SUPERCUP NORTHERN IRELAND
Arrive in N. Ireland July 19th & Return to the US July 27th, 2024
WHAT IS FC AMERICA?
Global Sports Experiences presents FC America, an All-Star Program meticulously crafted to bring together individual male and female players from across North America. This unique initiative provides participants with the exciting opportunity to showcase their skills in prestigious international tournaments.
Beyond the competitive arena, FC America is dedicated to delivering a distinctive experience for both players and parents. We strive to create memorable moments that extend far beyond the boundaries of the game, offering a pathway to future soccer endeavors and personal growth on a global scale.
We provide a full developmental pathway to support every player's individual goals. Your journey does not end on the last day of the tournament but is rather the starting point on your journey, whether that is to play on the international stage at a top professional club or compete at college our staff are there to assist.
WHY GLOBAL SPORTS EXPERIENCES
DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
Just some of the clubs we have worked with and managed travel for.
WHY SUPERCUP NORTHERN IRELAND?
- Rich Tournament History: The SuperCup Northern Ireland boasts a storied history dating back several decades, attracting top youth teams from around the globe. Formerly known as the Milk Cup, this tournament has seen the likes of iconic players such as David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and Wayne Rooney grace its fields in their youth.
- Elite Level of Competition: The tournament consistently draws elite youth teams from across the world, creating an unparalleled level of competition. Competing against some of the best young talents on an international stage not only challenges your team to excel but also provides a benchmark for their skill and development.
- Breathtaking Beauty of Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland's stunning landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for the tournament. From the dramatic cliffs of the Causeway Coast to the serene beauty of Lough Neagh, players and coaches alike will be mesmerized by the natural splendor surrounding them.
- Immersive Cultural Experience: Participating in the SuperCup Northern Ireland is not just about soccer; it's about immersing yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the region. Northern Ireland's vibrant culture is expressed through its music, dance, and warm hospitality.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Friday July 19th - For those arriving on Friday July 19th into Dublin airport our buses will depart at 9:00am, 11:00am and 1:30pm for the players and any parents who have signed up for the guest package. Anyone arriving after these times, there are other transport options available and if you have not already contacted me please do so.
On arrival day, our staff will meet players and families at Dublin Airport Terminal 2, by the yellow art frame on the arrivals level (2nd floor). We will communicate the list for each of the buses once we have collected all the information.
We will then transfer to the accommodation (Approx. 2hrs 45mins) for check in and evening practice. Rooming List to follow.
Day 2 - Saturday July 20th - Pre tournament game in the Morning then lunch. We will then travel to visit Giants Causeway about 20 minutes north. Evening will be either a practice session or workshop with coaches.
Day 3 - Sunday July 21st - Morning and afternoon practice session then opening ceremony and parade will take place on Sunday evening in Coleraine. All competing teams are invited to walk through the town and into Coleraine Showgrounds to kick off the tournament. Players will wear their full tracksuit for the ceremony and if you have flags, banners or any other patriotic items be sure to bring them with you!
Day 4 - Monday July 22nd - Opening day.
St. Patricks vs FC America, 3:00pm, Kells.
Evening watch the Elite section game at the stadium.
Day 5 - Tuesday July 23rd - Day 2 of Group Games.
Rangers vs FC America, 2:30pm, Anderson Park.
Also visit to Titanic Museum in Belfast.
Day 6 - Wednesday July 24th - Final Group Games
Fermanagh vs FC America, 3:00pm, Coleraine Showgrounds.
Results will determine if we enter the Super Cup NI, Globe, Vase or Bowl.
Day 7 - Thursday July 25th - Semi-Final Day. Our opponent on Thursday, July 25th will be determined by results in the group stage with opponent, time and venue announced on Wednesday evening, July 24th.
Day 8 - Friday July 26th - Tournament finals followed by the closing ceremony. Local players have option to leave.
Day 9 - Saturday July 27th - Bus departures will start from early morning and will be communicated in advance. Arrival will be planned for at least 3 hours before flight departure for international flights.
SOME IMPORTANT NOTES FROM SUPERCUP NI
For the initial player check-in passports are required. Teams will be checked in on the Sunday night with passports returned that evening or by the next morning.
Game day- Bus departs and arrive around 1 hour before kick off with access to changing rooms. Team will be able to keep all bags and personal items in there.
Onto pitch around 40minutes before kick off to begin warmup. They may ask you to keep out of the box during warmup.
10-15mins before kick off return to changing rooms.
5mins before kick off two teams walk out with referees and opponents.
Game time - 2x35 mins with 10mins half time, can return to changing rooms.
No re-entry of players, 7 subs maximum with 3 stoppage moments in games.
Please ensure behavior of the players and staff when at the accommodation, game venues and parade/ceremony is of the highest standards. This also includes spectators on the sideline. Any players or coaching staff sent off, for any reason will receive at least a one game suspension, plus further review from the tournament disciplinary committee.
There are medical staff at all game venues including ambulances.
Free Ice Baths available in the Atlantic ocean!
