For nearly 50 years, People to People Ambassador Programs has bridged cultural and political borders through education and exchange, making the world a better place for future generations. These programs offer students unparalleled access to people and places around the world and help young Ambassadors become successful in an increasingly globalized world. Learn more about us.
Q Who qualifies to travel as a Sports Ambassador?
A Sports Ambassadors should be elite-level players looking to eventually compete at the collegiate or professional level. Experience should include playing in the ODP, U.S. Development Academy, Premier Soccer League, or Select Soccer League.
Q How should athletes prepare for the program?
A Sports Ambassadors should be involved in team play, through school or local clubs, continually until the time of departure. To help ensure all athletes meet a standard fitness level, Soccer Commissioner Steve Sampson will be providing a regimen of drills and exercises for several months before travel.
Q What kind of instruction will athletes receive during the training camp?
A Ambassadors receive personalized instruction from their coach, including an individual skills assessment. In addition, Coach Steve Sampson attends every training session to observe and offer his own feedback to athletes.
Q What American colleges will be represented in the college showcase?
A The specific coaches observing Sports Ambassadors will not be identified until closer to departure. Following are some of the schools whose coaches have participated in similar showcases in the past:
- University of Michigan
- Memphis University
- University of North Carolina, Wilmington
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- Virginia Tech University
- West Virginia University
- College of William & Mary
- St. John's University
- Saint Leo University
- Fordham University
- Drexel University
- University of Kentucky
- Creighton University
- Cincinnati University
- Penn State University
- Mars Hill College
- University of Rio Grande
- Montreat College
- South Kent School
Q Will athletes have free time to explore their destination country(ies)?
A All Ambassadors will experience the most iconic sights of the host country(ies) as a part of their program. There will also be opportunities for Sports Ambassadors to enjoy a few excursions of their choice in small groups (younger athletes will be required to explore with a leader).
Q How do you ensure athletes' safety?
A People to People enforces a number of policies to ensure the safety of athletes overseas. These include nightly room checks, curfews, and other precautions. Visit our safety page for more details.
Q What are the accommodations for athletes like?
A Sports Ambassadors stay in dorm-style accommodations, typically in a premier sports facility, such as the Ole Sports Academy in Brazil.
Q How can I enroll?
A Apply online, or call us at 800.669.7882, ext. 7499, to learn more or apply over the phone.
Q What is the leader-to-athlete ratio?
A Each team is assigned a coach. Including additional program staff, the adult-to-athlete ratio is 1 to 10.
Q Who are the sports leaders?
A Athletic directors oversee all coaches and assistant coaches both before and during the program and provide support to these leaders throughout the Sports Ambassador experience.
Coaches work with athletes before departure and throughout the travel experience. Every coach has been hand-selected by Soccer Commissioner Steve Sampson.
Assistant coaches are responsible for supervising Sports Ambassadors during travel and supporting athletic directors and coaches in their duties during the program.
Delegation managers are local guides and facilitators who manage all aspects of the daily itinerary during travel and provide important information about the country and its customs.
Certified athletic trainers are also on hand throughout the program to assist with injury prevention and treatment.
Q How do you choose the leaders?
A All coaches and assistant coaches have been personally selected by Coach Steve Sampson, who serves as People to People's Soccer Commissioner.
We interview all potential leaders and require them to submit professional and personal recommendations. Preference is given to individuals with professional coaching experience and/or teaching experience.
Background checks: All athletic directors, coaches, assistant coaches, and athletic trainers go through a formal background check.
Q What is the tuition cost of the program?
AThe all-inclusive program tuition will depend on the program you select. Each program we offer is a very unique educational and cultural experience. Therefore, the tuition for each program varies depending on the program's location, length, and itinerary. The tuition is all-inclusive; including pre-program education and preparation, tournament entry fees, admission to one professional match, all scheduled program activities, accommodations, transportation, supervision, program apparel, high school academic credit, three meals per day, and group insurance.
