Learn more about what are the mistakes that we often make when renewing our passports that can lead to delay the renewal process by three to four additional weeks.
People make errors on their applications for a multitude of reasons, this type of errors can go from typo mistake to a low quality photo. Some errors are caused because the applicants are confused about the specific process they are supposed to follow, or the supporting documents they provide unknowingly don’t meet government specifications. Besides the photo, here you can find seven other common mistakes that we made when renewing our passports:
Information on the application is different from the previous passport. Full name or date of birth is different, or applicant leaves out a middle name or changes the middle name to an initial.
Problems with the check. The applicant’s check is an incorrect amount. The check must be clean without any crossing out and must say, “Payable to: the US Department of State.”
Missing passport book and/or card. If someone has been issued a passport book and/or passport card and is requesting renewed versions of them, they each must be submitted with the application.
Missing Social Security number or other information. Many applicants don’t enter an accurate or complete Social Security number. Others fail to sign or date their applications.
Inconsistent signature. The State Department checks whether someone’s signature is consistent with the signature on a previous passport.
E-signed documents are not acceptable. For all passport-related forms, only a live ink signature will be accepted.
Handwritten application forms. Handwritten forms can generate numerous typos or mistakes, delaying an application. The government passport agents must retype a handwritten application.
In conclusion, renewing a passport may seem like a straightforward process, but it’s riddled with common pitfalls that can significantly delay the renewal timeline. So, whether it’s double-checking your personal details or ensuring a pristine check, taking the time to avoid these common mistakes will undoubtedly expedite your passport renewal and spare you unnecessary delay – Safe travels begin with meticulous passport renewal, and attention to detail is the key to a seamless journey.
For more information on how to renew your passport please visit the official government site HERE and get started with your next journey abroad with GSE NOW!
The Ottawa City 2007/08 Boys Team recently showcased their talent and sportsmanship at the Surf College Cup Showcase in San Diego, California. The week-long experience, from November 21 to 27, provided the young athletes with an immersive and all-inclusive team adventure both on and off the field.
Prior to the tournament, the team participated in two rigorous training sessions, preparing themselves for the challenges ahead. The showcase featured intense competition, with the Ottawa City boys facing formidable opponents such as California Rush, South Valley Surf, and Albion Central California.
In a series of three games, the team demonstrated their prowess, concluding the tournament with a commendable record of 1 win and 2 losses. The highlight of their journey was the showcase final against Albion Central California, where the Ottawa City 2007/08 Boys exhibited a remarkable collective performance and team effort. Although the final result was a narrow 1-0 loss, the team left the field with their heads held high, proud of their accomplishments.
“The Surf College Cup Showcase provided a unique opportunity for our boys to bond on and off the field,” said Craig Kelly, Head Coach of the Ottawa City 2007/08 Boys Team. “The experience was invaluable, and the team’s resilience and commitment were evident throughout the tournament. We are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to building on this success in future competitions.”
Check out more GSE 2024 opportunities HERE!
After a thrilling time at SCI Salou 2023, DME Academy shared with us a recap of their time in Spain:
WOW, what an experience. The 2007, 2010 boys and 2012 girls from DME Academy recently returned home from their Thanksgiving trip to Salou Spain for the International Surf Cup. With hundreds of teams from across the world present, this event changed the lives (for the better) of many of our players and families. We left our bubble of Florida soccer and our eyes are now open to what soccer and commitment should and can be. To experience cultural immersion and the highest level of competition imaginable in another country simply cannot be replicated. Let’s dig into what made this experience life-changing and instrumental in how DME Academy, Sarasota will grow as a community over the next few years.
