Experience UDA’s Women’s Academies This Thanksgiving
A two-campus immersion tour for ID-approved 2027 female student-athletes at the University of Chester and University of Gloucestershire.
November 22–27, 2026 | Chester + Cheltenham, England
Train, compete, meet coaches and current players, attend academic meetings, and experience what it could be like to study and play soccer in England with UDA.
A Focused UDA Campus + Academy Experience
This Thanksgiving, UDA is offering a focused women’s immersion experience for ID-approved 2027 female student-athletes and their families.
This is not a general travel tour or open soccer vacation. It is a structured campus and academy visit designed for players who are seriously exploring the opportunity to study, train, and play in England through UDA.
Players and families will visit both the University of Chester and the University of Gloucestershire, train with UDA staff, compete in two 11v11 games, meet current players and coaches, attend academic meetings, and experience the student-athlete pathway firsthand.
Families are also encouraged to build additional travel around the official tour dates and enjoy more of England before or after the UDA experience.
This is not a general travel tour or open soccer vacation. It is a structured campus and academy visit designed for players who are seriously exploring the opportunity to study, train, and play in England through UDA.
Players and families will visit both the University of Chester and the University of Gloucestershire, train with UDA staff, compete in two 11v11 games, meet current players and coaches, attend academic meetings, and experience the student-athlete pathway firsthand.
Families are also encouraged to build additional travel around the official tour dates and enjoy more of England before or after the UDA experience.
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See the UDA Experience
Before you visit in person, get a feel for both academy environments.
Watch the Chester and Gloucestershire videos below to see the campuses, players, training environment, and UDA experience that this Thanksgiving tour is built around.
Watch the Chester and Gloucestershire videos below to see the campuses, players, training environment, and UDA experience that this Thanksgiving tour is built around.
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Why This Visit?
This is more than a campus visit.
The UDA Women’s Thanksgiving Immersion Tour is designed to help players and families get a real feel for the pathway through training, academics, team culture, campus life, and conversations with the people who know the program best.
During the tour, players will have the opportunity to:
For parents, this is also an opportunity to attend presentations, ask questions, meet program leadership, and gain a better understanding of the academic, athletic, and personal support available through UDA.
The UDA Women’s Thanksgiving Immersion Tour is designed to help players and families get a real feel for the pathway through training, academics, team culture, campus life, and conversations with the people who know the program best.
During the tour, players will have the opportunity to:
- Train in a UDA academy environment
- Play in two 11v11 games
- Visit both UDA women’s academy locations
- Meet UDA coaches, program staff, team captains, and current players
- Attend academic and international office meetings
- Better understand the study abroad and soccer pathway
- Experience life in Chester and Cheltenham
- Travel through historic Stratford-upon-Avon
- Ask meaningful questions before making future university decisions
- Celebrate Thanksgiving with the UDA community in England
For parents, this is also an opportunity to attend presentations, ask questions, meet program leadership, and gain a better understanding of the academic, athletic, and personal support available through UDA.
Who Can Attend?
This experience is open to:
One parent or guardian must attend with each student-athlete.
Participation is by approval only so UDA can ensure the tour is a strong fit for the player, the family, the academic pathway, and the soccer program.
- Female student-athletes graduating in 2027
- Players who have been ID-approved by UDA
- Families seriously exploring the UDA university soccer pathway
- Players interested in studying and playing soccer in England
One parent or guardian must attend with each student-athlete.
Participation is by approval only so UDA can ensure the tour is a strong fit for the player, the family, the academic pathway, and the soccer program.
Why Is This Tour So Affordable?
The Women’s Thanksgiving Immersion Tour is intentionally designed as a focused UDA academy visit, not a large commercial travel package.
UDA keeps the cost accessible by focusing the tour on what matters most for prospective student-athletes and their families: training, games, campus visits, academic meetings, program presentations, and meaningful time with UDA staff and current players.
Families are responsible for flights and hotel reservations, which gives them more flexibility and control over their overall travel budget. UDA provides the structured academy experience, chaperone support, select meals, transfer transport between Chester and Gloucestershire, training kit, games, and programming during the official tour.
This approach allows families to experience the UDA pathway in person while still having the freedom to extend their trip, choose travel options that work for them, and explore more of England before or after the tour.
UDA keeps the cost accessible by focusing the tour on what matters most for prospective student-athletes and their families: training, games, campus visits, academic meetings, program presentations, and meaningful time with UDA staff and current players.
Families are responsible for flights and hotel reservations, which gives them more flexibility and control over their overall travel budget. UDA provides the structured academy experience, chaperone support, select meals, transfer transport between Chester and Gloucestershire, training kit, games, and programming during the official tour.
This approach allows families to experience the UDA pathway in person while still having the freedom to extend their trip, choose travel options that work for them, and explore more of England before or after the tour.
