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Rapids 2009 Boys Visit Spain

Contributors:
Jeff  Oleck - Elite Regional Manager and Director of International Partnerships
Will Juniper - Communication & Content Manager
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From March 11-19, 88 CRYSC players, parents, and coaches descended upon Spain for a week full of soccer, culture, and soccer culture! Starting their adventures in Barcelona, the participants spent time in the historic city visiting iconic areas such as La Sagrada Familia, La Ramblas, and Parc Guell, which draw over 8 million visitors annually. Of course, no visit to Barcelona would be complete without some time at the legendary Camp Nou, which seats a European stadium record 99,354 people and houses a museum that houses Lionel Messi’s seven Ballon D’Or and six European Golden Boot awards.

On the pitch, our teams played three friendlies against FC Martorell, CF Juventud 25 de Septiembre, and INF C EN Dehesa de Moratalaz – all of which challenged our players with physicality, skill, and speed of play. Additionally, the players participated in a pro clinic led by RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, a historic club in La Liga. This allowed our players to take in a detail-oriented training session led by Espanyol’s academy staff at their home complex.  From a soccer perspective, our CRYSC staff of Coach Miguel, Coach Jon, and Coach Corey praised the players for their competitive spirit and individual and collective growth throughout the week.

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To wrap up the week in Madrid, the group attended a La Liga professional match between Rayo Vallecano and Girona FC in a stadium planted in the middle of a neighborhood, with people on their apartment balconies taking in the match as well! Some families also opted to attend the Atlético Madrid vs Valencia match on the last night in Madrid, at which they were treated to a 3-0 “Atleti” victory among a crowd of over 58,000 cheering fans. There was certainly no shortage of fútbol for the players and families throughout the week, and we hope that the players can benefit from the lessons and experiences as they return to their CRYSC teams this spring.

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Testimonials:

“My so​​n and I participated in the 14U trip to Spain and it was AMAZING! The soccer experience – training, friendlies, and professional game – provided a whole new perspective and appreciation of the sport. The trip was really well organized and the coaches and tour guides were awesome. The trip far exceeded my expectations.”

  • Bob F., participating parent

“The Spain trip was an experience of a lifetime for our family. The international competition helped my son grow as a player, and the cultural experiences were fascinating and priceless for young and experienced travelers alike. We will definitely take any future opportunities to travel with World Strides and CRYSC.”

  • Sally W., participating parent

“I believe international experiences like this open the eyes of the players to a world outside their comfort zone. It will certainly develop them soccer players, but more importantly, it will develop them as people.”

  • Miguel R., CRYSC Coach

Join a CRYSC International trip in 2024! The 12U, 14U, and High School competitive program trip slate for Spring 2024 will be announced in May. If you want to learn more about CRYSC international tours or customized international team trips, please visit our webpage or contact our Director of Club and International Partnerships, Jeff Oleck, at [email protected].

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Contributors:
Jeff  Oleck
Elite Regional Manager and Director of International Partnerships
[email protected]303.834.7328

Jeff Oleck has been with Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club since 2016. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, the majority of his coaching development took place on the college side of the game at schools such as Northwestern University, Valparaiso University, and Wabash College. While involved in the college game, he also served youth programs as a coaching/goalkeeping director at Team Evanston, NWI United, Dynamo FC, and Indiana ODP. His passion for coaching comes from a desire to help each player find themselves, both on and off the field, and use soccer as a vehicle to enhance life experiences and personal growth. Oleck graduated from Valparaiso University in 2006 with a B.A. in Biology with a Business Administration minor. He also earned a M.S. in Sports Administration from Valparaiso University in 2011. He holds the USSF National “A” License and the USC Advanced National Goalkeeper Diploma.

Jeff Oleck has been with Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club since 2016. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, the majority of his coaching development took place on the college side of the game at schools such as Northwestern University, Valparaiso University, and Wabash College. While involved in the college game, he also served youth programs as a coaching/goalkeeping director at Team Evanston, NWI United, Dynamo FC, and Indiana ODP. His passion for coaching comes from a desire to help each player find themselves, both on and off the field, and use soccer as a vehicle to enhance life experiences and personal growth. Oleck graduated from Valparaiso University in 2006 with a B.A. in Biology with a Business Administration minor. He also earned a M.S. in Sports Administration from Valparaiso University in 2011. He holds the USSF National “A” License and the USC Advanced National Goalkeeper Diploma.

Will Juniper
Communication & Content Manager
[email protected]719.357.7031

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Will grew up running track and taking photos. Will attended the University of Vermont as a NCAA Division 1 track and field athlete specializing in the 400 meter discipline, where he was a captain his senior year. Will graduated with a Bachelors' degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a double minor in Studio Art and Sports Management. While in school, Will was a head coach of the Burlington High School track team in Burlington, VT for two years. After college, Will stayed in Vermont and became a professional photographer at Sugarbush Resort in Warren, VT. In 2022, Will was hired by Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club as the Communication and Content Manager, finding a perfect role for merging all his creative passions such as graphic design, photography, videography, and social media with sports. In his personal life, Will likes to play golf, snowboard, hike, and watch his favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees.

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Will grew up running track and taking photos. Will attended the University of Vermont as a NCAA Division 1 track and field athlete specializing in the 400 meter discipline, where he was a captain his senior year. Will graduated with a Bachelors' degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a double minor in Studio Art and Sports Management. While in school, Will was a head coach of the Burlington High School track team in Burlington, VT for two years. After college, Will stayed in Vermont and became a professional photographer at Sugarbush Resort in Warren, VT. In 2022, Will was hired by Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club as the Communication and Content Manager, finding a perfect role for merging all his creative passions such as graphic design, photography, videography, and social media with sports. In his personal life, Will likes to play golf, snowboard, hike, and watch his favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees.

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