Travel & Cultural Immersion
For nearly 95% of the 45 athletes, this was a first experience overseas. Holding their passport in a customs line, experiencing a 10-hour flight while enjoying full meals crossing the Atlantic Ocean, wearing the new DME Academy custom hoodie (sponsored by Integrity Over Income), and answering questions from bystanders at the airport about who they were and where they were going- all firsts for this group of aspiring athletes. Upon arrival, players boarded buses and traveled from Barcelona to Salou, roughly 1.5 hours to the most beautiful sports complex/resort a player could dream up complete with housing, pools, turf fields, eateries, and shops, and nearly 1,000 athletes from across the world sharing these services. The only downside was getting accustomed to the time change, something every parent and player had a challenge with. As the week went along, the players used their Spanish with more confidence and it felt right to try and speak Spanish when possible at local establishments, to referees, and to other players. We even started eating meals late (dinner at 8-10) after a tough day on the fields a few siesta’s happened during the day as well.
International Relationships
While winning is key to all competitors, many friendships were established between nations and teams. Soccer is an international language itself and while words may get lost in translation, passion, effort, and skill translate through performance. We are a lot more similar than we think and through this experience, our players created relationships, if only for a week, that will impact their lives.
The 2010 boys participated in a friendly futsal street game with dozens of other players from across the world. The event organizes split teams not by who they knew but by who they didn’t, forcing players to unite. For many of our boys, this mini-tournament under the lights against friends and with strangers displayed the true joy of the sport. Winners still won, but the smiles on players’ faces as they played freely were the true prize.
For the 2012 girls, it was a quarterfinal match-up against the mega-club and world-famous FC Barcelona. After a stunning victory (we’ll get to that later), these 24 girls connected despite not understanding each other and having just played. FC Barcelona supported the DME girls in their semi-final match from the sideline, gifted items to all the girls, and showed true sportsmanship. The DME girls can’t stop talking about the Barcelona team and how nice they were. Many now wearing Barcelona colors.
For the 2007 boys, meeting with and socializing with other athletes seemed easier. However, their eyes are now open to the level of play needed to be successful. Their tough matchups against professional clubs proved an awakening moment for them. This team now realizes the level of play needed to succeed and if nothing else, their performance in the last two games proved that they do belong with the best of the best.
Other moments of sportsmanship and friendly competition included the bus trips from the resort to the sports complex. This usually involved back-and-forth banter via song between nations and clubs. The lunch/dinner hall conversations centered on sportsmanship with a lot of “good game” messages being spoken between players and coaches. There was no laughing or pointing fingers here, even though some scorelines would say otherwise. In fact, many international teams appreciated the American resolve to never give up and keep fighting until the last whistle, and not just out of pity, they genuinely desired our effort levels and competitive spirit.
Side note: We need a DME song/anthem, many clubs, especially from Spain had full-on bands in tow.
Competition
There were lots of moments, almost moments, and missed opportunities for our teams but one thing is for sure. We do not see competition like this in the United States. Jefferson Cup, Dimitri, and Disney (all good in their own right) do not touch this event. Fact.
We can say with certainty that every DME athlete came home a better player and it’s OK to say, many lessons were learned through defeat. This wasn’t playing a local tournament in Orlando against 75% of the same teams we always play, this was an international stage with all-star teams and professional clubs. In fact, it’s safe to say, that we may have been one of a handful of one-club organizations on the lineup card.
The 2010 boys earned a victory over Canada in the warm-up game but with a short roster, unfortunate illness, and injury – the cards were stacked against them. The boys, a very strong state-side team, learned through defeat that to play at the highest level, an increased level of commitment and resolve is needed. For moments their passing and skill turned heads, but consistency throughout the game is a nonnegotiable.
For the 2007 boys, a rough start turned into a sense of belonging. The last two games ( 2-0 and 2-1 loss) proved to the boys that they do belong and can fit in. At this crucial time of their soccer journey, the time to buckle up and dig in to pursue those college aspirations has never been more clear.
For the 2012 girls, it could not have been scripted more beautifully for an American Cinderella story. Barcelona was 3-0 leaving group play and the #1 seed. DME was a one-team club out of Sarasota that had been losing in group play. With close to 1,000 fans in attendance at the main field (under the parent bar area), our girls fought hard and pulled off the upset of the tournament, a 2-0 victory and advancement to the semi-finals. This win turned heads not only within our group, the tournament organizer but throughout campus. The American fight and resolve were even praised by FC Barcelona’s coaching staff.