Build Your UK Experience Around the Tour
The official UDA tour runs from Sunday, November 22 to Friday, November 27, but families are encouraged to make the most of the trip.
Many families may choose to arrive early, spend time in London, explore historic Chester, enjoy Cheltenham and the Cotswolds, or extend their stay after the tour to see more of England.
The suggested travel plan includes:
Along the way, families will experience two very different university communities, travel through Stratford-upon-Avon, and enjoy a Thanksgiving experience with the UDA community in England.
Come for the training and campus experience — but leave time to enjoy the country, the culture, and the possibility of what this next chapter could look like.
Many families may choose to arrive early, spend time in London, explore historic Chester, enjoy Cheltenham and the Cotswolds, or extend their stay after the tour to see more of England.
The suggested travel plan includes:
- Overnight flight to London on Friday, November 20
- Optional free day in London on Saturday, November 21
- Morning train to Chester on Sunday, November 22
- Official UDA tour from Sunday, November 22 to Friday, November 27
Along the way, families will experience two very different university communities, travel through Stratford-upon-Avon, and enjoy a Thanksgiving experience with the UDA community in England.
Come for the training and campus experience — but leave time to enjoy the country, the culture, and the possibility of what this next chapter could look like.
Structured Support, With Travel Flexibility
While students are with UDA, they will be supported through a structured and organized tour experience.
Families can expect:
At the same time, families have flexibility to arrange flights, hotels, and additional sightseeing around the official tour schedule.
Hotel details will be sent after registration so families can reserve rooms at the designated hotel.
Families can expect:
- A clear daily schedule
- UDA staff meet and greet in Chester
- Chaperone support from arrival in Chester through departure in Cheltenham
- Organized training, games, meetings, and presentations
- Transfer transport between Chester and Gloucestershire
- Support from UDA staff throughout the official tour
At the same time, families have flexibility to arrange flights, hotels, and additional sightseeing around the official tour schedule.
Hotel details will be sent after registration so families can reserve rooms at the designated hotel.
Tour Details
Dates: Sunday, November 22 – Friday, November 27, 2026
Recommended Travel: Overnight flight to London on Friday, November 20
Optional London Day: Saturday, November 21
Tour Start: Chester, England
Tour Finish: Cheltenham / University of Gloucestershire
Open To: 25 female student-athletes graduating in 2027
Parent Requirement: One parent or guardian must accompany each student-athlete
Approval: Participation is by UDA approval only
Recommended Travel: Overnight flight to London on Friday, November 20
Optional London Day: Saturday, November 21
Tour Start: Chester, England
Tour Finish: Cheltenham / University of Gloucestershire
Open To: 25 female student-athletes graduating in 2027
Parent Requirement: One parent or guardian must accompany each student-athlete
Approval: Participation is by UDA approval only
What’s Included
The UDA Women’s Thanksgiving Immersion Tour includes:
Please note: Hotel booking details will be sent to students and families so reservations can be made at the designated tour hotel.
- Thanksgiving dinner at University of Gloucestershire
- Lunches at University of Chester and University of Gloucestershire
- One evening meal at University of Chester
- Transfer transport between Chester and Gloucestershire
- Capelli training kit, game shirt, and bag
- Three training sessions
- Two 11v11 games
- Strength and conditioning / recovery session
- Academic meetings
- University international office presentations
- UDA soccer academy presentations
- Meetings with current players, team captains, coaches, and program staff
- Chaperone service from arrival in Chester through departure in Cheltenham
Please note: Hotel booking details will be sent to students and families so reservations can be made at the designated tour hotel.
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The amazing connections I made within a short week with my new teammates are unimaginable. The coaching staff and other members of the UDA team are incredibly helpful and passionate about making this experience as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Truly nothing compares to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!” Sydney Henderson Current UDA Student-Athlete |
Chaperone Support
UDA will provide full chaperone support beginning upon arrival in Chester and continuing through departure on Friday in Cheltenham.
This helps create a structured, safe, and organized experience for student-athletes while also allowing families to participate in the tour with confidence.
This helps create a structured, safe, and organized experience for student-athletes while also allowing families to participate in the tour with confidence.
Cost
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Student-Athlete: $1,050
Parent/Guardian: $450 One parent or guardian must attend with each student-athlete. The tour cost includes UDA programming, select meals, training sessions, games, transfer transport between Chester and Gloucestershire, chaperone support, and player kit. Flights and hotel are not included, giving families flexibility to choose travel plans that work best for them and to extend their trip before or after the official UDA experience. |
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How to Reserve Your Place
Step 1: Complete the Interest / Pre-Approval Form
Students must first complete the interest form so UDA can confirm they meet the tour requirements for:
- Graduation year
- Soccer fit
- Academic interest
- Program fit
- Availability for the Thanksgiving tour
Step 2: Registration
Once approved, families will receive the registration link and next steps.
