An Inspiresport Tour to Remember: US Youth Soccer Heads to the UK

Recently, Veo’s International Travel Partner, inspiresport organized a standout trip to the United Kingdom for US Youth Soccer (USYS) 2009 ODP Boys & Girls teams, showcasing the kind of international opportunities that align with Veo’s mission to elevate youth sports through access and innovation. 

It was an unforgettable experience that blended elite-level soccer, high-quality coaching, competitive matches, and cultural exploration. 

Here’s what happened.

Elite Training Facilities at Manchester City

A major highlight of the trip was the opportunity for players to train at Manchester City’s City Football Academy, one of the most prestigious soccer training facilities in the world. The City Football Academy is home to the club’s youth development system and is equipped with state-of-the-art pitches, training centers, and coaching technology.

Under the guidance of professional coaches from Manchester City, USYS players participated in technical and tactical training sessions designed to refine their skills and understanding of the game. The professional environment and coaching expertise ensured that each player received quality coaching to help them improve their game.  

Competitive Matches Against Academy Sides

With the talented athletes in the US Youth Soccer teams, it was essential that they were able to be matched competitively with local opposition. The players were given the opportunity to face top youth academy sides in the UK through inspiresport’s professional club relationships, with matches arranged against respected clubs like Blackburn Rovers, Wigan Athletic, Barnsley, and Sheffield United. These matches tested the players’ technical abilities and mental toughness, offering a unique chance to play against professional academy teams from the UK.

The competitive nature of the matches, combined with the well drilled tactical approaches employed by UK academy teams, provided the USYS players with a real challenge, and provided a sense of what it takes to compete at an elite level in European soccer. These games were an excellent platform for players to showcase their skills while adapting to different playing styles and environments.

The Manchester Derby Experience

One of the most exciting parts of the trip was attending two Premier League fixtures, including the Manchester Derby between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford.

USYS players and coaches had the chance to witness the intensity of one of the world’s most iconic soccer rivalries firsthand. Despite the lack of goals in the match, experiencing the atmosphere of a Manchester Derby at Old Trafford is sure to be an occasion that lives long in the memory of all that attended.

The team also saw current Premier League champions Manchester City as they took on Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium, City winning the tie 2-0 with goals from Jack Grealish and Omar Marmoush.

Stadium Tours: Etihad Stadium and Anfield

In addition to attending a live game, the group was treated to behind-the-scenes tours of two of the UK’s most iconic soccer stadiums: Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium. These tours allowed players to explore the inner workings of the clubs, visiting locker rooms, trophy rooms, and even the pitch itself. The Etihad tour included a detailed look at Manchester City’s impressive facilities, while the Anfield tour immersed players in the history and tradition of Liverpool FC, one of the most decorated clubs in English soccer.

Cultural Excursions in Manchester and Liverpool

Beyond soccer, the trip also offered cultural excursions to Manchester and Liverpool, two cities with rich footballing histories. In Manchester, players visited the National Football Museum, which provided fascinating insights into the history of soccer, from its origins to its global impact. In Liverpool, the group enjoyed the cultural landmarks of the city, including the Liverpool Docks and various historic sites that have shaped the city’s identity. 

One of the most important parts of these trips is the personal development of the athletes from the moment they leave their homes to the moment they arrive back in their home country. Travelling with your teammates creates a unique bond and allows them to step out of their comfort zone and view the world from a different perspective, creating memories that last a lifetime.

A Shared Vision with Veo

As a new partner of Veo Technologies, inspiresport joins a growing community of organizations committed to enriching the youth sports experience. While each partner serves a different role, inspiresport through global soccer experiences, and US Youth Soccer through grassroots and elite-level development pathways across the U.S., they share a common focus: helping young athletes grow, compete, and see the world through soccer.

Veo is proud to support both inspiresport and US Youth Soccer as partners who, in their own unique ways, bring value to players, coaches, and the broader youth soccer ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to supporting inspiresport as they continue creating unforgettable travel opportunities for young athletes. Their global perspective and commitment to development align closely with Veo’s goal to make high-quality soccer experiences and the ability to capture them more accessible than ever.

If you’re interested in learning more about inspiresport and international travel options available to your team, contact inspiresport Head of Sales, Steven Macdonald at steven.macdonald@inspiresportglobal.com.

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