F
X
INTERNATIONAL SOCCER IMMERSION PROGRAMS
INTERNATIONAL FUTBOL X-CHANGE
PLAY SOCCER OVERSEAS
YEAR LONG PROGRAMS, INTERNATIONAL SOCCER CAMPS,
TEAM TOURS, & MORE
Live your dream! Play soccer internationally!
Welcome from IFX President Michael Carlson
- The International Fútbol X-Change is
- a
- culmination of my own
experience playing overseas many years ago in Germany. As a young man dreaming of playing professionally, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Freiburg, Germany, where I ultimately played with a local semi-professional club while studying abroad.
My experience was life-changing in all aspects. I grew tremendously not only on the pitch but also off of the pitch. During my 8 months in Germany, I improved more than I had over the course of several years back in the U.S. Off the pitch, my life was a continuous adventure. I traveled throughout Germany, met players and people from around the globe, and improved my German language skills to eventually become fluent.
IFX President Michael Carlson
I will cherish the memories I have of playing in Germany for the rest of my life and am so glad that I followed my dreams. I invite everyone to read through our IFX catalog where you may find an opportunity or experience that fits into your own dreams.
Mike Carlson
The International Fútbol X-Change is a premier international soccer organization providing total immersion programs to soccer players from around the world. Since 2003, we have sent hundreds of players to experience soccer and life in a variety of international destinations. Our expertise in managing the complex demands and issues surrounding playing and living overseas, enables players to hit the ground running and focus on their game and new life in an exciting new world.
We offer over 20 unique soccer programs in 6 different countries, varying from one week international soccer camps with Europe's most renowned clubs, to full season/academic year programs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
YOUTH YEAR INTERNATIONAL FUTBOL X-CHANGE (Ages 14-18 Boys/Girls)
Germany Program Overview.......................................................4 Germany Testimonial..................................................................5 Spain Program Overview.............................................................6 Spain Testimonial........................................................................7 Brazil Program Overview.............................................................8 England Program Overview.........................................................9
PRO YEAR INTERNATIONAL FUTBOL X-CHANGE (Ages 18+ Men/Women)
Germany Program Overview......................................................10 Germany Testimonial.................................................................11 Spain Program Overview............................................................12
PRO IFX 30 DAY PROGRAMS (Ages 18+ Men only)
Brazil Program Overview............................................................13 Germany Program Overview......................................................14 Germany Testimonial.................................................................15
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH RESIDENTIAL SUMMER CAMPS
IFX Germany Youth Summer Program.......................................16 Germany Youth Summer Testimonial.........................................17
INTERNATIONAL TEAM TOURS
International Team Tours Overview...........................................18
APPLICATION INFORMATION
How to apply and application request form..............................19
Youth Year IFX Germany Full Season Half Season - Fall or Spring
GERMANY
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Situated in the heart of Europe, Germany's diversity astounds the visitor. Live in Germany and discover medieval castles, charming villages, crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped mountains, the mystical Black Forest, pagan-inspired harvest festivals and of course the world-famous Oktoberfest. Learn about German history, politics, language, and culture through interaction with your host family, friends, and locals.
IFX players are placed within a competitive German soccer club fit to their level. Players are placed within
- a
- challenging football environment that allows
tremendous opportunity for development, while keeping in mind their physical strength and technical foundation.
ACADEMICS
The German school system is divided into three types of schools that prepare students toward a vocational or academic future. IFX students will attend what is called the Gymnasium, a nine-year secondary school that provides a comprehensive general education for students who wish to continue their studies at the university level. Roughly 30% of German students attend the Gymnasium schools.
Students who choose a full season or a half season in Germany will live with a host family, attend a local public high school, and play with a competitive German soccer club.
SOCCER CLUB PLACEMENT
Germany has consistently developed some of the top young talent throughout the world due to their knowledge and passion for the sport. With many clubs well over 100 years old, the expertise in German coaching and club management provides youth unlimited opportunity for growth and player development. Germany's youth Bundesligas, Regionaligas, and Oberligas (top 3 national youth leagues) are comprised of Germany's top youth talent, many of whom will enjoy a professional career in the future. Amateur and professional clubs alike all field their own youth teams, using their facilities and resources to mold their youth players to be units of their own professional team someday. Their is no doubt that the German clubs now realize that their most valuable asset is their youth.
