The Benefits of International Soccer Experiences

We’re excited to share this special guest post from our OSMD Insider Premier Member, Elite Tournaments. One of the added benefits of being a Premier Insider with Ohio Soccer Moms and Dads is the opportunity to collaborate with us on blog posts, reels, and other content that brings value to our community of soccer parents.

Today, we’re building on our recent conversation about international opportunities for youth players with a new perspective from guest blogger Kiley Graham of Elite Tournaments. Elite Tournaments — a proud paid sponsor of Soccer Moms and Dads — has been creating world-class competitive experiences for more than 25 years. In this piece, Kiley shares why international soccer exposure can be transformational for young athletes and introduces an exciting new opportunity in partnership with Celtic FC.

Read on to learn more about how Elite Tournaments is opening doors for players to grow their game, explore new cultures, and take their passion for soccer to the next level.

---

The Benefits of International Soccer Experiences and an Exciting Opportunity with Celtic FC

by: Kiley Graham, Associate Director of International Tours at Elite Tournaments

Soccer is the world’s game, and for young players, stepping onto the field with international influences can be life changing. From cultural exchange to elite training styles, the impact lasts far beyond the final whistle.

For more than 25 years, Elite Tournaments has been organizing high level events across North America. In that time, we’ve operated over 1,100 tournaments in a variety of sports and have built a reputation for creating meaningful experiences for players, coaches, and families. Along the way, we’ve also partnered with top international clubs like Tottenham Hotspur FC and Southampton FC to give young athletes a taste of world-class training through player development camps.

This December, we’re excited to expand that reach even further. Elite Tournaments has partnered with Celtic FC and the Celtic Soccer Academy to bring a truly unique event to Maryland. The Celtic Soccer Academy Elite Cup will take place in Baltimore on December 6–7, 2025, and will welcome top clubs from across the Mid-Atlantic region. The goal is to create more than just a tournament. We want it to be a holistic experience where players grow, compete, and get inspired.

A Pathway to Bigger Opportunities

Throughout the tournament weekend, players will have the chance to be evaluated by Celtic Soccer Academy staff and other top-level coaches. Evaluators will be looking for technical skills, game knowledge, leadership qualities, attitude, and overall potential. Players who stand out will be invited to join Celtic FC Academy and Elite Tournaments for an immersive player development camp in the spring of 2026.

For young athletes who want to keep growing, this is a rare chance to learn from one of the most respected clubs in the world. Celtic FC has a rich history of developing talent through its global coaching program. Players selected for the camp will train with top academy coaches, sharpen their skills, and compete against international opposition, all while being immersed in a new soccer culture.

Kiley Graham, our Associate Director of International Tours and Business Operations, shared her excitement about this new opportunity: “As a former player, I am very excited to be able to provide this opportunity for the next generation of upcoming players. Not only will players learn on the field, but the cultural engagement and environment surrounding the tours will give them life skills that translate to the game. They will learn to play with a new team comprised of other players selected from the tournament, they will become independent, they will learn to solve problems on their own with the support of their coaches, and they will learn to integrate and adapt to a new culture.

Why International Experiences Matter

Whether your child is dreaming of playing professionally or simply loves the game, international soccer experiences can have a huge impact. Here are just a few ways they make a difference:

Cultural Exposure & Global Perspective

By attending an international tour, players have the opportunity to learn a new culture. Throughout the experience, they will meet players and coaches from different background and learn to adapt to the environment around them. 

Player Development & Skill Growth

Training with academy coaches offers a fresh perspective on the game. Players gain top-level instruction, face different styles of play, and build chemistry with teammates from across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Personal Growth & Confidence

Traveling and competing in an international environment pushes players out of their comfort zone. They will gain independence, develop leadership skills, and build resilience while learning to solve challenges with guidance from their coaches.

Inspiration & Motivation

This experience will create friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Players will train with coaches from elite academies and watch international professionals in action, which can inspire big dreams for the future.

Families Are Part of the Journey Too

One of the best parts of this opportunity is that it’s not just for players. Families are invited to join their athletes in Glasgow, Scotland, to experience the culture firsthand and cheer them on throughout the week. From sightseeing to watching your child compete in an international setting, it’s a trip that brings everyone closer to the game.

We can’t wait to host the Celtic Soccer Academy Elite Cup this December and take selected players and families on this incredible journey in the spring of 2026.

To learn more about this unforgettable experience, visit our Celtic Soccer Academy Elite Tours webpage or reach out to Kiley Graham at kgraham@elitetournaments.com.

---

As I shared in my post last month, international trips are absolutely worth it if you ever have the opportunity to go. My time in England with my son and Elite Tournaments remains one of my fondest soccer memories — an experience that blended competition, culture, and connection in the best possible way. I hope to have the chance to experience it all again someday.