The Ultimate Experience
The Basketball
Imagine this: the chance to represent the USA on the global stage at the United World Games – a monumental honor, the ultimate aspiration for any dedicated player! Picture yourself stepping onto European courts as a USA Gold Student Athlete, not just playing basketball, but experiencing the world firsthand. This isn't just a tournament; it's a thrilling opportunity to test your mettle against international competition alongside over 10,000 passionate athletes. Under the guidance of seasoned coaches, you'll unlock new levels of skill and strategic brilliance. Beyond the game, you'll forge lifelong friendships with players from every corner of the globe, creating memories that will last a lifetime. This is your chance to see the world, elevate your game, and become part of something truly extraordinary
Where We Play:
The United World Games(UWG) is a prestigious international multi-sport event that brings together 10,000 young athletes from over 40 nations (Think Olympic Games). City/State in Europe You will be competing against talent and promoting peace & competition through basketball/sports.
Education & Culture:
The United World Games are also a great way to learn about different cultures and make new friends. You will have the chance to meet athletes from all over the world, and you will be able to share your love of basketball and your country.
Enjoy the sights, culture enrichment and food of Europe.
I am confident that this experience will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you. You will learn a lot about yourself, about basketball, and about the world!
Ambassador:
YOU will be representing the best of the best from America. As you can imagine, it will be an incredible experience to travel to Europe and compete against the best athletes from around the world. It would be a extraordinary opportunity to learn and grow as a student-athlete, and to make memories that will last a lifetime.
It's a huge honor to be chosen to represent the USA in such a prestigious competition. Submit your application today!
United World Games(Tab/Link) The Olympic Style Event:
MORE THAN A TOURNAMENT: Experience The United World Games
The tour is highlighted by competing in The United World Games. The Games are counted among Europe’s finest and most popular youth sports events, attracting thousands of young people from all across the globe year after year.
The UWG are an annual major event under the patronage of the UNESCO, which has been growing and developing ever since its inaugural edition in the year of 2005. Over the years however, the United World Games have transcended the event and turned into a global movement and community on top of it. UWG is emblematic for the many positive values and dimensions attached to sport: respect, fairplay, responsibility, cooperation, teamwork, exchange and friendship, exercise and health.
ONE WORLD – A THOUSAND FRIENDS
The heart of the UWG are international friendship and cultural exchange through sports. Each and every one of our participants – be it former or future, be it as a player, a coach, a volunteer or a referee – is part of the UWG family.
The unique atmosphere of the UWG creates unforgettable moments for our participants, while at the same time the Games provide a platform to meet and get to know people from different parts of the world, making new friends and building contacts and networks for exchange. The enjoyment of sport and the open-minded encounter of cultures are the core of the Games.
Besides the tournaments an extensive side program provides fun and entertainment for all participants. The combination of great state-of-the-art venues such as Klagenfurt’s EURO 2008 Stadium (as so called “Players Town” the center of the Games), the gorgeous location in the midst of Carinthia’s stunningly beautiful lakeland scenery and the international character of the major event adds up to a unique flair and offers our participants the perfect mix of sports, exchange, adventure and vacation.
If chosen by the USA Gold Student Athlete Selection Committee, the athlete will go on a unique journey that will experience the culture and basketball of Europe.
2024 Games Countdown
2026 TOUR
JUNE 20-29 VENICE/ROME
Itinerary Sample
Day 1 : Depart from North America
Day 2 : Arrive in Italy - Welcome Meeting and Practice
Day 3 : Tour of Venice and Practice
Day 4 : Exhibition Game!
Day 5 : Start of World Games
Day 6 : World Games Medal Games
Day 7 : Travel to Rome
Day 8 : The Colosseum, Ancient Ruins, and More!
