SLSG-IL Spends Spring Break Training and Touring the Netherlands

RICHMOND, VA (April 25, 2018) – Over spring break, members of St. Louis Scott Gallagher-Illinois (SLSG-IL) journeyed to the Netherlands for an international experience. Players and staff from the ECNL member club spent nine days training and sightseeing. SLSG-IL renewed their partnership with Feyenoord of the Eredivisie (Dutch first-division) for the next two years, strengthening the relationship with player and coach development as the main objective.

This is the first year SLSG-IL brought both male and female youth teams on the international trip. Both the SLSG-IL Girls ECNL U14 and Girls ECNL U15 teams made the trip, which included five training sessions and three games against regional European teams. In addition, the group attended three professional games!

  • Feyenoord vs Excelsior
  • Excelsior vs Willem II
  • Sparta vs VVV-Venlo

Off the pitch, SLSG-IL took in the sights through guided tours, absorbing the local culture. Other activities included playing Footgolf, enjoying the local cuisine and stadium tours. The club and partner spared no expense, ensuring the tourists received the full scope of what the Netherlands has to offer, both on and off the field.

“The purpose of the trip was to the give the players, families and staff a memorable experience, immerse ourselves in a different culture, and give the players an opportunity to experience a trip away from home,” said Shawn Hewitt, Girls ECNL Director for SLSG-IL.

Below are some of the testimonials from Girls ECNL players:

“Overall, I loved the experience. I’m very grateful that I was given the opportunity to go to another country and see the culture and playing style of girls my age. from across the world and I hope that one day, I’ll be able to go back or help someone get there.”
-Anna Chor, SLSG-IL ECNL U15 Team

 

“I feel extremely lucky that I had the opportunity to play the sport I love in such a beautiful place, with the most amazing people by my side. The memories made I will hold close forever.”
-Gracie Giacoletto, SLSG-IL ECNL U15 Team

 

“I loved Holland! It was an amazing trip that I will never forget. I realize how lucky I am for this experience. I cannot thank my coaches enough for providing my family and I with this wonderful opportunity.”
-Ella Mentzer, SLSG-IL ECNL U15 Team

 

Congratulations to SLSG-IL on the successful trip! CLICK HERE to read more about the trip.

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About Girls Elite Clubs National League: The Girls Elite Clubs National League (Girls ECNL) was founded in 2009 to enhance the developmental experience of female youth soccer players in the United States through: (i) improving the competitive environment through creation of a true national competitive league; (ii) improving the process for identifying elite female soccer players through a systematic scouting and identification program based on national competitions; and (iii) improving the daily training environment at top female youth soccer clubs through developing best practices and training and organizational guidelines for its member clubs. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and is sponsored by Nike Soccer.

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