Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-- The Skidmore College men's soccer team is heading to Salvador, Brazil for a 10-day trip that will include training, competition, tours, and a community service project.

Located in the northeast province of Bahia, Salvador is known as the cultural capital of Brazil. The city has an incredible array of beaches, historical sites and Brazilian culture. The team will train and play at the facility of the Brazilian club E.C. Vittoria, a first division club based in Salvador.

Coach Ron McEachen's team will spend time working on the Favela Project, a not for profit that is dedicated to using the game of soccer to help improve the lives of children in Brazil's poorest urban areas. The Thoroughbreds will hold a soccer clinic and distribute soccer clothing, equipment, and food baskets.

The team takes an international trip every three years to allow players to benefit from visiting and learning about a different culture. It is a great opportunity for the team to bond, while players train and compete against competition from other countries.

Previous trips have been to China (2007) and Costa Rica (2004). The cost of the trip comes from team fundraising and individual families.