We are an organization that runs sports and educational tours abroad for select U.S. athletes representing their country.
Athletes are invited based on nominations or a selection process from coaches and sports professionals, focusing not only on athletic ability but also on character, leadership, and performance .
Yes! All athletes are guaranteed a fair amount of playing time over the trip. The exact amount can vary depending on position versatility and performance, but USA Gold Student Athlete coordinates with coaches to maximize participation.
For both parents and athletes, details on inclusions and exclusions are available within each trip’s information section (or original invitation). Users should log into their trip to review these sections.
During the trip: Tour leaders will assist in getting care, but medical costs abroad are the traveler’s responsibility. Athletes should confirm how their primary health insurance works internationally.
USA Gold Student Athlete does not provide insurance directly but recommends third-party coverage.
Yes! Each trip has tour leaders and USA Gold Student Athlete staff, plus the team’s coaches. Family and friends are welcome to join and enjoy the itinerary, but do not get uniforms or playing time.
We will practice once we arrive in Europe. We are building this team with kids all across the USA, which makes it impossible to get all the players together before we leave.
In one word...Good! The teams we face overseas are local club teams that play together year after year. All our players project out to be small college players...D2, D3, NAIA type level players. Occasionally, we might get a player that goes onto play D1, but our typical player is one that goes on to play small college ball.
Our standard rooming is in a triple, with 3 players sharing a room. For parents/adults, our standard rooming is a double room with 2 adults sharing a room. A player could room with their parent in a double room. Each person would just have to pay the double room upgrade.
The deposit to secure your spot on the team is $495. The deposit is not an additional charge. The deposit is part of the total tour cost.
Your deadline to register and pay your deposit is 30 days from when you received your invitation. Your deposit is due at the time of registration. We cannot hold your spot without the deposit.
Traveling overseas in a USA uniform, competing under FIBA rules, and experiencing international basketball offers incredible benefits. Our 7–10 day trips combine the excitement of global competition with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the world beyond the United States. Selected players proudly represent the USA while continuing to develop both their basketball skills and personal growth as young men and women.
Absolutely! We begin planning each tour over a year in advance to ensure a well-organized and unforgettable experience. Most itineraries are filled with a balanced mix of basketball, sightseeing, excursions, travel, and even some well-deserved free time. Our goal is to make the most of every moment we have together!
Yes! A valid passport book is required for all international travel. While we’ll provide you with the official government link to apply, it is the traveler’s responsibility to obtain and carry a passport book. Please note: without it, you will not be allowed to board any international flight.
Interested in coaching with us? Reach out to our team as soon as possible at USAGoldStudentAthlete.com to learn more about upcoming opportunities.
We get it, it can sound too good to be true. But this is what we do full-time, and we take great pride in organizing meaningful international tours that combine basketball with rich cultural experiences. Our mission is to create opportunities that leave a lasting impact.
Roster spots are extremely limited, but the selection process is simple. Start by completing our application(add link) with as much detail as possible. Our staff will review your submission and contact you promptly. If selected for the next step, we’ll send out the information regarding what to do next. Players may also be nominated by a coach.
A National Camp will be available, but it is optional. If you are not able to attend the National Camp there are 2 other ways to “tryout”.
All USA Gold Student Athletes share three key qualities:
We’re looking for players who not only excel in basketball, but who also demonstrate maturity, gratitude, and a team-first mindset. If this sounds like you, be sure to submit your application as soon as possible
We will practice once we arrive in Europe. We are building this team with kids all across the USA, which makes it impossible to get all the players together before we leave.
All our teams are led by college coaches. All our coaches have a passion for kids and education. Our coaches are going to help challenge you to become a better player and are available to help in the recruiting process. We all share the same mission of changing lives through sports!
In one word...Good! The teams we face overseas are local club teams that play together year after year. All our players project out to be small college players...D2, D3, NAIA type level players. Occasionally, we get a player that goes onto play D1, but our typical player is one that goes on to play small college ball.