Path Forward
So what’s next? Our players return home tired, a little shell-shocked but certainly motivated to succeed. Their on-the-field classroom sessions are complete, we get back to work and prepare for the second half of the season. The boys jump right back into the EA Showcase. The girls, prep for some upcoming tournaments. The staff gets back to work on technical preparation for practice implementation based on the feedback of professional club coaches who watched our teams play.
Will we travel again? Bigger and better next time? The answer is a YES.
This summer the 2010 boys will compete in the Northern Ireland Super Cup, and next year we will re-visit a trip back to Spain for all teams!
This experience was life-changing for many. A guiding light to the future of their passion for soccer. To be the best player, the best person, the best leader, the best student – it takes more. The words our players have been throwing around are “do more”, “get back to work”, “work harder”, l”earn from the losses”, “play faster”, and “train better”. These words are just that words for now, but if these words to action – watch out for DME Academy players. They are on a path to living successful lives.
Testimonials
“I only have words of gratitude to God and DME Academy Sarasota for allowing my son Adriel #2 the opportunity to have this great experience of playing soccer in Salou- Spain with super competitive and professional teams. Definitely one of his dreams come true and to all those people who with their donations were part of this journey and dream, from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU 
” – Lany, Mom of 2010 Boy
“It’s a wrap in Spain after coming up short in the semi-finals vs pro academy team RCD Espanyol So proud of Maddy for giving her all, helping her team in whatever position was asked, and showing up at every game! Thanks to DME Academy Sarasota for inviting her! We had an amazing trip exploring Europe and are so excited for the future!!” Stephanie, Mom of 2012 Girl
“What an amazing experience for these boys, made friends with kids from Lithuania, Nigeria, and Estonia just to name a few. Lucas loved every minute with his team!” Patty, Mom of 2010 Boy
“Finally home. You simply can not replicate this. From culture to soccer level- our lives are forever changed.
Leaving the bubble of the peninsula of Florida has opened my eyes to what and how to grow DME Academy Sarasota. I am forever grateful to my friend Tommaso Trevisan for helping our club take the blinders off and travel abroad to play.” Jared, Dad of 2010 and 2012 and DME Owner
Final Thoughts
We leave a bit humbled, a touch more cultured, a lot better, and more determined than ever. The mission to Ignite the Dream through sport has never been more present as we aim to support the dreams of passionate and committed players on their journey. Until next time, thank you Spain. You were great.
Learn more about our upcoming 2024 events HERE!
Global Sport Experiences are excited to announce the 2024 addition of the Royal Pre Season Cup!
Hot off the conclusion of GSE’s Surf Cup International in Salou, Spain that brought together 128 teams from 22 different countries, GSE is now looking to the Royal Pre Season Cup to make a similar impact.
Based just 40 miles west of London in the scenic English countryside, Bradfield College, a Hogwarts style setting, will play host for the 3rd edition of the Royal Pre Season Cup on the weekend of August 17 & 18, 2024.
International teams will travel to England in the week leading up to the tournament for preparation games, training, and sightseeing. You can more about the UK team experience here!
“We are excited to launch the Royal Pre Season Cup for 2024. We are looking to build upon the success of the first two years, by increasing the number and quality of International teams and making this the go to event for English clubs preparing to kick off the 2024 season”, said Neil Holloway Tournament Director. “With Surf Cup International attracting Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, and the Royal Pre Season Cup having Premier League clubs Fulham on the boys side and Brighton, Reading, Tottenham on the girls side, along with Scandinavian clubs like AIK Stockholm, and Surf Select National Teams from the USA, over the past few years, we really feel the 2024 edition will be bigger and better than ever before”.
The new two day format will see group games take place on Saturday August 17 with playoffs and finals on Sunday August 18. Age categories for both male and female teams will be based on the 2024/25 season U19, U16 and U14.
For more information for the Royal Pre Season Cup 2024 click here!
