You’ve been offered a unique opportunity to travel abroad and play softball competitively. You’ll travel as an ambassador for the United States, compete internationally, and broaden your educational perspective of the world. In addition, you’ll make friends of a lifetime.
USA Athletes International (USAAI) in conjunction with the Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball has developed one such opportunity. The FIBS has invited our US team to participate in Parma, Italy. This multi-stop event that will take place July 19 – 29, 2026. The team will also spend time touring and learning about Italy at a “grass roots” level. With stops in historic Venice, Milan and Rome. The goal is to encourage international cooperation and the further development of softball while sharing in the Italian culture in every aspect possible.
Such opportunities for athletes to engage in international competition and cultural exchange are limited, so we are grateful for the invitation and look forward to the experiences on and off the field. Remember it’s softball that opened the door for this opportunity, but it’s much more than just softball.
Kaleigh Roop bio has been appointed US team coach. With collegiate head coaching experience, including the 2022 NAIA National Championships, she brings both domestic expertise and global interests to the role.
What to expect in Italy
Tour Highlights:
- Milan –Sites include Piazza della Scala, Piazza Duomo, Museo del Novecento, Sforzesco Castle, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Parco Sempione, Piazza degli Affari, and the Verziere Column. A special visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo) and its rooftop terraces, followed by viewing Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
- Rome – The Vatican, Gallery of Candelabra, Gallery of Maps, Sistine Chapel, Creation of Man, Last Judgement, St Peter’s Basilica, La Pietà, Baldacchino by Bernini, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, Vestal Virgins, Temple of Julius Caesar, Senate House and more.
“You can’t have memories without having experiences.”
Why Travel?
- It gets you out of your comfort zone and teaches you about yourself (you’ll be surprised)
- It puts life in perspective.
- You’ll make friends from across the globe (networking 101)
- It looks great on your resume (employers aren’t looking for mediocre, they’re looking for leaders)
- You’ll discover the world’s incredible cultural diversity.
- You’ll experience places you never imagined existed.
- You might learn a new language and customs.
- You’ll have incredible adventures (and stories to tell)
- Experience completely new cuisines
- Travel happiness is infectious (you’ll get to TELL YOUR STORY!)
Why Travel with USAAI?
- There are NO hidden charges or added expense in our tours. Everything is outlined in the itinerary in a clear and concise manner.
- USAAI offers 3 times as many GUIDED tours than any other company in the market at no additional expense.
- USAAI uses local guides for all the tours. We don’t see sites from the seat of a bus.
- We have the best tour managers/administrators in the business. Most of which have 30+ years of travel experience under their belt.
- USAAI is well established and has been in the sports travel market since 1993,
- USAAI’s staff love their job and love to share their experiences with YOU!
- USAAI has the best PROVEN fundraising ideas in the market that will help you achieve your goal.
- USAAI has a top rating from the Better Business Bureau.
What’s included in the of the tour?
- Round trip airfare from the team’s gateway city airport. (JFK)
- International airport and hotel taxes.
- Service fees.
- Customary tipping for the bus driver. (prepaid)
- International hotel accommodations.
- Uniforms.
- Meals and Tours as outlined in the itinerary.
- International & USA sanctioning and approvals.
- An experienced and knowledgeable tour manager and coaching staff.
What’s NOT Included in the cost of the tour?
- Connecting airline ticket to gateway city. (JFK)
- Fuel Surcharges instituted by the airlines.
- Passport fees. If you don’t already have a passport, we suggest you start the process now.
- Visa fees (if applicable).
- Individual medical insurance (Primary). It doesn’t hurt to check with your existing health and homeowners’ insurances.
- Laundry. (Available for the athletes upon request for a fee.)
- Travel insurance (Recommended).
- Personal items such as gifts, telephone calls, snacks, drinks, etc.
Team members are responsible for raising or paying $5,425 to cover their share of the team’s expenses as set forth by the NCAA, NAIA, & NJCAA with respect to the Foreign Tours guidelines.
How to join the tour.
(Any issues registering, just text 9134016052 for help.)
Payment schedule
A “non-refundable” $500 deposit per person is required at the time of registration. The remaining payment schedule listed below is based on your date of registration and month of travel.
REMAINING PAYMENT SCHEDULE for tours that depart in the month of June:
A “non-refundable” $500 deposit per person is required at the time of registration.
The remaining payment schedule listed below is based on your date of registration and month of travel.
REMAINING PAYMENT SCHEDULE for tours that depart in the month of June:
Next payment of $500 is due 30 days from initial deposit.
Next payment of $500 is due 60 days from initial deposit.
Next payment of $500 is due 90 days from initial deposit.
Next payment of $500 is due 120 days from initial deposit.
Next payment of $500 is due 150 days from initial deposit.
Any payments, donations, or fundraising funds received above and beyond the total cost of the tour after May 20th will be refunded 14 days prior to trip departure.
Payment options
Major Credit Cards – Make a payment
Check, personal or cashier’s payable to:
USA Athletes
Venmo, Cash App & Zelle are available upon request.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be confirmed by e-mail to USAAI at info@usaai.org. USAAI will do their best to eliminate cancellation fees when possible, however, this is dependent upon our suppliers and the timing of your cancellation of the tour.
- Airline cancellation fees are not included with the fees below. Additional cancellation fees may apply if you have canceled your tour after airline tickets have been purchased.
- The initial deposit is non-refundable.
- A cancellation fee equal to 50% of the total trip cost (land and air) will be assessed for cancellations between 130-101 days prior to departure.
- A cancellation fee equal to 75% of the total trip cost (land and air) will be assessed for cancellations between 100 and 61 days prior to departure. (Plus, a $450 roommate private accommodation charge.)
- Cancellations made within 60 days of departure will receive no refund. (Plus, a $450 roommate private accommodation charge.
- No refunds after travel begins, including unused tour portions.
Can family and friends share in the experience?
Friends and family are welcome to participate in this experience. We encourage their involvement, as everyone will receive the same benefits for the same cost, including personal travel gear. All logistical arrangements, such as transportation, meals, and tours, will be managed on your behalf, ensuring a seamless experience. Simply board the bus and enjoy the journey.
We will use 3 & 4 star accommodation. Room costs are calculated per person. A single (private) room is for one individual. A double room accommodates two people, with options for a double bed or two twin beds according to European standards. Travelers may choose to share a room with the athlete they are accompanying or upgrade to private accommodation for an additional fee of $450. For shared accommodations for groups of three or more family members or friends, please email william@usaai.org for pricing.
Additional questions, check out our Travel Guide and FAQ pages or email us at: info@usaai.org. We are also available by phone at 913-401-6052.
