Sports Ventures was formally known as Hockey/Soccer Ventures. We have since branched out to other sports and changed our name to accommodate many different sports tours.
"Our mission is to develop today's student-athlete into
tomorrow's leader. Through athletic competition,
education, and world travel, Sports Ventures LLC instills
good character and leadership qualities, while motivating
student-athletes to proactively pursue excellence in
the athletic community."
-Brian Fedele, President, Sports Ventures LLC-
FAQ'S
How many adults will be supervising?
There will be a minimum of two coaches per trip, as well as a tour guide. The staff: player ratio will be a maximum of 1 to 12. The student-athletes will be well supervised, but are on their own at times, and must act responsibly. Consumption of alcohol is not permitted. A curfew will also be enforced.
Where do the players and parents stay?
The players/parents will be staying in Hotels or Hostels (avalibility). These are usually 3 star hotels or state of the art youth hostels. All of the above lodging is a short walk to the center of town. Lodging will be based on availability. Parents traveling will be two/three to a room.
Each player will practice prior to and in Europe. There will be a four game exhibition schedule for non-tournament bound teams. Tournament bound teams depend on the format of the tournament. All players will receive equal playing time.
What is the roster size?
For ice hockey, the roster size will be a minimum of 12 players (10 skaters and two goalies) with a maximum number of 20 (18 skaters and two goalies). For volleyball the roster size will be at least 10 players with a max. of 18. The soccer and lacrosse the roster size will be a minimum of 14 players and maximum of 20.
Who will we play in Europe?
Sports Ventures LLC will set up an international schedule based upon the sport, destination and time of year. The past schedules (all sports included) have consisted of teams from Germany, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Russia, Switzerland, Austria and Canada.
For tournament bound teams, the schedule will be determined by the tournament committee.
Is fundraising available?
YES!!! There are many options for fundraising. Each team can decide on their fundraising efforts. It can be a team driven, or individual. We encourage this and will assist each group get started.
How do I secure a spot?
Because roster size is limited, a non-refundable deposit of $300.00 per person is due on a first come-first serve basis. A payment schedule will follow. Deposits will be accepted any time.
Can I get a list of references from previous years players and parents?
YES!!! Our past clients make for the best advertisers. We have had several repeat customers, and had nothing but praise for our trips. Please e-mail us at either brian@sportsventures.info or nick@sportsventures.info for a list of references.
Here are a few testimonials from a few of our past players and parents...
Our teenage daughter attended the 2008 European tour to Germany/Austria and Italy as a soccer goalie. This was her first European trip and as parents we naturally had our “concerns”.
The first parents meeting put these concerns to rest as it was evident from the start what a professional, organized and experienced team represented “Sports Ventures”. They thoroughly outlined the details of the trip and what would be required from each student to make it a worry free adventure. From phone cards to Visas, daily agendas to meal plans we were confidant when she departed that every detail had been covered.
The trip was a huge success and a memory she will have for a lifetime. We would not hesitate to have our child attend another tour with Sports Ventures LLC and she looks forward with great anticipation to the France trip in July 2009.
Cynthia McCloskey
2008 Germany/Italy/Austria Tour
Portland, NY
In July of 2006 our children Justin (18) and Matthew (16) went to Germany on a soccer tour with Sports Ventures. It was a trip of a lifetime for them.
We must say that a week and a half before the trip Justin came down with Mono. We thought he wasn't going to be able to go, but with numerous doctor visits and many phone calls to coaches we decided to let him continue with his plans, but he couldn't play soccer. As you can imagine we were very nervous letting our child go to another country being ill. The staff of Sports Ventures was absolutely awesome. They looked out for Justin, they sent me e-mails letting me know how he was doing.
We can't say enough good about the entire organization, they are very organized, things were done when they were supposed to be, practices were at times to accommodate everyone. The trip was unbelievable, not one problem.
