Testimonials
“Quickstep Sports (now Sportpartners USA) did an outstanding job with our women’s soccer team’s trip to Denmark and Germany. We wanted a combination of an educational experience with some good competition to prepare us for the coming season and Quickstep (Sportpartners USA) delivered on both. Our student-athletes learned a great deal about the culture in both countries while also learning about themselves as a team. It was a terrific trip for all of us!”
Tim Selgo, Athletic Director Grand Valley State University
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your stellar work in organizing our pre-season tour to Europe. This season we have witnessed a growth in team cohesion which was greatly enhanced by your trip. Furthermore, our team’s early season success was, in large part, due to the training facilities and scrimmages gained on our tour. We also were able to enjoy awe inspiring site seasoning that allowed our girls to take part in a very balanced multi cultural trip.”
Dave DiIanni, Head Coach Grand Valley State University
After living in England for two years and then spending three months studying in Italy, I thought I had experienced it all. That is, until I had the opportunity to travel with Quickstep Sports Travel (now Sportpartners USA). What an opportunity and not only once but twice with the second occasion being even better and more unbelievable than the first.
My first experience saw me traveling with a group of soccer players from the Grand Rapids area to play in a tournament in the Southern part of the Netherlands. After spending time sight seeing and playing soccer throughout the Netherlands, we found our way to France where we watched Tunisia and Romania play to a 1-1 draw in the Stade de France at Saint Denis. I thought I had seen it all and in fact I still have my ticket framed from the match. Some of our players even had the opportunity to meet Cobi Jones (American Soccer Star) while they were in Paris. What an experience and one that I thought I would never have again.
Well, two years ago I had the opportunity to take my entire team to play in Germany and The Netherlands and I must say that it was even better than before. The sites we saw, the experience with the local culture and of course, the soccer matches. The boys were given an opportunity to stay with host families and I can tell you that some were a little apprehensive. They will tell you even today that it was a fantastic experience and many still maintain friendships. Seeing and experiencing the European culture bridges many gaps and is rewarding throughout your lifetime. My older team and families keep asking me when are we going back. This past summer, my younger team had the experience of hosting a team from Denmark which some of you may have read about in the local papers or on the local TV station. It is another excellent way to participate in the European experience and was arranged by Quickstep Sports Travel I know that many of my players and families did not know what to expect but after that experience they are ready for another experience. We are starting preliminary planning to take my team to Denmark in 2010 and possibly on to the Dana Cup. Our goal is to visit with our new found Danish friends, enjoy a little of their hospitality, and of course, play soccer.
Chuck Ritchard, Club Coach Muskegon Lakers