INCLUSIONS & PACKAGES
8 Nights: July 19 - July 27
- Eight-nights accommodation provided by the Tournament Organization (players stay with players).
- Full board (3 meals a day).
- Transportation to achieve the itinerary (airport transfer included from Dublin Airport).
- Training sessions.
- Pre Tournament Game.
- Transportation to pre-tournament scrimmage and SuperCupNI games (5 games Monday - Friday).
- Tournament Registration.
- Sightseeing tours to "Titanic Belfast" and World Heritage Site "Giants Causeway"
- FC America Coaches and GSE Tour staff with team 24/7.
Cost per player: $1,850
- $500 upon deposit.
- $675 by June 15.
- $675 by July 1.
** Please note paying via credit card will result in a 3% transaction fee. If you wish to avoid the 3% fee you can pay via check. You can find how to pay via check in the registration portal.
- 8-night Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Belfast City Center Hotel (to be announced once all attendance is confirmed)
- SuperCupNI Opening Parade and Ceremony
- Transportation to and from the airport.
- Transportation to pre-tournament scrimmage and SuperCupNI games.
- Sightseeing tours to "Titanic Belfast" and World Heritage Site "Giants Causeway"
- One group Evening meal (Normally Wednesday night)
- Belfast City Guided Walking Tour.
- Visit Belfast's Historic City Hall
Cost per guest: $1,850
- $500 upon deposit.
- $675 by June 15.
- $675 by July 1.
** Please note paying via credit card will result in a 3% transaction fee. If you wish to avoid the 3% fee you can pay via check. You can find how to pay via check in the registration portal.
The team will stay at the Ulster University, Coleraine Campus. Players will stay in the college dorms (same as the rest of the boys teams competing in the SCNI). Rooms are individual with en-suite bathrooms. Campus has 24/7 private security.
University of Ulster, Coleraine Campus, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA.
If you are driving to the location and using GPS then best to enter University Park, Coleraine BT52 1JU, UK). The north entrance is across the road, facing the houses in university park. The accommodation area is just past the tennis courts on the right before the riverside theatre.
If anyone is travelling by car, they can meet at the university between 3:00-4:30pm for check-in. Please do not arrive before 3pm.
All team meals take place at accommodation. These are normally set by the tournament in advance, based around kick off times. There is some flexibility, and they will connect the accommodation staff with you in advance.
Example 3pm kick off. Breakfast 9am. Lunch 12:30pm. Bus departs 1:30pm. Return at 5pm. Dinner at 7pm.
Towels and bedding are supplied.
**Parents/Guest: Will stay at the 4* Belfast Hilton, 4 Lanyon Pl, Belfast BT1 3LP, United Kingdom and will have transportation everyday to the games plus other activities planned for the group.
Once you register you will receive an email from Soccer Post with the link and instructions to purchase the player's uniform package.
Player will require the following Nike FC America items which need to be purchased at an additional cost:
- Home Jersey.
- Away Jersey.
- Training Jersey.
- Socks x2.
- Shorts x2.
- Tracksuit.
Uniform will be washed throughout the week. Players wont have access to laundry for personal items such as t-shirts, underwear, socks etc.
Please label all items of apparel.
Please click on the below link and follow the instructions to complete the player's and guest's registration.
- Travel Protection Plan: Yes, GSE offers a comprehensive travel protection plan that covers a range of benefits including medical and dental treatment abroad, cancellation due to injury, sickness, or death of a family member, passport and visa protection, flight cancellation, loss of luggage and personal effects, and cancellation due to terrorist acts (as defined). More information, here.
- Installment Payments: Absolutely! GSE provides the convenience of paying via installment to ensure flexibility and ease of payment for our travelers.
- Financial Assistance and Scholarships: GSE offers a fundraising option through our exclusive partners, Vyoo, providing travelers with opportunities to seek financial assistance and scholarships for their journey.
- Solo Travel: Yes, children can travel alone under the guidance and supervision of our experienced staff, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the journey.
- Dietary Accommodations: Participants with dietary restrictions will find meals tailored to their needs available during the trip. Closer to the departure date, we will collect information regarding any allergies or dietary preferences to ensure everyone's needs are met.
- Passport Requirements: A valid passport is essential for travel. Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the departure date from the originating country.
- Packing Essentials: Prepare for your adventure by packing essentials such as team uniforms (details provided by your coach), passport, cleats, sneakers, sandals, shin guards, refillable water bottle, backpack, casual clothing suitable for the weather (73-59°F), toiletries, power adapter for UK, and any other personal items you may need.
- Cash Recommendations: While credit cards and ApplePay are widely accepted, it's advisable to carry some cash for added convenience during your travels. Currency is Pound Sterling in N. Ireland.
- Language and Cultural Assistance: A GSE representative will be available 24/7 during the trip offering assistance for all travelers, specially to those that may not speak the language or are unfamiliar with the local culture.
- Extra Activities: There will be additional activities, at extra cost, offered to the group during your experience.
