DME Goes Global Again: Next Stop, the South of France
August 25, 2026
Five international trips. Five incredible soccer cultures. One mission: expand the game — and the world — for DME athletes.
DME Academy is going international once again.
After unforgettable experiences in Barcelona, Spain; Rome, Italy; Northern Ireland; and Buenos Aires, Argentina, DME is preparing for its fifth international soccer journey — and this one is headed to the South of France for the Les Bleus Youth Cup in June 2027.
It’s the next chapter in something that has become an important part of the DME experience: giving young athletes the opportunity to see how the game is played, lived and loved around the world.
“International travel has completely changed the perspective of our athletes and families. You go over there thinking it’s about soccer, but you come home realizing it was about so much more. Our players see another culture, compete against players who grew up in a completely different soccer environment, travel with their teammates and create memories they’ll have for the rest of their lives. France will be our fifth international trip, and I think it has the potential to be our best one yet.” — Jared Antista, DME Academy Sarasota
From DME to the South of France
The Les Bleus Youth Cup will bring DME athletes and families to Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, combining high-level international competition with an immersive experience in one of the world’s great soccer countries.
Players are expected to compete against French and European opposition, with the event currently featuring clubs including Olympique de Marseille, OGC Nice and FC Martigues, with additional clubs to be announced. Teams are guaranteed at least three matches, with the opportunity to advance through the tournament and ultimately compete for a championship.
And soccer is only part of the experience.
The trip is designed around exploring the culture and history of southern France, including Marseille’s famous Old Port, the Calanques, Provence and a visit to the legendary Stade Vélodrome. Families can also extend their experience with an optional Paris portion featuring the Eiffel Tower, Seine River and a tour of Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes.
Compete. Explore. Grow.
DME’s international trips have never been designed as soccer vacations.
They’re designed to challenge players.
Playing internationally exposes athletes to different styles, different tactics, different levels of physicality and entirely different soccer cultures. Players learn to travel together, adapt together, compete under pressure and represent something bigger than themselves.
They also get to find out how they measure up.
That’s something DME Director of Soccer John “JT” Taylor knows very well after being part of previous international experiences — although there is still one item missing from his international résumé: lifting the trophy.
“Every international trip we’ve taken has challenged our players and our coaches in a different way. You can’t replicate the experience of stepping onto a field in another country and competing against teams that see and play the game differently. We’ve been close before. We’ve played in finals before. Apparently Jared is going to keep reminding me that I haven’t actually won one overseas yet (although I do have an NAL National Championship) — so hopefully France is finally the one where we bring the trophy home.” — John “JT” Taylor, DME Director of Soccer
No pressure, JT.
More Than a Tournament
Barcelona. Rome. Northern Ireland. Buenos Aires.
Now France.
Each destination adds another chapter to the DME story and another experience our athletes can carry with them long after their youth soccer careers are finished.
For some players, France could be their first trip outside the United States. For others, it will be another opportunity to test themselves internationally. For every player, the goal is the same: come home with a bigger understanding of the game, a bigger view of the world and an even bigger belief in what’s possible.
The Les Bleus Youth Cup is open to competitive boys and girls across multiple age groups, and the experience is being built for players ready to challenge themselves against international opposition.
This is what Ignite the Dream is supposed to mean.
Not just talking about bigger opportunities.
Creating them.
France 2027. Are You Coming?
DME families can begin securing their places for the Les Bleus Youth Cup now. The current early-bird land package is estimated at $2,150 per person, with a $150 athlete deposit to reserve a place. The optional two-night Paris Experience is an additional $600 per person, while international airfare is separate.
The competition will be serious.
The experience will be unforgettable.
And if everything goes according to plan, JT might finally come home from Europe with some hardware.
Next stop: France. 🇫🇷
Ignite the Dream. In France.