Bring It Live

Brooke Rundle

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College of Charleston Tours Nicaragua

In 2015 Bring It Promotions hosted the College of Charleston beach volleyball team in Nicaragua. Jason Kepner, College of Charleston head women’s volleyball coach, had this to say about his team’s experience:

“Traveling to Nicaragua with BIP over spring break was one of the greatest trips I have taken at C of C.  The trip was so much more than I was expecting.  It was organized, planned perfectly and had a great balance of volleyball, community service, and team building activities.  This is something the entire team including the coaches will remember for a lifetime.  I highly recommend BIP and the trip to Nicaragua.  We definitely plan on doing this tour again down the road.”

Check out the College of Charleston video below to hear coach and player interviews.

 

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Nicaragua Loves Volleyball

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Did you know that we’ve hosted over 30 college and club volleyball indoor and beach volleyball teams in Nicaragua?

That’s right, since 2007 teams from all over the US have traveled south of the border to play volleyball against the Nicaragua national and junior national team, while enjoying a week of team building and eco-adventure activities in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes on the planet.

We’ve hosted top collegiate Division 1 teams like Creighton and Missouri State, as well as under 17 club teams such as Absolute Volleyball Academy of Texas (AVA), Fusion and Premier Academy.

Many coaches and players will tell you that BIP’s Nicaragua tour is different than any team travel experience they’ve ever had before. It’s unforgettably unique and it’s special.  Why’s that?  It’s a matter of the heart.   [Read more…] about Nicaragua Loves Volleyball

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Transform Your Team : 5 Reasons to Take a Foreign Tour

cbv gameAfter running international volleyball tours for more than a decade, I’ve learned that there’s no better way to transform your team than to take a foreign tour. 

The road can be unpredictable, tiring and even uncomfortable at times. But the road has the power to reshape character, broaden perspective and cultivate gratitude.  Traveling on the road together opens doors to different experiences and creates a culture teamwork. 

Mick Haley, the head women’s volleyball coach of University of Southern California, had this to say about the Pac-12 All-Star tour in China:

It has been a real eye-opener and allows our students to have a better understanding of other parts of the world.  And, one of the interesting things that has come from the experience are the relationships that have developed between the Pac-12 players themselves.

Here’s 5 reasons to take a foreign tour with your team.

1) The recruiting advantage. 

Whether you are pioneering a new beach volleyball program at your local club or heading into your 10th season at a ranked university, don’t underestimate the recruiting advantage to foreign tours.  Club and college coaches often use foreign tours as a tool to entice players to commit. 

2) Fast friends. 

Traveling across international borders and playing volleyball abroad has the power to create fast friendships with lasting memories that unite teams.  Teammates bond more quickly when they share impactful experiences. Small differences among teammates have a way of dissolving on the road against the backdrop of foreign cultures.  

IMG_85603) Appreciation for resources. 

Experiencing the differences in other countries helps players appreciate the resources they have at home. Playing outside ones comfort zone inspires thankfulness for the familiar. 

4) Different playing styles. 

International experience makes better volleyball players. It’s that simple.  Players who get exposed to faster or varied tempo offenses and unique playing atmospheres adjust and improve. Playing after long travel days in a foreign environment also makes players more resilient. 

5) The Fun Factor

Ask any coach or player whose been on a foreign volleyball tour to share about their experience abroad and they’re likely to recount treasured memories. From foreign food and beautiful sites to deeply impactful team bonding moments and travel experiences.  Teams are transformed when they have the opportunity to play volleyball and travel around the globe together.  

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Coach Craig Skinner Reflects on University of Kentucky China Tour

In 2014 Bring It Promotions hosted the University of Kentucky women’s volleyball team in China. Craig Skinner, University of Kentucky Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, had this to say about his team’s experience:

“Our tour to China was a once in a lifetime experience for our players and program. BIP and Chris Chen provided an incredible two week volleyball concentrated tour that really challenged and matured out returning team. Being in China was a cultural education on top of playing the game at an extremely high level. There is no doubt that our team will significantly benefit from this experience.”

Check out the ‘Kentucky Wildcats TV: UK Volleyball Goes To China’ video to hear coach and player interviews.

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Brazil : Rich in Tradition with a History of Volleyball Dominance

Rexona, Brazil Volleyball Match // photo credit Ricardo Haleck
photo credit Ricardo Haleck

Superliga volleyball matches stream live across television screens in bars and restaurants throughout every city.  Billboards featuring the faces of volleyball legends stand tall in the streets.  Sand courts and venders selling volleyballs dot the sandy coastline. Here, the volleyball fans are knowledgable, passionate and everywhere. 

This is volleyball country.  This is Brazil. 

When it comes to the Olympics, Brazilian volleyball players are accustomed to the podium. Going into the 2016 games as the host country, the federation has expectations to add to their medal count. However the home court advantage of the Olympic games brings with it the baggage of immeasurable social pressure for its athletes and coaches. The pressure extends far beyond the sidelines of the volleyball court.  

CBVBrazil’s rich tradition of world wide volleyball dominance roots back to the tiny beach town of Saquarema. While Brazil’s big cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are rough around the edges with layers of complexity, Saquarema has a relaxed coastal vibe with a sense of timelessness to it.  It’s white sandy beaches are bare of development.  The town lacks sky scrapers, shopping malls and just about every other type of distraction that attract tourists to Brazil’s larger and more well known neighboring cities.  

