Away trips as a student-athlete: More than just a game

As a soccer player on a college team in the USA, away trips are part of everyday life. But these trips are more than just an opportunity to play a game in another city or state. They are professionally organized, demand utmost concentration, and offer unforgettable experiences.

A single weekend can take you across the country—from Florida to California or from New York to Texas. In addition to the athletic challenge, new perspectives open up. You see different cities, experience different university campuses, and grow as a player and as a person.

In this blog post, we take you on a typical away trip – from the first training session in the morning to the return home.

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Morning: Training, breakfast and departure

The journey begins early. The team often meets at the sports facility around 6 or 7 a.m. Before departure, there's usually a light training session to wake up, mobilize, and prepare for the upcoming game. Afterwards, the team has breakfast together – either in the athletes' canteen or with prepared meal packages.

A team bus then takes the team to the airport. Everything is well-organized there, so there are no long waits. Snacks and drinks are available, and the players use the time to relax, do homework, or distract themselves with music or podcasts. The flight itself can take several hours, depending on the destination, and takes the team to a completely new environment.

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Arrival and preparation at the venue

After landing, another bus is waiting to take the team directly to their hotel. The accommodations are high-quality and often feature modern fitness rooms and relaxation areas. Each player is given either a single room or shares a double room with a teammate.

Depending on your arrival time, there will be a short activation session on the pitch or a gym session at the hotel to loosen up muscles after the flight. Afterward, there will be some free time. Some players rest, others explore the city or take advantage of the medical facilities for treatment.

The team reconvenes for lunch, with specially prepared meals provided by the hotel. In the evening, the team conducts a video analysis of the opponent, discussing their style of play and tactics. Afterward, they enjoy dinner together. Before bedtime, many players use the time to recharge, complete academic assignments, or relax with teammates.

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Matchday: Focus on the game and return journey

On match day, the morning begins with a light breakfast before heading to the stadium. Depending on the schedule, there will be a final activation session before the players change and mentally prepare for the game.

After the 90 minutes, the next steps are decided. If the game is played at noon, the team often travels directly back to the university by plane. Sometimes, however, the team stays another night and then travels to another city, completes an additional training session, plays another game, and then heads back.

There are no costs for the players during the entire trip. Flights, accommodations, meals, and medical care are all fully covered by the college. Additionally, each athlete receives a credit card for small extras like snacks or drinks.

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More than just an away game

A college soccer trip is much more than just a regular away game. In addition to the athletic challenge, it offers the opportunity to discover new cities, play in impressive stadiums, and get to know other universities. At the same time, players bond as a team and experience what it means to travel and train under professional conditions.

For many, it's one of the most formative experiences of their college years. The trips not only demonstrate how organized and professional college sports are, but also offer unforgettable experiences that extend far beyond soccer.

If you're interested in experiencing this adventure yourself, then a soccer scholarship in the USA might be the right path for you.