Since 1991, Global Sports Academy (GSA) has been arranging tours for college and youth teams from the United States and countries around the world to promote international competition and goodwill. Not only do athletes learn valuable lessons through participating in their respective sports in other countries, but they also enjoy the experiences of a lifetime by being exposed to different cultures, languages, and environments and performing community service while abroad.

Coaches who travel with GSA equally benefit from participating in such international competition, honing their coaching skills and learning about international play, as well as having an opportunity to work with new talent or share valuable additional playing time to learn the assets and challenges of their teams. For athletes and coaches alike, the opportunity to engage in dynamic, international competition is professionally and personally enriching. And Coaches go for FREE.

Siena assistant coach Jordan Watson shared his thoughts on his time overseas with Global Sports Academy:

1. How did you come in contact with Global Sports Academy?
Through former Lafayette and Hartford assistant coach Drew Dawson.

2. What was the primary reasons(s) for your choosing to travel with Global Sports Academy, such as for professional development, international recruitment opportunities, etc.?
It sounded like a great way to call timeouts and see the world. The people who had taken teams over highly recommended it. I was also interested in the idea of taking a group of players from different colleges over to compare that experience with going over with your own team.

3. How were the players selected for your team?
It was a recruiting process.  I tried to get a full team of Ivy League players but ended up with 5. I got one guy from a D3 in the Midwest, and one from a D2 in the Midwest. Another player came from Rollie Massimino’s squad, a NAIA in Florida and two guys from Portland.

4. What countries did you visit and what was your daily activity schedule?
Belgium, England, Netherlands. We played a RECORD 7 games (2 games in one day). Probably was too many but winning all of them made it a pretty nice feather in the kid’s cap. We were able to tour each day as well, mainly in Belgium. The last two days in London were a fun way to unwind after having so many games. There was a great mix of culture and hoops on the trip.

5. How competitive were the games, and how do you think that the players benefited from the experience?
Five out of the seven were very competitive with a couple of them going right down to the wire. I lucked out with a GREAT group of kids that shared the ball and had talent. All feedback I have gotten was that each of the guys loved the trip. I think the trip was a great mix of life experience and basketball experience. It was good for them to witness the Euro rule differences. Also, was nice for them to see the different arenas and how important (or not important) basketball is at the various pro levels. Many of the players still keep in touch, gaining valuable friendships.

6. What challenges did you face having players from different universities as well as with international play?
Getting each player to play their natural position was a challenge. Again, having good guys helped in this regard. The officiating was subpar but we kind of knew that would be the case. At times the players (and I) just wanted explanations but got warnings.

7. What were some of the highlights for you as a cultural experience?
Amsterdam was a highlight for me. Just having heard so much about the place, to actually walk around there was cool. We did it right though, were only there for a few hours then hit the road. A night there may have been dicey! Mechelen will always be special to me though, some memorable nights there.

8. How did you benefit professionally and/or personally from this experience?
It was great to be in the head coaches seat. I think it just opens your eyes a bit, lets you see the game from that perspective and for me having never been a head coach, it was great experience. Personally, I have gained a few friends who are GREAT guys.

9. Would you travel again with Global Sports Academy and recommend this program to other coaches?
YES!

For more information, please visit: Global Sports Academy