Day 9 : Depart for North America
ABOUT US
Our foundation is built on the extensive experience of our coaches, who have played and coached in over seven European countries. Alongside them, our dedicated staff brings decades of combined expertise in group travel and tourism, ensuring that every experience is seamless and enriching. We are committed to providing exceptional service and unforgettable journeys for all participants
TOM SCHUBERTH
Tom began his coaching career at North Alabama in 1982. With career stops at North Alabama, Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis, Southeast Missouri State, UAB, Central Florida, Texas-Pan Am, Paris JC, Jacksonville State and most recently Southern Miss, Tom was part of the winning handshake over 300 times. His teams won fifteen D-1 league championships and made eleven NCAA appearances, including a Sweet Sixteen in 1995, and coached in 4 NIT tournaments. He spent five years at Memphis during the mid-1990s, where he made his mark as one of the top recruiters in the nation. In 2007, he was the NCAA Independent Division Coach of the Year. He has worked with the Harlem Globetrotters for over 10 years.
As a player he was a three-time letter winner at Mississippi State, named to the SEC All-Academic Team and was an honorable mention Academic All-American. In 1979, he was third in the SEC in assists (107) and first in charges taken. He spent his freshman year at UNLV and was part of the school’s 1977 Final Four team.
Tom has coached in Europe and traveled extensively throughout Europe. He uccessfully outran the bulls in Pamplona and his favorite city is Venice.
BERNARD SMITH
As a player, Bernard was the Houston Chronicle Player of the Year in 1997 which is awarded to top player in the Greater Houston Area. He played in the Texas High School All Star Basketball Game and was touted as the best guard in the state of Texas. He had similar success at the Nike All American Camp where he was selected to the All Star game and considered one of the top 5 guards. He was a McDonald's All-American Nominee and a Top 50 National Recruit which gained interest from every major program. He signed with The University of Texas –and eventually transferred and graduated from The University of Houston playing under Clyde Drexler.
As a coach, he has worked with over 50 collegiate athletes and 20 professional athletes. Bernard played professionally in China and has traveled and coached in Europe. He enjoyed Italy and Rome was by far his favorite city- mainly for the food.
REX CAMPBELL
a former standout at Old Bridge High School, made history as the first boys player to score 1,000 points, leading the Knights to their inaugural conference final-four appearance. His impressive high school career garnered attention from Division I and II programs, paving the way for his collegiate journey at East Stroudsburg University, where he played on two championship teams, including a remarkable 30-2 squad that advanced to the NCAA DII Sweet Sixteen. He concluded his college career at Ramapo College, securing another championship and competing in the NCAA tournament. After a professional stint in Spain, Sultan shifted his focus to training and coaching, bringing three years of experience from Old Bridge Hoops Academy. Now, through Leave No Doubt Training, he is committed to developing the next generation of, helping them reach their full potential both on and off the court.
GREG BLOTH
With over 10 years of coaching experience as the boys varsity head coach at Hoboken High School from 2011 to 2014. Following that, Greg spent five years as a JV and assistant varsity coach at Ridgefield Memorial High School. In the 2019-2020 season, I joined the Paramus boys program as an assistant varsity coach. Since the inception of the Mustangz program in 2016, Greg has coached all age groups and experience training both boys and girls at the high school and middle school levels.
THE SELECTION COMMITTEE
The selection committee is made up of dedicated coaches, educators, enthusiast, and scouts. They conduct a thorough evaluation of each athlete to assess their suitability and alignment with the USA Gold Standards. This collaborative approach ensures that every candidate is given careful consideration fostering a strong and supportive environment for all participants.
CHRIS NIELSEN
Chris was a multi-sport athlete growing up and played varsity high school basketball for two years. All of his children played competitive sports. They competed at a high level and Chris has seen the positive affects of international basketball through his professional basketball relationships.
He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a B.S. in Mathematical Sciences and M.S. in Algorithms, Combinatorics, and Optimization. He believes the benefit of playing basketball in Europe along with the cultural experience will strengthen each athlete along their journey in life.
BRET WHITTAKER
Bret is a basketball and sports superfan- he is more than just an enthusiast...he lives for sports. He has been involved with basketball for 30+ years. Bret played in high school and on his college club team. For his day job, Bret is a private investor and entrepreneur. He and his family are members of First Methodist Church.
Bret and Chris undersand the need to expand the athletes overall life and game experiences and together they founded USA Gold Student Athlete.
TESTIMONIALS
What Makes Us Unique
Selective Process
Handpicked Adventures
Experienced Coaching