School subjects include language, literature and art, the social sciences, mathematics, science, and technology. Students are required to take classes in each of these categories.
Full Season (August - July) Half Season - Fall (August - January) Half Season - Spring ( January - June)
Dates: Housing: Academics: Club:
Family Homestay Local High School All levels
- Age:
- 15-19
4
Youth Year IFX Germany
Testimonial
Zachary Shiposh Hometown: Clarks Summit, PA Former Club: FC Delco German Club: FT Braunschweig League: U-19 Niedersachsenliga
Freie Turner Braunschweig
Braunschweig, Germany - 2010-11
Braunschweig is a city of 247,400 people located in the German state Lower Saxony. It is located north of the Harz Mountains. Although it's a large city about two hours from Berlin, it is extremely clean, has both modern buildings and historic castles, and it feels pushed myself back in the U.S. Our league, the Niedersachsenliga, is comprised of teams from cities and towns all over the Lower Saxony or northwestern region of Germany such as Verden, Bückeburg, Garbsen, Lüneburg, and Hildesheim among others. We travel throughout the state and every town is full of boys my age just as good as me or better. I'm
- very much like my home
- -
- Northeastern
Pennsylvania - surrounded by green and mountains.
When I first got to Braunschweig I trialed with the U19 men's team for the city's highest level professional club, Eintracht Braunschweig. Eintracht's youth team plays in the 2nd division of German soccer. After several weeks on trial, I received word that the club was not going to sign me. The following Monday I trialed with another semiprofessional club's U19 team, Freie Turnerschaft Braunschweig. Their semi-pro team is in the 5th division of German soccer, but the U19 team is playing in the Niedersachsenliga - 3rd highest of the eight German youth soccer divisions, so the challenge and quality of play was still excellent. Freie Turner picked me up after the first week and then began the submission of my player pass and international transfer certificate with the Deutscher Fussball Bund (German Soccer Federation).
Shiposh 2nd from left at summer training camp
getting tested and pushed every game and it's exactly what's going to make me a better player.
School & Host Family
I go to school at the local high school and have made many friends. School is challenging but my host teachers and host family are very supportive and have helped me along the way. I have become extremely close with my host family - they treat me as if I were their own son. I am very happy here in Germany, and am truly fortunate to have had this opportunity of a lifetime to pursue my dreams.
After a several weeks of breaking into the team, I was promoted to the starting attacking center midfielder for Freie Turner and playing full ninety minute games. At any given time, there were players trialing for a spot with Freie Turner's U19's so I knew my spot was never secure and that was always in the back of my mind at every practice and game. That 'fear' of losing the chance to play pushed me harder than I ever
5
Youth Year IFX Spain Full Season Half Season - Fall or Spring
SPAIN
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
... Moorish palaces, Dali, La Liga. All synonymous with the energetic, diverse and stylish country that is Spain. A year playing soccer in Spain is one you won't forget.
IFX players are placed within a competitive Spanish soccer club fit to their level. Players are placed within
- a
- challenging environment that will foster
development, while keeping in mind their physical strength and technical foundation.
Lying on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe bordering Portugal and France, Spain is home to 39.2 million people. See a fiesta, soak in the Mediterranean sun… Spain will charm you time and again.
ACADEMICS
For full season and half season programs, students will attend a local high school with a wide range of coursework and curriculum. Students are required to take certain core courses, which generally include: Spanish language, Spanish literature, foreign language, philosophy, and physical education. Students may choose one optional area of study to broaden their curriculum including: arts, science or technology.
Players who choose a full season or a half season program in Spain will live with a host family, attend a local public high school, and play with a competitive Spanish soccer club.
SOCCER CLUB PLACEMENT
All classes will be conducted in Spanish. Exposure to Spanish in the classroom and in their daily life helps them to master and become fluent in their foreign language skills. Soccer activities will also enhance players' Spanish development.
