You Are Eligible!
SPORTS
& LEADERSHIP FRANCE SUMMIT
SUMMER 2025
Invitation-Only
Student Athlete Trip
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the top academic and athletic achievers in the nation. Limited spots available—apply now to secure your place!
A Select Few Represent Their State
You are one of the select few that are eligible for this invite-only opportunity.
With selective participation, only a handful of student-athletes from each state are invited, ensuring a tailored experience for the most talented and dedicated individuals.
Represent your state as one of its top academic and athletic performers, joining a distinguished group of future leaders recognized on a national stage.
Represent your state as one of its top academic and athletic performers, joining a distinguished group of future leaders recognized on a national stage.
What's Included In The Trip
Why the National Sports & Leadership Summit?
This is more than an event—it’s your athlete’s gateway to exclusive opportunities, academic growth, and athletic excellence.Here's a glimpse of what you can expect on the trip:
Empower Your Future With Unique Experiences
Elite Thought Leader Access
Participants will engage with renowned professors, sports executives, & leadership experts who specialize in sports medicine, sports business, & administration.
What To Expect
Campus Visits + College Admission Seminars
Explore the campuses of prestigious French universities—Sorbonne University, École Polytechnique, and the University of Lyon—each offering a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural heritage. During guided tours, participants will gain firsthand insights into campus life, world-class student resources, and diverse academic opportunities.
As part of these visits, participants will engage in exclusive college admissions seminars led by university experts. These sessions are designed to provide actionable strategies for excelling in the European and global application processes. Topics include crafting compelling personal statements, navigating scholarships and financial aid, and standing out in a highly competitive admissions pool.
Career Preparation Workshops
Prepare for life beyond the game with dynamic workshops focused on career development and personal branding. Led by industry experts in sports business, medicine, and leadership, these sessions offer hands-on learning opportunities to develop skills that will set you apart.
From building a professional resume and crafting your personal brand to mastering sports analytics and understanding the business side of athletics, you’ll gain practical tools that are invaluable in any career path.
Cultural Exploration
mmerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of France, a country renowned for its contributions to art, leadership, and global influence. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, each offering a profound connection to France’s legacy of resilience and innovation.
Beyond the monuments, participants will dive into unique cultural experiences that showcase the essence of French life. From interactive tours of historic neighborhoods like Montmartre and the Latin Quarter to enriching activities such as live performances at the Opéra Garnier or exclusive culinary workshops, every moment is designed to inspire creativity and foster a global perspective.
These experiences provide not only a deeper appreciation of France’s culture but also lessons in leadership and adaptability that resonate far beyond the trip.
Leadership in Sports Seminars
Gain invaluable insights into the principles of leadership both on and off the field through expert-led seminars tailored to high-achieving student-athletes. These sessions bring together top industry professionals, seasoned coaches, and thought leaders to explore the intersection of sports, society, and leadership.
Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, participants will learn how to develop critical skills such as decision-making, effective communication, and team-building. Topics include overcoming challenges in competitive environments, inspiring others to achieve their best, and using sports as a platform for social impact.
Associated Universities & Sports Organizations
What’s in Store for You
The following is a sample itinerary. Each day is designed to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of leaders.
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
Morning:
- Arrival in Paris and check-in at a premium hotel in central Paris.
Afternoon:
- Welcome Reception: Meet and greet with facilitators, coaches, and fellow participants.
Evening:
- Keynote Session: “Excellence and Leadership in Global Sports” delivered by a French professional athlete, sports leader, or thought leader.
Day 2: Academic Immersion & University Tours
Morning:
- Guided Tour of the Sorbonne University: Explore the academic legacy of one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
Afternoon:
- Admissions Workshop: Insights into the European higher education system, scholarships, and application strategies led by Sorbonne admissions experts.
Evening:
- Dinner at a Parisian bistro near Notre-Dame Cathedral, offering a cultural and culinary immersion.
Day 3: Academic Exploration – École Polytechnique
Morning:
- Travel to Palaiseau for a guided tour of École Polytechnique: Known for its excellence in science, technology, and sports engineering.
Afternoon:
- Interactive Seminar: “The Intersection of Sports Science and Academic Innovation” with École Polytechnique faculty.
Evening:
- Return to Paris for a group dinner along the Seine River.
Day 4: Professional Development & Industry Insights
Morning:
- Sports Business Panel: French sports executives discuss careers in global sports marketing, event management, and operations.
Afternoon:
- Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Stade de France: Gain exclusive access to locker rooms, media zones, and operational areas of France’s national stadium.
