SEARCH
Catching up with Flo Egan, Executive Director of Maryland State Youth Soccer Association, and a WorldStrides Sports partner for 22 years. In the photo below, Flo and Eric McAleer, Senior Vice President at WorldStrides, are signing our latest three-year contract.
First, we hope you and your family are safe and healthy. Can you let us know how you and your staff at MSYSA have adapted to the pandemic?
The staff at MSYSA have worked hard learning to adjust to the ever changing world we have found ourselves in. We strive each day to create new and sometimes different ways to serve all the members of our association. We have found ways to be able to continue to work both remotely and within our new office space. We continue to keep ourselves and others safe by following safety protocols that are currently in place.
MSYSA ODP has traveled with WorldStrides Sports on an annual basis for 22 years now. What does the international program offer MSYSA ODP and what benefits has it provided to the MSYSA community?
Worldstrides Sports has become a trusted partner of MSYSA throughout the years, providing a first class experience for all our players and families. Worldstrides Sports has offered the ODP players/families of MSYSA the opportunity to experience the world’s game through the eyes of various cultures across the globe. Learning to embrace the customs, traditions and even cuisines of different countries has provided a unique experience for young players as they continue to pursue their dreams.
In your position, you have been able to travel around the world for soccer. What is your favorite destination and why?
It is so hard to decide which destination I would choose as my favorite. The team I once traveled with enjoyed a trip several years back that took us into 5 different countries within 1 day (England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany) that was incredibly fun! Watching our players experience the atmosphere and community when attending professional games, meet and greets with players, and touring stadiums, created many lasting friendships and wonderful memories that has continued once back home.
We are very much looking forward to the world getting back to normal so that we can get back to doing the things we love doing more freely. What things, both professionally for MSYSA and personally, are you looking forward to?
Through our partnership with Worldstrides Sports, we are looking forward to offering the international experience of the beautiful game to our newest ODP players and returning players as well. Once the Worldstrides Sports team has deemed travel safe again, we look forward to that piece of “normalcy” for our families allowing all to create new memories.
We’re excited to announce that this past year MSYSA signed to renew their partnership with WorldStrides Sports to be your exclusive international travel provider. Can you talk about some of the reasons why you chose to partner with WorldStrides Sports?
MSYSA has chosen Worldstrides Sports as their partner for international travel for a multitude of reasons:
The professionalism of their staff is second to none.
The length the Worldstrides Sports team goes to making the experience the best it can.
Coordinating the details of each itinerary and willingness to work through any unexpected circumstances that could potentially arise.
Worldstrides places safety of their partners at the top of their list in all areas.
The variety of different destinations for teams allow our returning players to travel to different countries from year to year.
The flexibility that Worldstrides has in working with MSYSA and being open to any changes or updates that we recommend allows the partnership to grow stronger throughout the years.
Thank you, Flo! We wish you and MSYSA the best of health and happiness for all of your players, coaches, parents, referees, and volunteers.