In 2027, the Sting International Tour is heading back overseas to The Netherlands for the organization’s fourth annual voyage after stops in England, Spain and Portugal.
“Soccer is the pre-eminent sport in all of the countries we have visited so far,” Sting Technical Director Stuart Hilton said. “For our players, families and coaches to immerse themselves in a country and culture within which this is the case is both educational and inspiring.”
The tour is an organization-wide initiative, giving all Sting players ages U9 – U12 the ability to participate and featuring coaches from different divisions, making the trip not only a once-in-a-lifetime event for players but also uniting players from all across the country for a unique playing experience.
“Honestly, it was surprising to me to see the comradery between the teams,” Sting West Texas Pre-ECNL Lead and Girls Coordinator Michael von Ende-Becker said. “We took a bunch of players from all different areas and regions, and I wasn’t sure how that was going to go. However, after Day 1, they were all running around the hotel together, inseparable…Laughing and giggling constantly on the bus…Everything you could imagine. It was honestly amazing to watch. It’s honestly a once in a lifetime experience that I would highly recommend to anyone that is able to.”
In addition to giving players an incredible opportunity to compete and learn from teams across the world, the tour also gives Sting coaches a chance to learn from other coaches and organizations.
“The training sessions were incredible to watch and learn from,” said Sting Black Girls Academy Manager Camryn Fuentes. “Benfica was by far the most impressive because no moment of the session was wasted. Coaching points were concise and delivered quickly, players were constantly engaged and working, and nearly every activity was opposed, creating a realistic, high-intensity environment where players were always on the ball and making decisions. One thing I plan to implement is being more intentional about eliminating downtime and finding creative ways to layer technical details into every activity. For example, before a player passed the ball into a 1v1, they first had to toss the ball into the air, control it, and then complete the pass. It’s a small adjustment, but it adds an extra technical component and ensures players are constantly developing multiple skills within the same exercise while staying engaged.”
Across the board, the International Tour unites Sting players as one and forces players and coaches to boldly expand their horizons and get outside their comfort zones.
While the focus of the trip maybe maximizing soccer development, the international tour also gives players and coaches the opportunities to experience the local history, culture and cuisine.
“I was most looking forward to learning about the Portuguese methodology for producing elite level youth players and how that may differ from US Soccer’s approach,” Sting Corpus Christi Coach Seth Korenek said. “I was [also] excited to experience a new culture and embrace the Portuguese lifestyle, food, and experience found across the country in both Lisbon and Porto. The food was spectacular. The freshest fruit, seafood, and best coffee ever!”
The 2027 tour is set to build on all of the experiences offered the three previous seasons, giving players an inside look at soccer from The Netherland’s and Belgium perspective while also allowing them to experience the rich cultural history in both countries.
If you still aren’t convinced, Sting West Texas’s Pre-ECNL Boys Coordinator Jay Albarado may be able to convince you.
“Do it,” Albarado stated. “The experience it something that you can’t get here. Not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well. It also allows you to experience overseas in a group setting as well instead of going solo. You get to see and experience the culture all while watching your kiddo play the game they love!”
Parents who are interested in the 2027 tour can join an informational webinar on Thursday, September 10, from 7 to 8pm. Register at STING INTERNATIONAL TOUR – Sting Soccer Club.
