Anybody know anything about Benson Soccer? My son was approached over the weekend to see if he would like to participate to play in a couple of tournaments in Europe next summer. The team will be composed of kids from all over the northwest. Your thoughts will be much appreciated.
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Benson Soccer and Dana Cup
I know some of the Benson family and they are legit; however, I have never sent one of kids to the Dana Cup so can't speak about how they run the program. What I do know is that they taken about 40 teams over a number of years to the Dana Cup so I would presume that they know how to plan the trip quite well by this point.
I have talked to several people who have gone to the Dana Cup as young adults and they loved the trip and the tournament. The Dana Cup has a very good reputation. -
It's a great trip. Just be prepared to shell out a years worth of college tuition for the trip.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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The Bensons are great people
Bruce & Ginny Benson are outstanding ambassadors of soccer and have positively affected many boys and girls over the last ten years thru their international soccer trips to the Dana Cup (Denmark) and Gothia Cup (Sweden). My daughter was invited to go about five years ago and we declined due to ODP (U14), and we've regretted it ever since. The kids who did go had great fun and made many new friends from around the PNW and from other countries, too.Originally posted by Unregistered View Post
The Benson teams typically win (or get close) almost every year at the Dana Cup (lesser of the two tournaments) and have won the Gothia Cup (the world's largest youth soccer tournament) 1-2 times. The opening ceremonies at Gothia Cup take place at a pro-level stadium and resembles the Olympics with the parade of nations and teams with flags, etc.
Because of the cost to particiapte, the players who participate range in skill level, but the Bensons try to get the best players possible in order to be competitive.
Regarding costs, the quoted comment is an exaggeration. The year my DD was invited, the total cost was appx $3500 per player (mostly for airfare). If you can swing the $$$, your son/daughter will have a great time and make some lifetime soccer memories.
Good luck!Comment
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Benson Soccer
Our daughter did this trip about 8 years ago with a few of her team mates. Bruce and Ginny are inlaws to my wife's sister. My daughter's team won both tournaments and had an amazing experience. The girl's teams are usually very competitive but the boy's teams usually get an education.Comment
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It's my understanding that Bruce and Ginny no longer do the active recruiting. Any opportunities to travel to play outside of the U.S. is a great eye-opener for our kids.The Benson program is one of many offerings. Sometimes families receive mailings to play soccer as an "ambassador." That specific mailing is purchased from youth associations so I don't take it as seriously.Originally posted by Unregistered View Post
Other options come through church groups and serious training such as Tahuichi in Bolivia. Benson Soccer uses the Gothia Cup and the Dana Cup as both a cultural and athletic experience. My son did both several years ago through his Westside Metros team. My daughters went to Finland and Sweden through their Westside teams.
If your son doesn't travel with his club team then I would suggest considering the Benson Soccer invite. If you and your son are more interested in extremely eye-opening cultural and very tough athletic training experiences, then you might look into Tahuichi America. My son did it and returned two years later.
Best of luck and enjoy your choice!Comment
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