With a rich history of professional and amateur soccer, Spain's extensive league system provides opportunities for all levels of players to compete and develop. Enjoying one of the most temperate European climates, Spanish soccer runs year round with quality field conditions even in the dead of winter.
Full Season (August - July) Half Season - Fall (August - January) Half Season - Spring ( January - June)
Dates:
While the Spanish style tends to be be more individualistic than their English and German neighbors, Spanish clubs have tremendous capability both tactically and technically. Training sessions are designed and orchestrated to fully develop the players' quickness of decision making while promoting their creativity and individualism.
Housing: Academics: Club:
Family Homestay Local High School All levels
- Age:
- 15-19
6
Youth Year IFX Spain
Testimonial
Brian Levy Hometown: Clarks Summit, PA Former Club: PA Classics Spanish Club: Cádiz C.F. League: División de Honor
Cádiz C.F.
Cádiz, Spain - 2011-12
School & Host Family
Cádiz is a great small city. I love how easy-going the people are here. I think it's a great place to train and learn a new language because there really isn't any pressure - very laid back. The older part of the city is very historical and beautiful. The nightlife is great and I have found it easy to adapt socially here. There really isn't anything not to like about Cádiz.
I attend classes at a Cervantes accredited language institute called Spanish in Cádiz. I have classes in grammar and conversation Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. The people at the school are really great people and I have enjoyed being with them. The school is very organized and also provides some tourism and social activities, as well as the opportunity to meet new people (I have met and learned about people from close to 20 different countries through the school). At times, learning the language can be a little frustrating, but that's normal. I've really improved and am conversing much better each day.
Trainings have been going well. It's very difficult - these are the best players I have ever played with. Drills include tactical segments, specific match preparation, or high intensity 11 v 11 segments. At times it's frustrating if I make a mistake or turn the ball over because I'm not used to being the small fish in a big pond and such fast paced play. It's a completely different style of play. They move the ball like a pinball machine. It's hard enough to get the ball and when you do get it, it's even more difficult to play the next ball because everything is so quick.
I have training Monday through Friday and have a match on Saturday. We do some weight training before the actual training on Wednesdays and Fridays.
I'm happy this has all worked out and that they felt my level was fine enough to let me on board. Training in a professional club is awesome. The facilty is great with locker rooms and what not. It's also pretty cool to be training next to Cádiz A & B. The players and trainers love picking on me because I'm the foreigner, but it's a futbol team, it's all in good fun, and they seem really happy to have me there.
The host family has been phenomenal. They have helped me settle in and introduced me to everything here in Cádiz. They provide all the necessities and a comfortable environment. The family has really exceeded my expectations. Living in a host family is a great opportunity. I'm able to experience a different culture, mature, and practice Spanish every day.
7
Youth Year IFX Brazil Full Season Half Season - Fall or Spring
BRAZIL
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
ACADEMICS
Samba, Carnaval, Beaches, Futebol!...Come experience life in Brazil while playing with a Brazilian soccer club!
For full season and half season programs, students will attend a local high school with a wide range of coursework and curriculum. Classes are challenging with expectations of completion of coursework not only in, but outside the classroom. Students are required to take certain core courses, which generally include: Portuguese language, literature, foreign language, philosophy, and physical education. Additionally, students may choose one optional area of study to broaden their curriculum including: arts, science or technology.
Brazil is South America's largest country, and the world's fifth largest by both geography and population. From the Amazon jungle in the East to the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil offers a vast diversity in land and culture. The many cultures, warm people, exciting cities and colonial towns make Brazil a fascinating country.
All classes will be conducted in Portuguese. Exposure to Portuguese in the classroom and in their daily life helps them to master and become fluent in their foreign language skills. You will have an added advantage over other foreign piers with additional exposure to the Portuguese language through your soccer activities.
Students who choose a full season or half season program in Brazil will live with a host family, attend a local public high school, and play with a competitive Brazilian soccer club.
