FARA International Soccer Study Abroad Programs - Alternatives to Youth Soccer Schools, Youth Soccer Academy, Youth Boarding Soccer Camps, Youth Soccer Academies, Youth Soccer Camps, and Youth Soccer Team Tours Abroad.

FARA has an extensive network of clubs throughout Europe who share our vision of cultural cohesion through soccer exchange. Their generous collaboration provides opportunities for incoming foreign players to train and compete with their clubs as regular, fully registered, and in some circumstances, contracted players.

Our broad base of partner clubs enable players of all abilities to have a challenging, yet enjoyable experience while abroad. For advanced, highly competitive players, Europe is no better place to learn from and compete with the best in the world. For players who may be less experienced, but nevertheless enthusiastic soccer players, FARA's IFX program provides placement within a soccer club team fit to their playing experience and level.

IFX club placement is dependent upon multiple factors. Players are placed first with a host family and school by our partner exchange program in the country of choice. Players are then placed within a local competitive soccer club according to their experience, commitment, and age. Although FARA participants can not choose which club they will play with, they may choose their country of preference. FARA is experienced in matching players within challenging and competitive soccer environments.

Players are registered as a member of the club team's roster and issued an official player pass from the National Association of the foreign country. This player pass enables players to compete in all league matches, tournaments, and cup competitions. In all of our destination countries, the soccer season extends year round, with some short breaks during the winter holiday season. There typically is also a short 6 week break during the summer, between soccer seasons.

*The Swedish schedule runs somewhat differently than that of the rest of Europe due to their harsh winter climate. While most European seasons run from July - May of the following year, the Swedish schedule runs from March - November. Nevertheless, training continues indoors throughout the winter. Thus, players should be prepared to enter into a club team mid-season if on the academic year program in Sweden. The participant then plays throughout the summer/fall, trains during the winter, and competes in the first half of the next season until their academic year ends.

The placement and assessment process for FARA IFX player participants varies according to each individual player. The process includes either an assessment of the player's ability at a competitive soccer match/tournament/competition here in the U.S. from a FARA representative OR a short training/assessment period with various clubs in the destination city upon arrival in the foreign country. Players will typically arrive during the month of July for the academic year program but dates will vary slightly according to destination and individual circumstances.