Please note:
Please note:
- Spaces are limited to 25 players
- One parent or guardian must attend
- Your place is not secured until registration and payment are received
- Hotel information will be provided after registration
Sample Immersion Tour Itinerary*
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Friday, November 20, 2026
Recommended Travel Day Overnight flight to London. Families may choose to arrive early and spend time exploring London before the official tour begins. Saturday, November 21, 2026 Optional London Day Free day to explore London. Families are responsible for their own arrangements on this day. Sunday, November 22, 2026 Arrival in Chester + First Training Session Morning train to Chester 3:00 pm: Check into the hotel in Chester 3:30 pm: UDA staff meet and greet at the hotel 4:00 pm: Walk to campus through Chester 4:30–6:00 pm: Training session 7:00 pm: Free evening to explore Chester Monday, November 23, 2026 Training, UDA Presentation + Academic Meetings 9:30–11:30 am: Training session 12:00 noon: Lunch 1:00–2:30 pm: UDA soccer presentation 2:45–4:30 pm: Academic meetings 5:00 pm: Meet team captains and current players 6:00 pm: Evening free Tuesday, November 24, 2026 University Presentation + First Game 9:30–11:30 am: Training session 12:00 noon: Lunch 1:00–2:00 pm: University International Office presentation 2:15–3:00 pm: Student Q&A with the Head Coach 2:15–3:00 pm: Parent Q&A with the Program Director 4:00 pm: 11v11 game 6:00 pm: UDA meal |
Wednesday, November 25, 2026
Transfer to Cheltenham via Stratford-upon-Avon 8:00 am: Transfer by bus to Cheltenham via Stratford-upon-Avon 4:00 pm: Arrival in Cheltenham 5:00–6:30 pm: UDA presentation and meet the Head of UDA Football and Head Women’s Coach Thursday, November 26, 2026 Gloucestershire Training, Academic Meetings + Thanksgiving Dinner 9:30–11:30 am: Training session at Oxstalls Campus Transportation provided by UDA minibus 1:00–2:00 pm: Academic meetings 3:30–5:00 pm: 11v11 game 7:00 pm: Thanksgiving dinner at Viney Friday, November 27, 2026 Recovery, International Office Presentation + Final Meetings 10:00–11:15 am: Recovery / strength and conditioning session 12:00 noon: Lunch 1:00–2:00 pm: University of Gloucestershire International Office presentation 2:00–2:30 pm: Meet the UOG Head Women’s Coach 3:00 pm: Meet the team captain and current players 3:00 pm: Q&A with the Program Director and UOG International Office *Itinerary is subject to change based on training, match, university, and travel schedules.
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Who This Tour Is For
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This tour is designed for serious female soccer players graduating in 2027 who are interested in studying and playing soccer in the UK through UDA.
It is especially valuable for players and families who want to:
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More Than a Campus Visit
A traditional campus visit can show you buildings, classrooms, and facilities.
This tour goes further.
Students will train, compete, meet current players, connect with coaches, attend academic meetings, hear directly from university international offices, and experience the rhythm of life as a UDA student-athlete.
For families, it is a chance to see the support system, ask meaningful questions, and better understand what makes the UDA pathway different.
This tour goes further.
Students will train, compete, meet current players, connect with coaches, attend academic meetings, hear directly from university international offices, and experience the rhythm of life as a UDA student-athlete.
For families, it is a chance to see the support system, ask meaningful questions, and better understand what makes the UDA pathway different.
Ready to Experience UDA in England?
Train with us. Meet the people. Visit both academy locations. Explore whether this pathway is the right fit for your future.
This Thanksgiving tour is open to a limited group of ID-approved 2027 female student-athletes.
This Thanksgiving tour is open to a limited group of ID-approved 2027 female student-athletes.
Want more information?
Spaces are limited to 25 female student-athletes graduating in 2027.
Complete the interest / pre-approval form to receive more information, ask questions, and stay updated on registration details for the UDA Women’s Thanksgiving Immersion Tour.
Complete the interest / pre-approval form to receive more information, ask questions, and stay updated on registration details for the UDA Women’s Thanksgiving Immersion Tour.
For questions about the tour, please contact:
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Director of Talent Identification – Bath & Tours
ABBEY GOLDEN CONTACT
BIO
Abbey is a former NCAA Division I student-athlete with extensive collegiate coaching experience, having served as both an assistant and head coach. She holds a USSF B License and is a five-time Head Coach of the Year recipient, bringing over 15 years of experience across collegiate and elite club environments. Abbey joins UDA with a proven track record in identifying and recruiting high-level talent and will play a key role in guiding prospective student-athletes through the recruitment process, with a primary focus on supporting women’s pathway opportunities within UDA academy programs. |