Justin and Matthew still talk about the trip. Even though Justin wasn't able to play soccer he said that he is glad that he still went. Matthew had a great time playing soccer, meeting the players from the other teams, going to their club houses after the games to eat . They enjoyed the sightseeing and shopping trips. Matthew didn't care for the food much, but he found a McDonald's and thing were good. Justin did enjoy all the different foods even though it was hard to swallow.
This was truly a wonderful experience for our boys, the friendships made on the trip with their new teammates, memories of the trip itself and just experiencing a new and different culture.
-Nina and Brad Cuvelier - - Germany 2006
My experience in Ireland was like no other. I had the best time of my life; seeing the beautiful sights, taking in a new culture, and enjoying it all with my friends and everyone on the trip. Everything was always taken care of so I never had any worries. When a conflict would arise, they (Sports Ventures Staff) always had another awesome thing lined up in minutes. We were always doing something, we got the most out of the time we were there. I would do it all over again in a second, I'll always remember my trip to Ireland.
Tim Dorsheimer --Frontier HS - Ireland '07
Over the past two years 2006 and 2007 I have spent part of my summer traveling with the Sports Ventures program. I traveled to Füssen, Germany in 2006 and Dundalk, Ireland in 2007 on the men’s soccer team. Both trips were amazing experiences. You do not truly appreciate the rest of the world until you have taken the time to visit it. The trip to Germany was by far the best out of the two trips, we traveled there during the height of the World Cup, with the championship game being played in Germany at the same time we where there. The trip to Germany was action packed with five soccer games, sightseeing, and free time to venture the town of Füssen on our own. Another great part about traveling to Germany was the language barrier and culture differences. After the games we would sit down and talk and eat a meal with the opposing team, where we learned some German as well as sharing the English language with them. On my second trip to Ireland, I had just as a good time as in Germany. The only problem was due to the weather issues and we only got to play two games. It all turned out great though, because the Sports Ventures Staff was quick to make other arrangements - we attended a soccer match with the club team Drogheda United FC in the Irish League and a Gaelic Football game in a crowded pitch, with over 10,000 fans. Attending these sporting events was something that I will never forget because of the intense atmosphere of the diehard fans at both of the games. It is a great experience to travel over to a different country where you live within a different culture and play the sport that you love while touring in the area. I highly recommend traveling with the Sports Ventures Program and wish that I could still travel with them because it is probably one of the best times of your life. If anyone has any questions about the trip, and wants to hear from someone with first hand experience of the trip, coaches, or anything else please feel free to contact my via email at dms6502@rit.edu.
Dave Sachenick - West Seneca West HS - 2006 and 2007 soccer tours.
This was one of the best experiences of my life. It is truly a once in a life time thing, it is not only a soccer tour. You learn the culture of where you go and the way of life of its people. You meet some of the nicest people and some of the best soccer staff available. If you have the opportunity to go on one of these European tours you should take full advantage of it and you will have no regrets. This experience will have an everlasting effect on your life and you will grow as a person because of it.
- Greg Zitnik - Frontier HS - 2007 Ireland sccer tour
I just wanted to say a few words to any one thinking of sending their son or daughter on any Sportsventures soccer trip this year. My son Steve has traveled to Germany in 2006 and Ireland in 2007 with this group. I was apprehensive at first because I was unfamiliar with the coaches and he had never traveled overseas before. Not only did all the coaches receive rave reviews by Steve, but BOTH trips went off without any problems as far as travel arraignments and the kids behavior. This is very rare considering the number of people traveling. The coaches got a chance to get to know the kids at the practices before they left, and all details were taken care of with little effort on my part. Steven got the chance to travel to places that few teenagers get. The sightseeing trips were wonderful, and especially in Germany, the soccer competition was great! They had difficulty in Ireland with bad weather raining out a few games, but this has to be expected. I recommend this trip for anyone who loves soccer and is interested in experiencing a rare opportunity to see another part of the world. It is a great chance for the kids to get a taste of independence, and learn to socialize outside their comfort zone. When all the kids share the love of soccer, they get along just fine!
-Jean Salcedo - mom of Steve and Jamie Salcedo - Akron HS 2006 and 2007, 2008 Soccer Tours