Absolutely! Parents and family members are more than welcome to travel. We average 6 parents that go with each team, so I anticipate a handful of parents joining this team too. The cost for a family member is the same as a player. This guarantees you the same flights, hotels, meals, tours, tour bus, tour manager, etc...you get everything the players get, you just don't get to play. Please note: Family members over 24 will be charged the $100 Adult Surcharge.
When we negotiate with our vendors for all the tours and excursions we take the teams on, the vendors give us the youth prices. When we show up with adults, the vendors charge us the full fare for all the tours and excursions.
Our standard rooming is in a triple, with 3 players sharing a room. For parents/adults, our standard rooming is a double room with 2 adults sharing a room. A player could room with their parent in a double room. Each person would just have to pay the double room upgrade.
The deposit to secure your spot on the team is $495. The deposit is not an additional charge. The deposit is part of the total tour cost.
Your deadline to register and pay your deposit is 30 days from when you received your invitation. Your deposit is due at the time of registration. We cannot hold your spot without the deposit.
Traveling overseas in a USA uniform, competing under FIBA rules, and experiencing international basketball offers incredible benefits. Our 7–10 day trips combine the excitement of global competition with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the world beyond the United States. Selected players proudly represent the USA while continuing to develop both their basketball skills and personal growth as young men and women.
Absolutely! We begin planning each tour over a year in advance to ensure a well-organized and unforgettable experience. Most itineraries are filled with a balanced mix of basketball, sightseeing, excursions, travel, and even some well-deserved free time. Our goal is to make the most of every moment we have together!
That’s a great question and not an easy one to answer! Our staff is always on the lookout for talented players with strong character to represent USA Gold. We discover potential athletes through a variety of channels, including camps, recommendations from coaches, social media, basketball showcases, along with nominations.
Along with the Trip Leader, our coaches always serve as chaperones during the tour. Additionally, we work with a trusted partner company based in the destination country that supports us throughout the entire trip.
Yes! A valid passport book is required for all international travel. While we’ll provide you with the official government link to apply, it is the traveler’s responsibility to obtain and carry a passport book. Please note: without it, you will not be allowed to board any international flight.
We’ve never had a situation where participation in one of our tours affected a player’s NCAA eligibility. Our staff has worked with athletes from all collegiate levels, and there have been no issues even with the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics. That said, if you're currently on a college roster, we recommend checking in with your athletic department’s compliance officer just to be safe. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to stay in compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations.
Interested in coaching with us? Reach out to our team as soon as possible at USAGoldStudentAthlete.com to learn more about upcoming opportunities.
We get it, it can sound too good to be true. But this is what we do full-time, and we take great pride in organizing meaningful international tours that combine basketball with rich cultural experiences. Our mission is to create opportunities that leave a lasting impact.
Roster spots are extremely limited, but the selection process is simple. Start by completing our application(add link) with as much detail as possible. Our staff will review your submission and contact you promptly. If selected for the next step, we’ll send out the information regarding what to do next. Players may also be nominated by a coach.
A National Camp will be available, but it is optional. If you are not able to attend the National Camp there are 2 other ways to “tryout”.
We’re looking for players who not only excel in basketball, but who also demonstrate maturity, gratitude, and a team-first mindset. If this sounds like you, be sure to submit your application as soon as possible.
We recruit players from all across the United States and occasionally from other countries! Our staff is always searching for talented, high-character athletes who embody the spirit of a USA Gold Student Athlete. We discover players through camps, coaches, social media, basketball showcases, as well as nominations.
Each tour varies slightly (see our Upcoming Tour page for details), but your program fee typically covers:
Not all but most/majority! While the tour fee includes major costs like flights, hotels, transportation, activities, and meals (two per full day), the following are not included: IS TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED OR NOT?
Yes! We offer several fundraising tools and ideas as part of your tour experience. One of the first steps is writing a personal fundraising letter or essay to share your story and goals with potential supporters. While we’ll provide you with as much guidance and support as possible, it's up to you to take the lead and follow through. Visit our Fundraising Page to explore helpful tips, strategies, and creative ideas to help you raise the funds needed to join your USA Gold Student Athlete tour.
