On Tuesday, August 6, the New York University women's soccer team will depart for a 10-day trip to the United Kingdom as the second NYU varsity squad to participate in the TeamNYUGlobal initiative.
 
The women's soccer team returned to the Washington Square campus on Monday, July 29, to begin its English literature education sessions and English culture immersion in preparation for its trip. After eight days of instruction and on-field training, the team will depart on Tuesday, August 6, with stops in England, Wales and Scotland.
 
The program will include visits to Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Shakespeare's birthplace, Hadrian's Wall, and Edinburgh Castle, as well as competition against three UK club teams.
 
The Education, Service and Sport initiative will also emphasize volunteer work, as the Violets will conduct a youth soccer clinic in London and visit with children at Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow. The visit to Yorkhill will include inspirational video activities throughout the wards, demonstrations and gifts for the children. When the team returns to New York, it will spearhead fundraising efforts for the Yorkhill Children's Foundation.
 
Fans can follow the Violets' journey via the TeamNYUGlobal Tumblr page. Updates will also be posted on the NYU Athletics Twitter, Facebook and YouTube accounts.
 
“We are delighted with the development of the TeamNYUGlobal initiative so far,” said Senior Associate Director of Athletics Janice Quinn. “This academic year will see more than 100 varsity athletes travel across the world through NYU campuses to compete and volunteer. This unique educational opportunity is only possible because of NYU's extensive academic presence across the world.”
 
TeamNYUGlobal launched in August 2012 when the men's basketball squad traveled to Italy. Through the initiative, and NYU's unique position with its global network of academic centers around the world, varsity athletes visit the university's global sites as ambassadors, students and competitors.
 
The student-athletes create partnerships with schools and municipalities across the world as they provide local youth with instructional sport clinics and volunteer at organizations whose missions are to provide services to children in need.
 
Men's and women's golf and men's volleyball will also participate during the 2013-14 school year. In January, they will travel through Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla. In August, the men's and women's swimming & diving programs will travel through France and Germany.