This Thanksgiving break, Surf Cup International and GSE teamed up to bring 128 teams from 22 countries to Salou, Spain for the annual Surf Cup International Salou. The elite tournament ran from November 23-26, but is sure to leave both players and parents with life-long memories. Teams competed at the beautiful Futbol Salou Sport Complex and were offered full-board at Cambrils Park Sport Village.
SCI Salou 2023 featured many international teams who traveled thousands of miles to compete. Hola Skoko traveled over 4,000 miles from South Africa, and Van City Pro made the longest 5,344 mile commute from Vancouver, Canada. Surf Cup International was proud to bring over 2,500 people, including 1,800 players to Salou this November, creating an immense positive impact on the region.
Global Sports Experiences had a pivotal role in creating experiences off the field for players and their families. The 14 North American teams at the event had a great time visiting beautiful Tarragona and Barcelona. Players and their siblings were invited to train with our partner The International Development Academy, a full-time residential academy in Valencia, Spain. Our teams were offered the chance to attend RCD Espanyol vs. AD Alcorcon in a La Liga matchup to get the full spanish soccer experience.
Our teams were also offered cultural experiences to take a break from the fields including a vermouth tasting experience at the historic Catalunya Vineyards and attendance at the largest theme amusement park in Spain, PortAventura!
Congratulations to our Champions and Team MVP’s!
Champions:
U19 Boys – RCD Mallorca
U18 Girls – FFB Reus
U17 Boys – Atlético Mineiro
U12 Boys – Leicester City FC
U16 Girls – Real Madrid
U15 Boys – RCD Espanyol
U14 Boys – Villarreal CF
U13 Girls – FC Porto
U12 Girls – RCD Espanyol
U11 Boys – Sevilla FC
MVP’s:
U17 Boys – Kristoffern Skarnpo – Ullensakerkisa
U16 Girls – Evelyn Contreras – Surf Select
U15 Boys – Marc Martinez – Valencia CF
U14 Girls – Alex Arasa – Amposta
U13 Boys – Lausley Juliao – FC Porto
U12 Boys – Erik Belkis – Leicester CF
U12 Girls – Carmen Matas – Valencia CF
Boys U11 – Enzo Marquez – Gimnastic de Tarragona
Enrico Ciuffetelli, Director of Global Sports Experiences, commented on the positive result of SCI Salou 2023, “GSE was proud to play a role in Surf Cup International Salou. It was great to have the opportunity to gather players and families from all over the world and create experiences that they will remember for a lifetime, both on the field and off the field.”
Click here to learn more about our 2024 tournaments.
This summer, GSE raised the bar for sports travel experiences with an awe-inspiring showcase that left its mark on over 700 participants from different clubs like Surf Select, USSSA, NJ Knights, IDA Bermuda, FC America, and Northeast Rush. Spanning five countries—USA, Brazil, Spain, Northern Ireland, and England, GSE Summer 2023 unfolded as a series of remarkable events that united players, coaches, and parents in an unforgettable celebration of sports, camaraderie, and adventure.
While sports were at the forefront, the cultural immersion aspect of GSE Summer 2023 added a vibrant layer to the experience. Participants had the privilege of exploring the cultural tapestries of each host country, sampling local cuisine, experiencing traditional arts, and soaking in the rich histories.
GSE Summer 2023 now stands as a chapter etched in the collective memory of participants—a chapter that celebrates excellence, unity, and friendship. With its profound impact on athletes, coaches, and parents alike, GSE Summer 2023 reaffirmed its dedication to crafting sports travel experiences that inspire, connect, and endure for a lifetime.
GSE is excited to announce our 2024 tournament dates:
Surf Cup International Rome City (Rome, Italy): March 27-30, 2024
Super Cup NI (Coleraine, Northern Ireland): July 21-26, 2024
Surf Cup International Morocco (Tanger, Morocco): August 1-4, 2024
BH Cup (Belo Horizonte, Brazil): August 4-10, 2024
Royal Pre-Season Cup (London, England): August 16-18, 2024
Surf Cup International Salou (Salou, Spain): November 28 – December 1, 2024
Ready to book your next best experience? Get in touch with our eager team to plan your future destination today!
