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Historic La Liga team Real Betis, commonly known as Betis, was on a recent postseason tour in the U.S. and around the globe as part of an aggressive growth strategy to expand into foreign markets to gain a larger fan base. The tours focus was to give current fans the opportunity to see them play locally, but also to test their futbol prowess against international clubs from around the world.
It was upon learning that the team would be stopping off as part of their travels in the nation’s capital to take on Wayne Rooney and D.C. United for an exhibition match that Toni Ortega, the International Business Manager for Real Betis and (long time ISL friend) Marc Barta, reached out to our Events Team to put together an itinerary for the players during their brief stay in Washington.
ISL Relationship Director, Pere Segara, arranged full access activities for the club. For many of the Betis players this was their first time to the Washington, D.C., let alone traveling to the United States, so what better way to experience America than taking in the countries traditional past time, baseball. Betis took in a Washington Nationals game to cap off a memorable trip for the club, players, and Betis fans.
ISL recently helped connect two of the worlds biggest sports star, Zlatan Ibrahimovic of LA Galaxy and Mariano Díaz of Real Madrid. ISL worked closely with Mariano Díaz and the LA Galaxy in order to meet Mariano’s childhood hero, and lifelong role model, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to create and capture a unique moment for both of the soccer stars.
Majority of European clubs are currently on their summer offseason, meaning Mariano Díaz had the time to visit Los Angeles where Ibrahimovic was training with LA Galaxy, who are in the middle of their MLS season. With ISL facilitating, the two met at LA Galaxy’s training facility, where they exchanged signed jerseys and kind words. Mariano Díaz was then shown around the impressive LA Galaxy Facility.
The two stars are at very different stages of their careers. Mariano Díaz came up through the Real Madrid Academy ranks, and now the 25 year old Real Madrid forward is working to take his club career to the next level. Ibrahimovic is in the later stages of his career, but it hasn’t stoped him from taking the MLS by storm, similar to every other club he has played at, with 35 goals in only 42 games. Earlier this week, Ibrahimovic received the ESPY for 2019 MLS player of the year.
ISL Talent Relationships Director, Pere Segarra, has a long time relationship with Mariano Díaz’s manager, who reached out to Pere to arrange the moment. Pere was able to quickly and happily set up the meeting for Mariano and his team.
Typically, it’s difficult for American soccer fans to connect with international soccer stars in intimate, grassroots settings. Players are often either competing for their European clubs or their international teams, meaning the closest they get are through a TV screen. However, the summer brings a welcome opportunity for players and American soccer communities to connect while players are on their vacations and staying in shape outside of the public eye.
Recently, ISL were able to help some of the biggest names in soccer connect with the Los Angeles soccer community. Romelu Lukaku, on vacation after recently wrapping up the UEFA Nations Cup, traveled to California and connected with ISL to put on grassroots opportunities over 2 days of soccer and community.
The Belgian and current Manchester United forward took time out of his vacation to put on pickup matches open to the LA soccer community in tandem with ISL. Lukaku’s management team, and ISL connected the LA community with Lukaku and his fellow professional soccer playing friends like Ben Arfa, and Jerome Boateng.
Over 2 days, Director of Talent Relationships for ISL Pere Segarra, helped the stars with private facilities to train and keep sharp as well as play grassroots pickup games with the L.A. Community. For the local L.A. players it was a truly once in a lifetime opportunity to play alongside some of the biggest stars of soccer in an intimate setting. It was a great couple of days for everyone involved, and ISL continued to strengthen it’s connection with the biggest names in the world of soccer. We wish the best of luck to new friend, Romelu Lukaku, on his upcoming season.
This past November, Ivan Rakitic made a special appearance during one of the International ISL Experience Events. ISL are lucky to have strong relationships with talented individuals around the world, and were equally lucky to host Ivan Rakitic during his appearance.
Hosting big name athletes is always a special occasion for ISL and its Travel Management team. ISL would like to thank Ivan, he helped make it a day to remember for hundreds of young, aspiring athletes!
Get in contact with someone from our travel management team at Experience@islagency-old.nntesting.com for more information on how we can help mange your next major travel plans.
ISL recently helped connect two of the worlds biggest sports stars, Luis Suarez and Deandre Hopkins. ESPN FC, FC Barcelona, Houston Texans, and ISL worked together to create and capture the unique moment.
Ahead of Uruguay’s friendly with Mexico, ISL facilitated the opportunity for Luis Suarez to stop by the Houston Texans training facility. The Uruguay international got a quick tutorial on how to play quarterback, and played “catch” with the 3 time NFL Pro-Bowler Deandre Hopkins. The two athletes traded jerseys, took memorable photos, and started a new friendship.