- Cancellation and Refund Policy: If you need to cancel your participation, you should connect with GSE immediately via email or phone call. Certain fees will apply depending on your cancellation case, and will be calculated as of the date GSE receives written notice of cancellation.
Cancellation Fee Schedule:
- Minimum fee is $250 per person.
- 120 to 91 days before departure is 50% of the trip price.
- 90 to 46 days before departure is 75% of the trip price.
- 45 to 0 days prior to departure is 100% of the trip price.
Full reimbursement, minus minimum fee, will be applied in the case of:
- Travelers cannot travel because of a valid medical reason (e.g. illness, season ending injury).
- Traveler can be reimbursed fully outside conditions above, if full-paying replacement for the trip is found.
Some Important Information
- Players should use their backpack as their carry-on and should pack ALL uniform items, including shin guards, goalie gloves (if applicable) and footwear for games and training in their backpacks. It is recommended that they also include a change of clothes in their carry-on if checked luggage is misrouted or delayed.
- Make sure all bags are clearly marked with name of traveler. Consider adding a distinguishable mark to your bag such as a colored tag/ribbon for easy identification. Using Air Tags is a good idea to track your luggage.
- All uniforms apparel, including socks, must be clearly marked with name and/or initials. This will ensure that all items are returned to their rightful owner if we coordinate a team laundry and after washing of match day uniforms.
- Please make sure all toiletries or medications in your carry-on luggage meet TSA Regulations.
- Check with your airline for specific information regarding luggage and carry-on restrictions and requirements.
Travel Information
- Airline Ticket Information.
- Phone and charger (make sure you review any data fees for international travel and speak with your provider).
- Passport (Make sure you check it has a minimum of 6 months before expiration date).
- Signed ‘Consent Form to Travel’ if your player is traveling alone with FC America Staff or another adult. Some airlines also require a copy of the passport page of legal guardian that signed the form.
- Copy of any Travel Insurance.
- Copy of Schedule and Itinerary.
- Copy of passport.
- Spending Money - Pounds Sterling will be needed for trips to the UK and Euros for most of Europe including Republic of Ireland. Check with your local bank or AAA for local currency. Do NOT plan on exchanging at the airport as it can be costly and time consuming. Pre-paid Credit/Debit cards may have the best exchange rate and there are many ATMS, so check with your credit card company. Make sure you confirm that these cards can be used overseas.
Clothing
- FC America Tracksuit Jacket and pants, complete blue kit and alternate kit of white shirt, blue shorts, and white socks. For players outside of the USA that did not have their kit shipped direct we will pass out your complete uniform on the first day of arrival. Goalkeepers should have their full kit and tracksuit. We will provide an alternate Goalkeeper uniform should it be required and then collect at the end of the week. Please ensure you label all items.
- Soccer Cleats/Football Boots for turf and grass. Small metal studs are allowed on cleats for the grass pitches. They will not allow metal studs on the artificial surfaces (two venues).
- Sneakers/Trainers- must be used for any tournament events and traveling to games. Players should NOT be traveling to and from games in slides, flip flops, crocs, or slippers etc.
- Undergarments and/or compression wear for playing.
- Backpack
- Consider the time of year you are traveling as it may dictate if you need a light raincoat or a heavier jacket.
- Socks and underwear for everyday wear. Make sure you have enough for the week as we may only be able to wash match kit and not personal items.
- Pajamas and sleep wear.
- Pack a hat to protect from the sun.
- Casual clothes- hoodies, sweater, t-shirts, shorts, pants, underwear, socks, slides
- A mesh laundry bag to put your uniform into for washing. Please make sure the player’s name is on the bag and that the bag can be put directly into the washing machine.
Footwear
- Soccer Cleats/football boots and Turf Shoes. Games may be played on turf or grass.
- Slides/flip flops for after the game and for lounging.
- Indoor athletic shoes suitable for futsal or indoor play.
- Additional athletic shoes such as comfortable sneakers/trainers for training, running and for when we are doing any walking tours or sightseeing.
Equipment
- Shin Guards.
- Shin Guard Sleeves/Tape/Straps.
- Soccer Bag or backpack for taking your gear to the field.
- Refillable Water Bottle(s) (have this empty and on hand for your flight). You will also need this for games and training.
- Keepers: Goalie Gloves and Goalie Pants as preferred.
Additional Items
- REMEMBER TO PACK ANY LARGER LIQUIDS IN YOUR CHECKED BAG!
- Mesh Laundry Bag with your name on. Ideally the kind that allows you to put dirty clothing in and then put directly in the washing machine.
- Make sure you have a power adapter for the country you are traveling to.
- Toiletries i.e. soap, anti-perspirant and deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste etc. Also suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray and lip balm.
- Hair accessories (as required).
- Electronics & Charger. Also, a good idea to consider a portable charger/power pack to keep phone charged on travel.
- Headphones for travel.
- Medicine if applicable.
- Snacks for travel and especially flights in case they do not provide meals.
- Remember to pack reading materials and load music or videos to your electronic device before travel.
- Personal Protective Equipment as required i.e. face masks, hand sanitizer etc.