The Michigan State Youth Soccer Association Olympic Development Program (ODP) proudly traveled to France for an unforgettable international experience in the heart of Paris. Across eight days, players training with professional coaches, competed against French clubs, and explored some of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
TRAVEL & ARRIVAL
ODP players and staff departed from Detroit, traveling through international connections before arriving in Paris. Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, groups were welcomed by tour managers and transported into the city to begin their European experience.
The first day included light sightseeing and time to adjust, with stops at landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées, setting the stage for an incredible week ahead.
ACCOMMODATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Players stayed at the Forest Hill Meudon Hotel just outside of Paris, where they enjoyed daily breakfast and dinner together as a group.
The hotel provided a great home base for the trip – balancing comfort, team bonding, and easy access to both training facilities and the city.
ELITE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
One of the highlights of the trip was a professional training session at Corazza Stadium in Meaux, led by experienced coach Eric Caballero.
Players trained in a high-level environment connected to the French Football Federation, gaining exposure to international coaching styles and techniques while competing alongside their ODP peers.
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITON
Throughout the week, ODP teams competed in multiple friendly matches against French clubs including:
- FC Argenteuil
- FC Soisy
- FC Montmorency
- FC Deuil
- AS Ermont
These matches provided valuable international playing experience, allowing players to test themselves against different styles of play while building confidence and game awareness.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES IN PARIS
Beyond the field, players experienced some of the most iconic attractions in the world:
- Eiffel Tower Tour with panoramic views of Paris
- Château de Versailles historical visit
- Notre Dame Cathedral exploration
- Montmartre & Sacré-Cœue Bascilica
- Seine River Boat Tour
- Louvre Museum
These experiences gave players a deeper appreciation for French history, architecture, and culture.
PROFESSIONAL MATCH EXPERIENCE
A major highlight of the trip was the opportunity to experience professional soccer in France. Many ODP families attended a Ligue 2 match featuring Red Stars FC vs. Stade Laval at Stade Bauer, while others took advantage of the chance to watch Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) play in one fo the most iconic stadium environments in the world.
Whether at Red Star or PSG, players and families experienced the passion, intensity, and atmosphere of European soccer firsthand – an unforgettable moment that brought the game to life beyond the field.
TEAM BONDING & FREE TIME
Players also had time to explore local shopping areas, including nearby malls and Paris city centers, while enjoying meals and downtime together.
These moments helped build friendships, strengthen team chemistry, and create lifelong memories both on and off the field.
A TRIP TO REMEMBER
The 2026 ODP France Tour was more than just soccer – it was a complete international experience. From elite training and competitive matches to world-class sightseeing and cultural immersion, players returned home with new skills, broader perspectives, and unforgettable memories.
FAMILY & STAFF REFLECTIONS
“The Fusciardi family is incredibly grateful to Michigan ODP for the opportunity we had to travel to Paris. We got to know some amazing soccer families and coaches from around Michigan, learn more about the history of France through our sightseeing tour, and made memories that will last forever!” – Fusciardi Family
“The soccer vacation to France did not disappoint! We were busy from sunup to sundown, maximizing our time in Paris. The coaches for ODP and their special training were great. Such an amazing experience for my son to play in Europe with boys from all over Michigan. The highlight was attending the PSG game and stadium tour for my son. For me, it was experiencing the culture and watching the boys come together.” – Brooke Spaiser, mother of Kingsten
“We had such an incredible experience in Paris with our ODP teams! Going in, it was a little nerve-racking having twice as many travelers as we did for Barcelona, but everything came together better than we could have hoped. The families were fantastic, and it was great to see so many new friendships form along the way. On the field, both teams made us so proud! The boys and girls each won their first two matches, both teams had shutouts in their first games – not a single goal scored against us! The boys battled through a tough third game and came up just short, 2-1, while the girls fought to a draw. Competing at that level and seeing them perform so well was exciting for staff and fans on the sidelines.” – Julie Pearson , ODP Program Manager
“Our ODP trip to Paris was an incredible experience. The families that joined us were wonderful, and a lot of new friendships were formed. The city of Paris was stunning. So much to see, do, and eat! On the pitch, we had a fabulous time too. Both our boys’ and girls’ teams won 2 of their 3 matches, and twice we were able to dine with the teams we played, which allowed for some fun cultural interaction – including TikToks! I felt very lucky to be a part of this trip.” – Elizabeth Satterley, Member Services Manager
“Our family’s experience in France with ODP was truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip! While getting to watch the kids play international soccer was a fantastic experience, exploring the history and culture of Paris together made it completely unforgettable. Visiting iconic sights like Versailles, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower were incredible highlights for our family. A huge thank you goes out to Emma, Julie, and Elizabeth – you all were absolutely awesome and made the trip so special for everyone. We feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of this amazing journey.” – Lance Whitney, father of Svea
“During my time in Paris, I had the unique opportunity to coach soccer in a city where the game is deeply embedded in the culture. We experienced this passion not only when playing in our three matches but also when we saw the PSG vs Toulouse match. Working with the MI ODP players in such a diverse environment challenged me to adapt my coaching style. The experience of competing across the globe is something special that all of us will remember. The sights of the city were spectacular, and I would highly recommend a visit.” – Brent Sort, ODP Boys Coach
“My son and I had an incredible time on the ODP international trip to Paris. He got to play his favorite sport with some talented kids in an amazing whirlwind week of sightseeing, soccer, crepe eating, and fun. Both of us will remember this trip very fondly. His favorite thing about the trip was the friendships that he hopes will continue on after. Thank you to everyone who arranged and organized the trip, we could not have had a better time.” – Emily Alford, mother of Evan.