But it is in this sleepy beach town that the road to the podium for every Brazilian volleyball player starts at an exclusively dedicated volleyball training center called CBV (Confederação Brasileira de Voleibol).  In honor of their history the doors of the dormitories are marked with names of local legends like Jacqueline Silva, Walewska, Enio Figuieredo, and of course Giba. Inspirational quotes hang above doorways and banners with larger than life size photos string across the interior brick walls. This is where the Brazilian national volleyball teams eat, sleep, practice, workout and live day-to-day in preparation for their big dance.

cbv gameIn November 2015, Bring It Promotions took A5 volleyball club out of Atlanta, Georgia to this sacred center of Brazilian volleyball history.  A5’s decision to travel and compete in Brazil over the Thanksgiving Holiday was largely inspired by the club’s proclaimed social mission – “teaching life lessons through the sport of volleyball”.  

Over the course of the 9-day tour, A5 volleyball club watched the best players in the world compete in Brazilian Superliga matches, listened to the testimonials of Olympians, competed against youth teams in 4 different cities, danced at an authentic Samba School, paid tribute to the famed ‘Christ the Redeemer’, soaked up the sun at Copacabana Beach, lived a day in the life of a Brazilian YNT volleyball player and made friendships that transcend both foreign borders and language barriers. 

 Best of all, they learned that in Brazil volleyball is more than just a game.  It’s a lifestyle and a path to a better a life for many.  When the 2016 Olympics come around next August, Brazil will have a devoted cheering squad in Atlanta, Georgia.  

Thank you A5.

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Frequently Asked Questions for Travel to Europe

BIP EuropeIf you’re thinking about taking your volleyball team on a foreign tour to Europe, you’ll want to thoroughly read the answers to these commonly asked questions.  All of our tours are customized to suit the needs and desires of your program, but the answers to these questions will give you a general idea of what to expect when you travel to Europe with Bring It Promotions.

Are meals included on tour?

Yes! On tour your team will be provided 3 meals per day. If anyone in your group has any food allergies please let us know before you arrive because all the meals are pre-ordered to suit large groups. We intentionally seek out unique restaurants offering delicious local cuisine for you to experience the flavor of the host country. We also try to integrate meals with foreign teams as much as possible. Your team will get the opportunity to share meals with local volleyball players and coaches to learn more about their culture and make life long friendships.

What type of hotel accommodations can I expect on tour?

We typically offer centrally located 3-4 star hotel accommodations. All of our hotels are vetted, safe, clean, and well situated for playing matches and sightseeing.

Will there be a local guide with the team at all times?

Yes! An english speaking BIP guide will be with your team throughout the entire duration of the tour.  We guarantee your guide will have a volleyball background.

What items are not included in the price?

The price does not include your airfare or country visas if any apply. Visa’s are not required for US residents in most European countries.

How far in advance do we need to book a tour?

We recommend contacting us at least six months to 1 year before the trip starts.  This provides us time to arrange the matches, organize ground transportation and reserve hotels.

How will we travel around?

Between most major European cities and countries the team will travel together in a van or privately chartered bus. Depending on your destination and travel route, teams also may travel by train (Eurorail) or the local metro for intercity destinations. Traveling by train or metro will probably be one of the trip highlights for your players.  

How do I book group plane tickets and does BIP help with airfare?

We do not normally assist with booking airfare for team travel, however we can if needed. Once you’re ready to investigate airfare, we recommend that you start by checking with Delta and United Groups  fares. Their group ticketing services have the best prices and flexible regulations between them. We won’t be able to get better prices than those offered by the airline group booking agents. You can make a reservation for $100 per person and it is typically refundable, therefore it is worth investigating even before you’re 100% ready to book your tickets.

Do we need travel insurance?

We always suggest travel insurance for all participants in accordance with our insurance company. We do not provide travel insurance, but suggest that all participants look into the idea. Its often affordable and certainly worth it if there are any issues with the trip or baggage associated with the trip.

Will we have access to wifi throughout the trip?

We try to make sure that all hotels have access to wifi, however some tours travel to remote destinations with limited internet access.  We encourage players to try to detach from technology and enjoy the time with their team while traveling.

Will I need a power adapter?

Power adapters are required for travel to all  European countries, as well as most of our international destinations. Your cell phone, computers and tablets will need an outlet adapter. Be sure to check the electrical adapter requirements for each country prior to travel.

Will my cell phone work overseas?

To avoid extraordinary costs, be sure to check your international rate plan with your cell phone provider.  During travel, also be sure to turn your roaming off and use an apps like Skype or Apple’s FaceTime to call. Also limit the use of your smart phone to areas locations that have wifi when possible to save money.

BIP help with fundraising?

No, sorry but it’s not feasible for us to assist each team with fundraising however we have created a guide with ‘8 Proven Strategies to Help you Fundraise for your Foreign Tour’ included in our Ultimate Guide to International Volleyball. Download your free guide to International Volleyball here. 

What level volleyball can we expect?

We will match the level of your team. We can accommodate teams of any age and level.  You pick the number of matches and/or practices that you want on tour and we’ll arrange it for your team.

I’m ready to sign my team up! What are the next steps? 

Excellent! Contact us today to organize your custom volleyball tour.  And be sure to grab our free guide to International Volleyball here.