SOCCER CLUB PLACEMENT
Brazil is arguably the top footballing nation in the world. Combining the athleticism and tactics of the European style with a magical, improvized flair, the Brazilian style is both beautiful and effective.
Full Season (August - July) Half Season - Fall (August - January) Half Season - Spring ( January - June)
With a passion for the sport dating back over a century, Brazil's extensive professional and amateur systems ensure sustainable production of world class talent.
Dates: Housing: Academics: Club:
Family Homestay Local High School All levels
IFX players are placed within a competitive Brazilian soccer club fit to their level. Players are placed within
- a
- challenging soccer environment that enables
- Age:
- 15-19
tremendous opportunity for development.
8
Youth Year IFX England Full Season Half Season - Fall or Spring
ENGLAND
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
ACADEMICS
Home to some of the world's greatest soccer clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea FC, and Arsenal, England is the country most desired to play in worldwide.
For full season and half season programs, students will attend a local high school known as Sixth Form with a wide range of coursework and curriculum. Classes are challenging with expectations of completion of coursework not only in, but outside the classroom. Students are allowed to choose their courses of study, whether it be English, Math, and Literature, or more vocational subjects which focus on technical or practical work.
With a diverse landscape from large, bustling cities, to quaint towns and shires, England has something for everyone. With an excellent reputation for fashion, film, music, and football, England is the number one destination in the world for students.
All classes will be conducted in English. Exposure to
- English in the classroom (for those in which English is
- Students who choose a full season or half season
program in England will live with a host family, attend a local public high school, and play with a competitive English soccer club. a second language) and in their daily life helps them to master and become fluent in the English language. You will have an added advantage over other foreign piers with additional exposure to the English language through your soccer activities.
SOCCER CLUB PLACEMENT
England is the founding father of the world's most popular sport and today is home to the highest quality professional soccer league, the English Premier League. It is the world standard when it comes to professional soccer, and is home to some of the world's most profound players and clubs.
Academic Year (August - July) Fall Semester (August - January) Spring Semester ( January - June)
Dates:
The English style is fast paced, physical, and strategic. Club facilities are world class, with even the smaller amateur clubs enjoying their own stadiums and clubhouses.
Housing: Academics: Club:
Family Homestay Local High School All levels
IFX players are placed within a competitive English soccer club fit to their level. Players are placed within
- a
- challenging soccer environment that allows
- Age:
- 15-19
tremendous opportunity for development.
9
Pro IFX Year Germany Full Season Half Season - Fall or Spring
GERMANYNÜRNBERG
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
CLUB PLACEMENT
Our Pro IFX Year Program enables competitive players over the age of 18 the opportunity to play for a German semi-professional/Amateur club for one full or one half season. Players are placed to train and compete with a German club according to their level of play. An initial evaluation period upon arrival in Germany determines club placement.
As one of the world's footballing superpowers, Germany is home to some of the finest professional European clubs and players. Their extensive league system is comprised of multiple professional and semi-professional clubs that compete for promotion and relegation from one league to the next, year after year.
Players live in a shared apartment with other IFX players and attend an intensive language institute, enabling rapid advancement in the German language.
IFX players are placed within a competitive German soccer club fit to their level enabling tremendous opportunity for development. IFX manages the full international transfer of each player enabling participation in official league matches.
LANGUAGE SCHOOL
CLUBS
Located in the heart of Nürnberg, Germany, our Pro IFX Year program enrolls each player in our partner language institute, for intensive German language lessions for the duration of the program.
IFX has close relationships with the professional and semi-professional clubs throughout the greater Nürnberg region as well as relationships with clubs throughout Germany, spanning all divisions.
Courses include normally 15-20 hours per week of lessons covering grammar, pronunciation, conversation, and cultural subjects.
Full Season (August - July) Half Season - Fall (August - January) Half Season - Spring ( January - June)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Dates:
Players are placed to live in a shared private flat usually shared with other IFX players. Apartments are furnished, and have one bathroom and a kitchen, shared between the flat mates. Each player is given their own room, furnished with a bed and wardrobe. Public transportation including trains and buses are easily accessable to IFX apartments.
