HOLLAND -- As a prelude to their upcoming seasons, the HopeCollege soccer teams will soon be heading to Europe for training, competition and service in England and Scotland.

The men's team will be taking its third European trip (July 31-August 13) while the women's team will be making its first (July 29-August 8).  The teams begin on-campus practice for their 2005 campaigns on August 22nd with season openers the first weekend in September.

Under NCAA rules, college athletic teams are allowed to make international trips every four years.  Earlier this summer the men's basketball team traveled to Mexico.  Members of the previous year's team are eligible to participate.

Each team is scheduled to play five "friendly" games.  The teams will come together August 3 for a community service project at St. Margaret's Hopsice, a care facility of the terminally ill and frail elderly in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland.  Administered by the Sisters of Charity, the hopsice was founded in 1879.

There will be opportunities for both teams to attend professional soccer games and observe practices.  There will be plenty of sightseeing for the players, coaches and family members accompanying the teams.

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