and the site of Stirling Castle. Dating back to the 14th
century, this is one of the most impressive buildings in all of
Scotland. A mile north of Stirling‘s center stands the Wallace
Monument. Built in 1869, it commemorates the life of
Scotland‘s greatest freedom fighter.
Edinburgh:
Scotland‘s capital is a city of 630,000. It was named after King Edwin, who in the
7th century was the first to build a castle on the rock (Edwin's Burgh). Beautifully
situated on seven hills, Edinburgh is the administrative, economic and cultural
heart of Scotland. It has both the charm of a small town and the grandeur of a
European capital. The center of Edinburgh is divided in two by the railway and
Princes Street gardens, once known as Nor‘ Loch (loch is the Scottish word for
lake). Before that, it was a hunting forest for kings. On one side of the city center
is the Medieval Old Town, with castles and museums; on the other is the 19th-
century New Town, featuring beautifully designed houses and shops. Besides its
magnificent architecture, Edinburgh boasts many parks. The beautiful Princes
Street Gardens sit in the very heart of the city, while not far away are the gorgeous
Royal Botanic Gardens. To the southwest you will find the Pentland hills; to the
east Holyrood Park, with Salisbury Crags and Arthurs Seat.
Chester:
Historic Chester, dating back more than 2000 years to Roman times, is an
excellent choice as a base for exploring Northwest England and North Wales.
Visitors can enjoy a boat ride up the River Dee or ride the many open-topped
buses. Highlights include Chester cathedral, the Town Crier, the Deva Roman
experience and the famous Eastgate.
About Chester:
En route to Chester, stop at world-famous Old Trafford Stadium, home of
Manchester United. Enjoy the museum and stadium tour, followed by a visit to the
United megastore; then dine in the Red Café. Liverpool is an easy 30-minute ride
from your Chester hotel. Memorable excursions include Anfield, home of Liverpool
F.C., and The Cavern, birthplace of the Beatles and the start of their Magical
Mystery Tour. The Albert Dock Marina, a great place for shopping, also houses
historical features from the city’s involvement in the 19th-century slave trade.
Forty minutes from Chester is the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, and
Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak. Take the mountain railway to the summit (if you
don’t need the exercise!), enjoy spectacular views and dine at the top. Caernarfon
Castle, where Prince Charles was investitured, is nearby.
Excel Int’l Sports
1709 Willow Springs Drive, Sykesville, MD 21784
Telephone: (410) 489 2287, Toll free: (866) 501 TOUR, Telefax: (410) 489 2288, E-Mail: info@excelsports.net
Included in the package:
* Round trip flights from US.
* 4 nights hotel accommodations in Glasgow, Scotland, and 4 nights in
Chester/Liverpool or Manchester area; players in triple rooms, parents/staff in twins
or doubles, with two meals daily. (Breakfast plus evening dinner)
* Full Time private luxury bus.
* Four international friendly games.
* Full Time Local Tour Manager
* Two Guest Coaching sessions by FA licenced coach.
Exclusions:
* Gratuities
* Drinks with Dinner
* Lunches
* Optional travel insurance
* Entry fees
* Single room upgrade
* Airline/Airport/Government fees and taxes.
Cost per person:
(25 to 50 people) - $2, 395 per person
Excel Int’l Sports
1709 Willow Springs Drive, Sykesville, MD 21784
Telephone: (410) 489 2287, Toll free: (866) 501 TOUR, Telefax: (410) 489 2288, E-Mail: info@excelsports.net
RECENT TOUR TESTIMONIALS FROM ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND TRIPS!
“It was a great trip”!
Sasho Cirovski, University of Maryland, England and Scotland
"Everything was so well organized and run professionally - it's just a first class
program all the way. They were so friendly and our tour guide was amazing, he took
the time to get to know our guys and really did a fantastic job of informing us on all
the sites we saw. We got exactly what we were looking for out of this trip; we
trained regularly, played against some very talented teams, got to see many sites in
Scotland, and became much closer as a team. The friendships and togetherness that
came about might be the most rewarding aspect of the trip, but if you ask the
players they'll probably say it was attending the sellout game between Glasgow
Celtic and Dundee United."
Keith Byrnes, Frostburg State University, Scotland
“We have taken tours to Europe with Excel International Sports for the last three
summers, all of which have been first class. The quality of service provided by Excel
International Sports was exceptional.”