Evening:
- Group activity: Attend a Ligue 1 football match (e.g., Paris Saint-Germain) with VIP seating and guided insights into team operations.
Day 5: Cultural Immersion
Morning:
- Visit iconic Paris landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Champs-Élysées.
- Guided historical discussion: “Leadership Lessons from French History and Culture.”
Afternoon:
- Free time for participants to explore Paris with peers or visit additional cultural sites.
Evening:
- Group dinner in Montmartre, followed by an evening stroll near Sacré-Cœur.
Day 6: Leadership in Sports & Society
Morning:
- Interactive Leadership Workshop: Held at INSEP (National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance), focusing on teamwork, decision-making, and resilience.
Afternoon:
- Exclusive Seminar: “Mental Resilience for Academic and Athletic Excellence” led by INSEP experts, emphasizing strategies for thriving under pressure.
Evening:
- Dinner with facilitators and a guided reflection session on leadership and personal growth.
Day 7: University of Lyon & Sports Science
Morning:
- Travel to Lyon for a guided tour of the University of Lyon, renowned for its focus on sports science and leadership.
Afternoon:
- Seminar on “Advancing Performance Through Technology and Analytics” delivered by Lyon faculty and sports innovators.
Evening:
- Group dinner in Lyon’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 8: Career Preparation Workshops
Morning:
- Career Workshop: “Beyond Sports: Building a Future of Excellence” covering resume-building, interview skills, and leveraging athletic achievements for college and career success.
Afternoon:
- Hands-On Activity: Create a professional portfolio showcasing achievements, leadership experiences, and sports milestones.
Evening:
- Attend a live professional rugby match in Lyon with guided insights into sports operations.
Day 9: Capstone Projects & Certification Ceremony
Morning:
- Capstone Presentations: Teams present their solutions to real-world leadership and sports challenges.
Afternoon:
- Certification Ceremony: Receive the official Leadership in Sport & Society certificate, commemorating participation and accomplishments.
Evening:
- Farewell Gala Dinner: Hosted at a prestigious Parisian venue, celebrating participant achievements.
Day 10: Reflection & Departure
Morning:
- Group breakfast and final reflections: Share highlights and lessons learned from the trip.
Afternoon:
- Departure for home with new insights, memories, and leadership skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
All lodging is included for registered participants! We take care of any and all lodging accommodations while you’re on the trip, so that you don’t have to worry about a thing.
While student-athletes are fully supervised and are allowed to travel alone, parents are welcome (and encouraged) to participate. Parents (adult supervisors) will have the option to enroll with their student athlete after the student athlete’s registration.
We’ll be sure to send you information and pricing, accommodations, planning, etc. for parents will be the same as student athletes. *Please note- Non-Adult Supervisors (Under the age of 18) are not allowed as a registered participant of the trip in any fashion. This includes siblings and friends. Each athlete is allowed 2 adult supervisor to attend the trip.
Yes! Student Athletes are welcome to travel to the SAS Washington D.C. Educational Trip without an accompanying family member.
You must bring an updated valid PhotoID (Drivers License/State ID). This is essential to making sure that you have a great trip and no hiccups.
- 3 Nights Accommodation
- Breakfast Each Day and Lunch/Dinner
- Ground Transportation
- Campus Tours
- Extensive Sightseeing
- Fully Trained Liaison Officer
- Tourist Taxes
- Airfare (we will contact you after registration with your flight options)
- Some lunches/dinners will be a time for student athletes/parents to explore the city and try local cuisine.
- Spending money for local attractions, museums, food, or items you would like to purchase.
- Travel insurance (Third-Party Options are available)
The bookings SAS makes for flights, accommodations, match tickets, academy trainings, live games, and more are nonrefundable to SAS, so because of this, we cannot offer cancellation insurance, but rather a cancellation timeline.
If you have to cancel or plans change for any reason, please keep in mind the timeline below.
– 50% refundable if canceled 12 weeks prior to departure
– 25% refundable if canceled 8 weeks prior to departure
– Non-refundable for cancellations made inside of 2 months prior to departure
Please make any notice of cancellation via email to [email protected]
If this is something you are interested in pursuing, there are a couple of companies that come recommended from our travel partners. The 3rd party providers below offer packages that specifically cover playing sports overseas and/or trip protection.
Please note, these groups are not affiliated with SAS, and we are not incentivized in any way for referrals. This is purely an effort to make options available to you.
1. Seven Corners: Visit their website at https://www.sevencorners.com/ to explore their various plans and coverage options.
2. Square Mouth: Visit their website at https://www.squaremouth.com/ to compare policies and identify the one that best suits your needs.
