Recently, Steve Franklin, Indiana Coaching Education Director and Todd Sheely, Indiana ODP Director, had a very memorable trip to the Netherlands. This trip allowed the two to combine their passion for soccer with an enriching cultural experience during a trip to Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam and Alkmaar.
One of the most exciting aspects of the trip was the chance to observe youth training sessions at some of the Netherlands’ most respected football clubs: PSV Eindhoven, AZ Alkmaar, and Feyenoord. These clubs are renowned for their youth development systems, and seeing their training in action was truly eye-opening. The attention to detail, the emphasis on technique, and the structured approach to player development were impressive.
No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without experiencing a live football match, and Franklin & Sheely were fortunate enough to witness a Europa League game between AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham Hotspur. The atmosphere was vibrant, with passionate fans cheering for their teams. Watching high-level European football live continues to give us an appreciation for the intensity and skill involved in top-tier football.
Beyond football, Amsterdam offered an incredible cultural experience. Known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and vibrant art scene, the city was a joy to explore. The Indiana Soccer duo wandered through iconic spots like the Anne Frank House, gaining insight into the city’s rich history. Amsterdam’s food scene was also a highlight, with delicious Dutch specialties like stroopwafels, ox meat, and bitterballen, adding a tasty dimension to the trip.
This trip to Amsterdam was the perfect blend of football education and cultural exploration. The opportunity to learn from some of the best youth development systems in the world, while also experiencing the beauty and history of one of Europe’s most captivating cities, made it a journey we’ll never forget. Whether it was observing top-tier training sessions, watching an exciting Europa League match, or immersing ourselves in the local culture, this trip has left us with memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.
Thanks to the folks at WorldStrides Sports for helping plan and making the trip memorable.
About WorldStrides Sports
Founded in 1967, WorldStrides now provides educational travel and experiences to more than 530,000 students and athletes a year. Its sports division, WorldStrides Sports, was founded in 1998 by Eric McAleer, a former Scottish professional soccer player. In addition to international travel experiences for athletes, WorldStrides offers experiential learning programs in performing arts, language immersion, career exploration, service-learning, and study abroad. Each of these experiences helps students to see beyond the classroom and playing field to see the world – and themselves – in new ways. For more information on WorldStrides, visit www.worldstrides.com.