M.Koll, Potomac S.C., Scotland/England
“What a trip! I will never be able to thank you enough for putting together this
experience for not only the players, but everyone that came. I feel a little guilty, I
had so much fun. Everything was perfect, except for some of the rain, but we hardly
noticed. I could go on and on because I know everyone on our trip felt exactly the
same. You and your staff are priceless. (Tell Steve thanks for the dance- I had never
danced with a man in a Kilt!) Thanks so much.”
R. Mais, River SC, DE, Scotland and England
“The trip was outstanding for the team’s chemistry. Being able to experience another
culture, play competitive matches and have fun the entire time is what we were
looking for, and that is exactly what we got. The accommodations were good, and
having access to a "soccer mind" tour guide was beneficial both on and off the field.
We thoroughly enjoyed working with Murray. Being field level at Old Trafford to see
Manchester United was an obvious highlight – an experience we still talk about.
Alf Bilbao, Head Coach, Truman State University, England
“Our entire group agreed that the quality of our soccer tour could not possibly have
been any better! The accommodations were clean, convenient, and staffed by the
friendliest people you could meet. The quality of coaching and the games were
exactly as we had hoped. The fields were like nothing we had ever seen before –
thank you Excel Sport Tours!”
P. Pritchett, Texas Comets, England and Scotland.
"Excel Sports ran a first class tour from beginning to end. The training facilities,
accommodations, and competition were outstanding. Our team definitely profited
from the experience."
A. Adams, UMBC College, Scotland
“Everyone had a great time! It was a wonderful trip for the players and parents, you
guys did a great job, and EVERYTHING was done in a very professional manner. We
are now looking forward to our next trip!”
A. Bestwick, Kirkwood Soccer Club, England and Scotland
Excel Int’l Sports
1709 Willow Springs Drive, Sykesville, MD 21784
Telephone: (410) 489 2287, Toll free: (866) 501 TOUR, Telefax: (410) 489 2288, E-Mail: info@excelsports.net
“The Bethesda Mavericks had a great time. Parents, players and coaches were
completely satisfied with the trip. The accommodations were more than adequate
and the food was as expected (Scotland had the tastiest!!) Pubs were delightful, the
soccer was exciting.”
M. Blackwood, Bethesda SC, Scotland and England
“I really can't say enough about Excel or our trip to Scotland and England. The
parents and the kids are still talking about the trip. The facilities, pitches and
tournament were great. The settings in Scotland and England were truly beautiful.
The pitches were unlike anything I have seen in the US. The team got to play against
some excellent teams including the Glasgow Rangers youth team. We saw Arsenal
play Glasgow Celtic at Celtic Stadium and visited Manchester U’s stadium. However,
what I think distinguishes Excel from other travel companies is the personal
attention they provide. Eric and his team know soccer, the countries and how to
have fun.” Steve Anderson, Hockessin, DE, Scotland and England
“Our team and parents found the trip to the UK through Excel to be nothing but the
absolute best experience of a life time. The football was great, but the cultural
aspects of the tour and interactions with local population were outstanding. Every
staff member at Excel was a true professional and put the finishing touch on every
activity we were involved with. Thank you!”
Steve Kilby, Director of Coaching, River SC, DE, England and Scotland
“When we decided to plan and schedule this tour we had three goals in mind --
quality training sessions and competitive matches, cultural experiences in London
and Glasgow, and the ability to bond as a team and interact with the local population
in both countries. Excel Sports Tours provided us with an exceptional tour
experience that exceeded all of our expectations. We would use them again and
would recommend them for other colleges that may consider this experience."
G. DiBartolo, Salisbury University, England and Scotland
”On behalf of everyone who traveled with Loyola Blakefield this August, I would like
to thank you for an outstanding trip. I think the experiences the boys gained will
stay with them for a lifetime. On the pitch the competition was excellent and it was
exciting for our boys to play against youth professional academy teams. It gave
them quite a boost of confidence to know that they could keep up with them. Off the
pitch was just as and probably more enjoyable. To get a chance to see a top level
professional game and to meet Brad Friedel was priceless. The cities and sights we
had a chance to take in around Manchester and all over Scotland were incredible. I
personally enjoyed the trips to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle is quite a
sight to see with your own eyes. Please pass along another thank you to Ian and
Allen. They were great with the boys and made the trip even that more special.
Thanks again for everything.
Kyle Swords, Loyola Blakefield High School, England and Scotland