ACE-SOCCER :: Athletic Coaching for Excellence

last updated: July 07, 2006

Planning for a Trip To Ireland [Summer 2007]

Tony Guinn, long time Racine area soccer coach and currently the coach of the St. Mary's University Women's Soccer team, gave an informal presentation to a group of parents and players about planning for a trip to Ireland during the summer of 2007. Tony has arranged and managed a few trips during the last several years and two players who attended one of these trips were also at the meeting to share their experiences and impressions. See Chris Lins' e-mail about his experience.

A vote of the families in attendance indicated that June 22 - July 1 2007 is the preferred time slot for the trip. The July 13 - July 22 2007 time period was the second choice of most families. Planning will move ahead with these date selections in mind.

The following is a summary of Tony's presentation:

Length of Stay: Past trips have been about nine days. See the Itinerary of the 2005 Trip to Ireland for details.
Cost: Based on previous trips, you should expect the trip to cost about $2,200 per player. Payments would be made in installments, most likely beginning in August 2006. As explained below, this includes almost all expenses associated with the trip. As you might expect, it does not include the cost of souvenirs etc. Tony suggests $300-500 extra spending money. The players in attendance at the meeting confirmed this amount to be adequate.
Fundraising: It's not too early to start planning for how to fund the trip. Tony was able to raise approximately $2,500 from fund raising activities as well as another $7,000 from solicitation letters etc. See details below regarding the Goodwill aspect of this trip.
Arrangements: One of the truly unique aspects of this trip is that it provides a more personal view of Ireland - one that you would not be able to experience from most tourist-oriented travel packages. See the 2005 Itinerary for some insights. This is made possible because of Tony's love of the game and his network of friends and family in Ireland (Tony was born in Ireland). All arrangements with lodging, matches and travel on the island are included in the cost.
Matches: Matches would be played against teams belonging to the Irish Women's League. Since female participation in soccer is not as pervasive as in the U.S., we would most likely be playing females ranging in age from 17 through 35.
Chaperones: Two adults aside from Tony would be required for the trip.
Goodwill Trip: Aside from the unique experience that this trip offers, it is also an opportunity to serve as goodwill ambassadors to the Republic of Ireland. Tony has used this trip as an opportunity to bring shirts, soccer balls and other items that the less fortunate of Ireland greatly appreciate. This aspect of the trip should be communicated when asking for donations.
Travel Agent: Around The World Travel(Racine) has worked with Tony in the past and will be taking care of most of the details for the 2007 trip.
Phones: Your cell phones will not work in Europe. Also, do not purchase calling cards in the United States, thinking that they will work in Europe; they will not. The best plan is to purchase your calling card in Europe.
Insurance: The travel agent has additional information on health insurance issues as well as trip cancellation insurance. Additional details will be gathered and communicated with the group.
Passport Arrangements: Passports will need to be obtained or renewed in order to travel to Ireland. The travel agent should be able to provide some guidance on getting all your paperwork in order.