About

Sports Visitor Program 

The Sports Visitor Program brings international youth athletes and their coaches from around the world to the United States and takes American youth athletes and their coaches from the United States to locations abroad for sports-based exchanges that address U.S. embassy and consulate priorities and U.S. foreign policy goals.  Activities include, but are not limited to:

Program Tracks

The Sports Visitor Program is implemented in two tracks. Every program is uniquely designed and tailored to the program objectives and goals and the participants’ interests. Learn more about each track:

American Youth Athletes

American youth who have demonstrated high levels of leadership, initiative, and potential are identified and nominated by U.S. program partners to participate in the Sports Visitor Program. Programs are offered for either high school students or college students. These youth travel to international locations abroad for an immersive, two-week program, implemented in conjunction with a local sports partner and camp. Examples of programs include Positive Youth Development through Basketball (PeacePlayers International) and Promoting Disability Rights and Inclusion through Wheelchair Basketball (University of Houston). In addition to participating in sport-specific training alongside international youth, the American youth athletes also participate in workshops on topics such as leadership development, public speaking, conflict resolution, mental health and wellbeing, and much more. Built into every program are opportunities to engage in cultural exchange activities, attend sporting events, participate in team-building exercises, and explore higher education and career opportunities.

 

International Youth Athletes

International youth who have demonstrated high levels of leadership, initiative, and potential are identified and nominated by U.S. embassies and consulates to participate in the Sports Visitor Program. These youth travel to the United States for an immersive, two-week program, implemented in conjunction with an American summer camp for youth. Examples of programs include Adaptive Sports and Disability Rights (the Endeavor Games), Soccer (Boston Scores Summer Camp) / Basketball (ASA Hoops)  and English as a Second Language / STEM, Women’s Empowerment through Sports (Julie Foudy & espnW Sports Leadership Academy) and Civic Engagement through Flag Football (RCX Sports). In addition to participating in sport-specific training alongside American youth, the visiting youth athletes also participate in workshops on topics such as leadership development, public speaking, conflict resolution, mental health and wellbeing, and much more. Built into every program are opportunities to engage in cultural exchange activities, attend sporting events, participate in team-building exercises, and explore higher education opportunities in the United States.

Check out our FAQs page for answers to common questions about the program.