Where is the Cup held?
InThe Netherlands, in Schiedam (a town near Rotterdam).
Why the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is the heart of fastpitch softball in Europe – between Italy and the Netherlands, these are the two countries that have the highest ‘world’ ranking amongst all European nations.
What kind of team is this?
In the first 2 years of this event, we truly had an ‘All-Star’ team selected through tryouts, not only did we not win, we had prima donnas which made the social/history side of the trip unbearable for many in our group. We knew at this point that selecting athletes solely on talent was not going to be enough. Since then, we have placed a higher priority on personality, attitude, and social skills. Our team of coaches are heavily involved in the recruiting process, and ensure that athletes are not only talented, but will also represent our country well! We are together off the field far too much to let skill be the paramount ingredient in building a team.
Why The Netherlands?
The Cup develops a skillset useful elsewhere in any form of the game, but we have adopted rules of the game for the indoor arena. The differences are indeed dramatic:
* We use different balls
* Each batter starts with a 1 and 1 count
* We have ceiling rules
* We use 8 players
* Games are timed (except the Championship)
* The base length is different
* Pitching styles are allowed that are not common in the U.S.
This is just for starters! The game is built for speed and a far cry from the game that states sanction, so be prepared for a new experience!
Do you have a listing of references?
We have both player and parent references available.
What is the cost?
The cost for Cup 2024 is $4250 per traveler.
What does this fee cover?
*Roundtrip airfare from the U.S. to Amsterdam, and returning from Paris
*Airport/hotel transfers coinciding with our itinerary
* Four-star hotel accommodations in Rotterdam & Paris
*Hotel breakfasts
*Transportation from Rotterdam to Paris
*3-Day Rotterdam tram pass
*2-Day Paris Metro pass
*One Jersey and a jacket for players
*Federation’s fees and taxes
*Sponsorship raffle tickets
Are there fundraisers?
For years we have advised athletes on how to raise the entire cost of the trip. We have also had numerous parents come up with great ways to sell crafts at ball games throughout the year. We decided to take things differently a few years ago. Crowdfunding has been an increasingly successful way for our travelers to raise money for their trip, and we have a template to get you started!
What is the installment program?
There is an installment program for The Cup each year. Depending on when you register in the year, we’ll divide up your payments evenly, which will conclude on the 15th of November. Please contact us if you have questions about this option to discuss your situation.
What is NOT covered in the Cup fee?
We don’t pay for lunch, dinner, shopping, and tour events.
Can we back out?
Prior to your first deposit, you can back out at any time. After your first deposit, each option plan contains different refund policies, and please contact us in regard to these options. Each traveler is also urged to sign up for a “Cancel for any reason" travel insurance policy, and we can provide information on insurance companies our travelers have used in the past.
Are parents and/or family allowed to go?
Chaperones arerequired for any athlete under 18, and athletes are encouraged to bring other friends and familymembers.
How many teams and how many are on a team?
We normally take 6 teams of 9 athletes from U.S. and Canada.
Where is the ‘staff’ from?
The staff comes from cities around the country, including Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey. We have former pro fastpitch players, high-profile summer coaches, even the 2-time Gold Medal-winning coach from the U.S. Olympic Team.
What teams are we playing?
Each year it varies but we can be assured that the Dutch National team will be represented. In previous years we’ve had the Polish, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Czech, German, Belgian, French, and British.
Will we be informed about passports?
You’ll be well informed on how to go about getting (and renewing!) your passport.
What is our rooming situation?
Parents/Guardians traveling with athletes will room together.
Is this Educational?
This trip is actually a history, culture, and social trip way more than just a softball event. Look at it this way:
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Many travelers have never flown internationally, so that’s educational in many ways by itself!
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Thursday (the arrival day). while your classmates are in school, we are touring The Netherlands – learning! Just like your classmates!
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Friday, while your friends are in school, we are exploring some serious history in Amsterdam, which for many includes Anne Frank’s home, the Heineken brewery, and learning that their “cafés” are very different from ours(!) - just for starters
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Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday(when school’s outback home), we’re playing ball! against some of the best athletes in the world!
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And then we head to Paris... need we say more??
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Monday is Martin Luther King’s day – and while your friends are sleeping in – we are touring Paris, Notre Dame, and the Louvre – more learning!
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Tuesday, with school finally back in session, we are still touring Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, and Arc de Triomphe, Yep, they’re learning and we are too.
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Wednesday, we are still learning, again experiencing international travel, and headed home with life-long memories!