Since 1991, Global Sports Academy (GSA) has been arranging tours for college and youth teams from the United States and countries around the world to promote international competition and goodwill. Not only do athletes learn valuable lessons through participating in their respective sports in other countries, but they also enjoy the experiences of a lifetime by being exposed to different cultures, languages, and environments and performing community service while abroad.

Coaches who travel with GSA equally benefit from participating in such international competition, honing their coaching skills and learning about international play, as well as having an opportunity to work with new talent or share valuable additional playing time to learn the assets and challenges of their teams. For athletes and coaches alike, the opportunity to engage in dynamic, international competition is professionally and personally enriching. And Coaches go for FREE.

Kent State assistant coach Kylene Spiegel shared his thoughts on his time overseas with Global Sports Academy:

1. How did you come in contact with Global Sports Academy?
I worked with my boss at the time and we coached a team two summers ago in Europe.

2. What was the primary reasons(s) for your choosing to travel with Global Sports Academy, such as for professional development, international recruitment opportunities, etc.?
Professional development and I wanted an opportunity to coach a mixture of D1, D2, and D3 players. Also, it was a great way to make connections with other coaches and people in the business.

3. How were the players selected for your team?
They were selected by “recruiting” them. I called college coaches to see if they had anyone interested in traveling and playing a few games in another country.

4. What countries did you visit and what was your daily activity schedule?
Belgium, Brussels, Paris, and Amsterdam. The Daily schedule was breakfast in hotel, visiting a specific country, traveling to the game, playing the game, traveling back to hotel. Most evenings you were on your own.

5. How competitive were the games, and how do you think that the players benefited from the experience?
They weren’t too competitive. One of the games was close for the first 10 minutes but we ended up winning by 15+. I think the players enjoyed the experience though.

6. What challenges did you face having players from different universities as well as with international play?
The only challenge I would say was not knowing how much to allow during their off time. Do you let them go out? It’s was difficult because you were in charge of them but also wanted to give them the chance to embrace the opportunity of being in a different country.

7. What were some of the highlights for you as a cultural experience?
Visiting different places, trying different foods and meeting people.

8. How did you benefit professionally and/or personally from this experience?
I made several connections with the group running Global Sports Academy and other college coaches that were there as well. Also, had the opportunity to see how the talent in Europe was compared to the U.S.

9. Would you travel again with Global Sports Academy and recommend this program to other coaches?
Yes, in a heartbeat.

For more information, please visit: Global Sports Academy