Opting for a One-Time Full Payment secures your roster spot immediately and officially confirms your place on the USA Gold Student Athlete team. It's a stress-free option that allows you to focus on preparing for your tour. Choosing the Payment Plan gives you more flexibility by spreading your payments over several months, allowing extra time to fundraise. This option requires:
Both options are designed to make your participation possible and choose the one that works best for you!
No, you don’t have to participate in all 3 events. You only have to participate in one of the three: National Camp, 3 minute minimum video, or the gold letter invitation. Though if you’d like to upload more than one of the following you are more than welcome to!
USA Gold Student Athlete branded lanyards provide clear identification and easy access to our USAGoldAssist phone number, should your student need help.
For added peace-of-mind, all travelers have access to mental health specialists phone while on tour should the need arise. INPUT INTERNATIONAL NUMBERS
USAGSA staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
For added protection, all travelers have the option to purchase Travel Insurance in the case of any emergency.
A dedicated 24-hour Tour Director will accompany your students throughout the entire trip, guiding them through each incredible destination included in the program.
Passports are required for all GoPlay trips traveling abroad except those to Canada, where a passport is only required if you are flying into the country or are aged 19 or over.
You are responsible for obtaining your passport, so please don’t delay! For an application form, visit your post office or a local federal government office.
Note that some countries require that passports be valid for six months after you return to the United States. Please be sure that yours is up-to-date.
For more information about obtaining a passport and processing times, visit the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Starting on January 8, 2025, travelers of specific nationalities whose tour visits any country in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) or who transit through an airport in the United Kingdom will be required to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Please check your Visa and Entry Requirements Tool and the UK’s website for updates. The European Union will require a similar authorization (ETIAS) in early 2025. Please refer to the European Union's official ETIAS website for more information.
Please visit travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date requirements.
Students 18 and younger traveling to Canada by bus need to have either their original birth certificate or a certified copy with them in order to cross the border (if traveling by plane or if they are 19 or older, they will need a passport).
In addition, students should bring a government-issued photo ID (if available) to prove they are the person whose birth certificate they are presenting.
We need your first, middle, and last name on file exactly as they appear on your passport. If your account's full name does not match your passport's, please go online and update the information.
Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for obtaining all documents needed to enter the countries to be visited or connected through and for reentry into the USA.
For complete information, please consult the consular offices of the countries on your itinerary and the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Our cultural educational experience offers an unforgettable international basketball journey through Europe, where competitive play is paired with rich cultural exploration. Traveling overseas, our team faces off against strong European clubs, giving players a chance to grow their game in a dynamic, global setting. Teams from Croatia, USA, Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Mongolia and Greece are taking part – if you hesitate, you’ll miss out on the chance of an unforgettable international sporting experience!
Beyond the court, athletes enjoy guided sightseeing trips to iconic landmarks ranging from ancient castles and cathedrals to lively city squares and scenic coastal towns. Immersed in European culture, players experience local traditions, cuisine, and history, gaining not only valuable perspective but also lasting memories shared with teammates.
We produce stories, emotions & dreams, thereby creating unique and unforgettable experiences.
Transfers from/to airport on arrival/departure day
Hotels as mentioned in the offer
Meals as mentioned in the offer
- Octoberfest
- Gala Dinner (only adults)
- Farewell BBQ
Transportation as mentioned in the offer
Tournament fee for the UWG
Shuttle Bus Ticket incl. entrance to the lake during UWG
Sightseeing and activities as mentioned in the offer
San Siro Stadium (if available)
Duomo Di Milano (if available)
Gondola ride
Practice session(s)
1 dedicated PDM Contact Person 24/7 during travel
Recruiting support
Travel to and from destination (e.g. flight or train tickets)
Single room supplement
Any activities not specifically mentioned in the program
Travel insurance
Personal expenses, e.g. drinks, laundry, phone calls...
Tips
