KENOSHA, Wis. — The Carthage College football team returned from a memorable seven-day international tour of Italy, combining cultural exploration, team bonding and football competition as part of a partnership with Global Sports & Events (GSE).
The trip, which included stops in Milan, Lake Como, Pisa, Florence and Rome, provided Firebird student-athletes with an opportunity to experience some of Italy's most historic landmarks while strengthening connections on and off the field.
"This tour is an incredible opportunity for our program to grow both on and off the field," said head coach Matt Popino. "International experiences will challenge our players in new ways, while also creating lasting memories, strengthening team bonds and tying into their academic work in the college's International Sport Business & Culture course."
The journey began with the team's arrival in Zurich before traveling to Milan. Following a scenic flight over the Alps, the Firebirds toured the city and visited the iconic Duomo di Milano after lunch.
The following day, Carthage traveled to Como and explored the lakeside town before embarking on a boat cruise across Lake Como. The group visited Bellagio, where student-athletes experienced local culture while taking in the picturesque views of one of Italy's most famous destinations.
Football took center stage on day three as the Firebirds participated in a joint practice session with the Parma Panthers of the Italian Football League. Following the practice, the team enjoyed lunch and spent additional time exploring the area.
The cultural experiences continued in Pisa on day four. The team toured the Leaning Tower of Pisa and surrounding historic sites before continuing south.
Day five brought the Firebirds to Florence, where they toured the Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's renowned sculpture "David" and numerous other masterpieces. The team concluded the day by exploring the city's historic streets and landmarks.
Rome served as the final destination of the tour. On day six, the team visited the Roman Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, gaining firsthand insight into the history of ancient Rome.
The tour concluded with a visit to Vatican City on day seven. The Firebirds toured the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before spending their final hours exploring the sights of Rome.
The itinerary, curated through GSE, was designed to blend athletic competition with cultural immersion. Highlights included a private cruise on Lake Como, exclusive access to Florence's Accademia Gallery, a climb up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, guided exploration of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and a private tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
GSE specializes in creating international experiences that combine high-level athletic competition with educational and cultural opportunities.
"This partnership with Carthage is about more than travel and competition. It's about creating an experience that challenges and connects a team in ways that only international sport can," said Sara Mosiman, partner at GSE. "These are the moments that stay with student-athletes long after the trip ends."
The trip provided Carthage student-athletes with the opportunity to experience international culture firsthand while representing the college abroad and building relationships that will carry into the upcoming season.
