FOR PARENTS

Everything you need to know — before you say yes.

We know this is a big commitment in making a decision. This page answers every question parents ask us.

Fill out the Expression of Interest form and if you qualify to our standards, you will get invited to our trials.

2 Trial Dates
$275

Players trial in their respective sports. This assessment will determine your offer. Not everyone gets in

8 Day Camp
$8795

Our 8 day camp covers all the necessary components to make the trip successful and meet our 9 outcomes.

10 Day Camp
$9895

Same as 8 day camp content. The added two days allows for additional training sessions and a game.

What Families Say

“I’ve visited SPIRE Academy and seen the facilities firsthand — they are truly world-class. The program offers a genuine pathway that combines elite sport with quality education, giving Australian athletes the opportunity to develop in a high-performance environment without compromising their academic future. I have chosen this pathway for my son.”

Steve Mautone

Coach and Parent

“When my son accepted a soccer scholarship in the US a few years ago, Global Athlete Direct wasn’t available. We went through the process with very little guidance and, looking back, we were making decisions without the information we really needed. If Global Athlete Direct had existed, we would have chosen them without hesitation. Everything worked out in the end, but it was more through luck than good planning.”

Robert C

Parent

“Chasing a dream of signing with a European academy isn’t the right pathway for everyone. It’s incredibly competitive, with opportunities available to only a small number of elite players. The US pathway offers Australian athletes a realistic alternative — combining full-time training and competition with a quality education, giving them the chance to pursue their sporting ambitions while building a strong future beyond the game.”

Kevin M

Ex Player and Coach

“Every year, thousands of Australian student-athletes head to the United States to combine elite sport with a university education, making it one of the most established sporting and academic pathways available. That’s why we chose this pathway for our daughter, and the benefits have extended far beyond the field. We’ve seen her grow not only as an athlete, but also in confidence, independence, and as a young adult preparing for her future — and with no HEX fees.”

Angela K

Mum

TRANSPARENCY FIRST

The questions parents always ask.

Is my child safe?

Every athlete travels with dedicated Australian trip coordinators and sport coaches. Staff-to-athlete ratios are documented in our Terms & Conditions. Signed parental consent and medical information is required before any athlete travels. We comply fully with Australian safeguarding standards for junior athletes overseas.

Will my child get a scholarship?

No program can guarantee a scholarship — including ours. What we guarantee is a world-class 10-day experience, honest assessment feedback, and a documented Player Profile Package your child can use in every scholarship application they make from that point forward. The roadmap is theirs to act on.

Can I come?

Yes — one parent per athlete can accompany the tour. Cost depends on tour length: $5,995 AUD for the 8-day tour or $6,795 AUD for the 10-day tour, fully inclusive (return flights, accommodation on twin share, all meals). You’ll have full campus access, observe training sessions and the Showcase Game, and attend a dedicated parent session on how the US college system actually works. See the Cost to Travel section below for full details.

Do they need a visa?

Australian travellers for a trip of this length typically require only a US ESTA (Electronic Travel Authority) — not a full visa. We guide every family through the ESTA process during the application period, well ahead of travel. We cannot provide legal or immigration advice; if your child has a complex travel history, we recommend you consult the US Embassy.

What happens after the trip?

Player Profile Packages are delivered within 4 weeks of return — including physical test results, skill assessment, individual development plan and video footage of sessions and the Showcase Game. We then provide written guidance on next steps specific to your child’s results, sport and academic profile.

What is included in the price?

Everything. Return international flights, 9 nights on campus, all meals, team kit and apparel, all coaching sessions, physical testing, the college education session, academic assessment, the Showcase Game, and the Player Profile Package. The only extras are personal spending money and any optional travel insurance you choose to purchase.

PARENT PACKAGE

Come and see it for yourself.

The whole family is welcome to accompany the tour. You’ll be on campus for the entire 10 days — including Day 8, the Showcase Game, where your child performs in front of US talent scouts.

The Parent College Pathway Session

How the NCAA scholarship system works
Division I, II and III — what each means, who gets what, and what the realistic pathway looks like

What your child needs to do next
A practical, honest conversation about the specific steps for your child’s sport and assessment results

What coaches are looking for
Athletic ability, GPA, SAT/ACT, video, timeline — what matters and in what order

Parent/Family

fully inclusive of

✓ Return international flights
✓ total nights on campus
✓ All meals included
✓ Full campus access
✓ Observe all training sessions
✓ Showcase Game attendance
✓ Parent college pathway session
✓ Siblings welcome

COST TO TRAVEL

✓ Parent 8 day tour – $5995
✓ Parent 10 day tour – $6795
✓ Prices are based on twin share accommodation
✓ Single rooms available – fees apply
✓ Discounts available for multi family bookings.

THE PARENT SESSION

Understand the system your child is applying into.

Parents who accompany the tour attend a dedicated session covering:

→

How the NCAA scholarship system works

Division I, II and III — what each means, who gets what, and what the realistic pathway looks like

→

What coaches are looking for

Athletic ability, GPA, SAT/ACT, video, timeline — what matters and in what order

→

What your child needs to do next

A practical, honest conversation about the specific steps for your child’s sport and assessment results