COACHES HANDBOOK

At GoPlay, we believe that travel changes lives. It is not just a

slogan. Each of us has been inspired to greater

understanding—of ourselves, of the world,

of other people and cultures—through travel.

The opportunity to leave home, play the sport you love, and learn about the world first-hand is an incredible gift.

That is why we believe that coaches and assistants who give their players this opportunity are the most important people around.

Whether you are an experienced coach or new to GoPlay, we hope you will soon be enjoying the trip of a lifetime.

To help you get started, and give you a general sense of the GoPlay experience, please review this handbook.

When I ask my youth players, what was the

best part of their time with our club, they all

agree, it was the international soccer trip.

The memories last a lifetime.

“”BRIAN AINSCOUGH,

Head Coach, FC Bolts Celtic

WHY TRAVEL WITH GOPLAY

Coaches Travel Free GoPlay coaches qualify for free travel on their tours based on a generous free-trip ratio that is decided in advance. Contact us for further information on how these free places for coaches can be structured. In addition, all head coaches stay in single rooms throughout their trip. You have the opportunity to relax, unwind and get focused on the next game.

Fast Fundraising We will give you, at no cost, a four-day trip to London with tickets to a Premier League Game. The trip is yours to auction, raffle or give away. All proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the cost of your team’s trip. There is no faster or easier way to raise money. *Some restrictions may apply; contact GoPlay for full details.

Online Registration All participants can register online, and GoPlay will organize parental consent. In addition each coach has a dedicated Program Site to keep up to date with the latest program information, enrollments and billing.

Each passenger has their own online account where they can view their itinerary, accounts and pre-trip information.

Direct Billing to your ParticipantsGoPlay has the ability to bill and collect money from each of your participants individually. There’s no need for you to chase down your players! You can keep track of your participants’ accounts easily through our online service. In addition, your participants can sign up for our Automatic Payments Plan. They simply choose a payment frequency and payments are automatically deducted from their checking or savings account. Payments can also be made online by credit or debit card.

You’re Protected All participants traveling with GoPlay are covered under a specialized protection plan, granting them health coverage overseas and trip cancellation/interruption protection in case of illness or injury.

Backed by ACIS Educational ToursGoPlay is the sports branch of the American Council for International Studies (ACIS), which is a division of the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS). Since 1964, AIFS has been the leading provider of cultural exchange and educational opportunities for more than 1.5 million students.

Financial SecurityAll GoPlay participant payments are protected. As part of the AIFS group, we carry a $50 million general liability insurance policy, as well as a $1 million indemnity bond with the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) as part of their Travelers Assistance Program.

24/7 Emergency SupportGoPlay has a 24-hour helpline to assist with any issues both overseas and in the US. GoPlay also has a network of regional offices to offer complete support for your team.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TOURGoPlay tours combine just the right mix of sports, planned cultural excursions and free time for exploration. Your daily schedule will vary depending on whether you are on a sport-intensive program or a more leisurely sports program. Check your tour itinerary, but as a rule, you should expect the following.

ATHLETIC INFORMATION

Top Quality Game & Training Venues GoPlay teams train and play games in the best venues available. With offices in the US and throughout Europe, GoPlay provides on-site assistance at every game and access to professional clubs for training opportunities around the world.

Games Against Equally Matched OppositionCompetition is important. Through our global network of contacts, we will arrange games against equally matched opposition. Each game will be sanctioned by the governing body and fully licensed officials will be provided.

Training Sessions with Professional Coaches Sit back and let someone else take on training for a change.Included in each tour is a training session with a professionalcoach. Coaches in our networks are fully licensed by the governing body of the host country. If available, they will be at the academies of professional clubs.

The Professional Experience No trip would be complete without experiencing theprofessional game. In each program, you will see at least oneprofessional game (schedule permitting) with match ticketsincluded in the program fee.

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

Your PassportPassports are required for all international GoPlay trips. Passport processing times have increased, so encourage your players to apply for their today. This is especially important if a visa is needed. Forms are available at your local post office or county office. Please note: some countries require that each traveler’s passport expires no less than six months after the date of your final day overseas.

For more information, visit passports.state.gov.

FlightsGoPlay has partnerships with all the leading airlines. The air ticket is the single most expensive component of your trip. As soon as you agree your program dates, we can secure the space to ensure you have the best rates, with smooth connections.

All tickets are e-tickets so you will have a list of all the ticket numbers for your group. You can also check your online account for the flight information and booking reference number.

This information is online 30 days before departure.

24-Hour Professional Tour Managers With you every step of the way while overseas, our tour managers handle all the logistics to ensure your tour runs like clockwork. Tour managers are extensively trained, speak several languages and have the backing of GoPlay’s full support network should anything unexpected arise. Best of all, GoPlay Tour Managers are sports enthusiasts too!

Hotel GoPlay helps you make the most of your time abroad by onlyusing well-located hotels near the heart of what you cameto see. We place a priority on booking hotels in locationsconvenient to your training venues and/or the city center.

MealsYou will enjoy a variety of meals on tour, mixing both nativeand familiar cuisines depending on your area of travel. Weencourage groups to keep an open mind and be willing tosample everything—that’s what travel is all about! Mostdays, you will be served breakfast and dinner at a local restaurant or the restaurant in your hotel. Lunch is typically on your own, but your tour manager will be able to provide you with suggestions.

THE SMALL THINGS MoneyAll entrances on the itinerary are covered by the program fee. The only extra expenses you will need to pay for are lunches, drinks and personal expenses. We recommend the equivalent in US dollars of £25 or €30 per day.

All US credit cards are accepted overseas, but we suggest participants bring some local currency or change some at the airport before traveling.

There may not always be an opportunity to change money at the beginning of the program.

We also recommend a Prepaid Card that is accepted overseas as a good way of taking money overseas. We would not recommend bringing Travellers Checks as they are only accepted in major cities or airports.

LaundryGoPlay will provide one laundry service during the program. Please bring along a gear bag to collect uniforms and laundry loops to help sort things out.

Staying in TouchData roaming charges are expensive when you leave the US. We recommend participants turn off cellular data. Most hotels will have Wi-Fi either in the rooms or in the lobby.

We advise downloading messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Viber before you depart. Then, once you connect to free Wi-Fi overseas, you can make calls and send messages with ease.

GoPlay Travel AppThe GoPlay Travel App is a free personalized smartphone app to help you get the most out of your trip.

Before your trip you will find great information about your destination including, history and climate, as well as details about the attractions in the cities you will be visiting. Closer to your trip your app will be updated with tour manager, flight, hotel and finalized itinerary information.While on your program you will have the convenience of a 100% offline guide that includes maps and navigation.

800-888-2247 | www.goplaytours.com

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