American Football Worldwide (AFW) isn’t just an unforgettable experience for student-athletes—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for families, too. Parents, siblings, and even grandparents are invited to join the journey, sharing in the travel, culture, and excitement of cheering on Team USA in an international football showdown. From touring iconic landmarks to staying alongside the team, families enjoy guided excursions, group meals, and lasting memories—all while supporting their athlete in a truly extraordinary setting.
Yes, if at all possible this has been a wonderful experience for players and a parent or both parents, siblings and even grandparents to share in. For past travelers these tours have lived up to their billing as 'a trip of a lifetime' and is even more special when shared together. On all our tours we inevitably have all combinations – players that are on their own, a parent with a son, both parents – sometimes with siblings, and even grandparents with or without Mom and Dad. We have even brought along 'friends of the player's family' who just needed a good 'excuse' to see Italy, Ireland or France. Usually about half of our young men travel with family members and one-half travel on their own (must fly with group/coaches).
Ultimately, we would love to have a strong fan base cheering on our USA-AFW ELITE team as we compete against the national teams Europe has to offer. All are very welcome to experience the incredible sights, aura and tastes that Italy or Ireland uniquely have to offer.
Please see tour inclusions at the beginning of the Traveler Information link. Basically all of your necessary expenses are covered from the time you board the plane until you return home except for a couple of meals when on tour with some unstructured free time. All other meals are included (except for water and provided juices, drinks at meals are not included). All team ground transportation, accommodations, admission to sites on scheduled tours, and tickets to the game are included. Student-athletes will receive tour apparel. Fan apparel will be made available to others before the tour.
A full-time English speaking tour manager with a vast knowledge of the history and culture of Italy or Ireland is always provided. Over the week-plus together you are likely to become great friends with tour managers. Lastly, you will need ‘spending money’ for souvenirs, some refreshments and some tips (customary to tip tour guide and motor coach driver).
Yes. If a family is coming with an even number they will split accordingly 2/room. If ultimately there is an odd number coming from the family, the player will stay with another AFW ELITE teammate traveling on their own or in the same situation with family. Ideally we need to maintain the double occupancy rate. Single accommodations are usually available if desired but there can be a costly supplement fee.
Yes.
Please see current pricing information within the Traveler Information link. Note that there are slightly differing pricing structures for players and non-players. The final price to you will also vary depending on whether you use all cash or credit to pay for your trip. There is also the opportunity to purchase the "Land Only" package and arrange your own flights (player must travel with a parent). Note that for the Italy tour we meet the main group in Rome then all depart from Milan. Pricing is based on double occupancy. Additional fees will be incurred for a Single Supplement/Accommodations.
There are a variety of ways to fund your son's participation on this international athletic tour. See the link on Fundraising. Your son is encouraged to use the suggestions located there in approaching relatives, local businesses, colleagues of parents and high school boosters to make contributions that will be credited to the direct costs of his tour. He should certainly pass out as many sponsorship forms as possible or actively refer others to the SPONSORSHIP link on the main navigation bar of the AFW website.
Lastly, parents or grandparents can pay by check or through the PAYMENT/SPONSORSHIP link on the website.
NCAA rules do not limit participation on this trip and in this game. The only limitation is such that a player cannot receive back donations that exceed his direct cost of the tour and he cannot accept funds from a college booster.
Amazing. Fun. Incredibly memorable to spend this time together. Most of our time will be spent together as one tour group. The sites we will take in, some of the most famous in the world, will be truly amazing for young adults to seniors. There is a fairly ambitious pace to the tour, but it is very ‘doable’ if you are in reasonably good health. Family members who travel should be able to walk some distances, walk on uneven ground, and climb stairs.
If you wish, you are welcome to watch practices. However, we will have at least one separate tour planned for parents and families during at least one of the practice sessions. In addition, our tour managers will be well-versed to direct you to some other highlights of the area that you would likely want to take in while at our various locations.
Generally, visit your local post office to secure the necessary form. You will also need a government issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license), your birth certificate, two current pictures of yourself (can be secured at Walgreens, etc.; should be 2x2 with a white background) and the required fee.
Usually, though some hotels have limitations. For these arrangements there is a slight saving per person. Please contact Jim Barnes for details.
You are welcome to choose to room single for a supplement of $TBD. If you would consider and are comfortable with another person in double occupancy, please contact Jim Barnes to see if that can be arranged.
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