Every three years since 1994 -- with one notable exception -- the John Carroll University football team had made a voyage overseas to play a game in Europe.

After visiting Germany (1994), Spain (1997), Italy (2000), Ireland (2004) and Switzerland (2007), the destination in 2010 for the Blue Streaks will be France.

The John Carroll University football team, led by head coach Regis Scafe, will be traveling from May 24 to June 1 for a unique cultural experience that combines local sightseeing with a game against local opposition in the Global Football Tour of France. 

The Blue Streaks started practice Monday in preparation for their international game.

"We have been fortunate to be involved in this venture several times in the past, and it has been extremely valuable to us on a number of fronts," said Scafe. "The benefits range from a bonding experience for our team to the educational aspects, which bring to life for our kids what may have only been available previously by reading books or by looking at pictures or videos."

A total of 35 players and five coaches will be representing John Carroll, and will be accompanied on the trip by several family members of the participating players.

While exploring the many historical places of interest that France has to offer, the Blue Streaks will find time to practice as they prepare for the Belgian All-Stars on Saturday, May 29 in Amiens, France. 

“These tours have become a part of our John Carroll University tradition,” said Scafe. “This is personally my fourth trip, and each and every year it is unforgettable. We get to experience a new culture while playing in an international game. It is very worthwhile and even people who went years ago still talk about it today.” 

JCU interrupted its every three year cycle in 2003 because of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. When the decision had to be made early in the fall of 2002, school officials deemed it was too soon after a national tragedy of that magnitude to send a contingent overseas.

The event is organized by Texas-based Global Football a company which provides the opportunity for young amateur athletes from different countries to compete against one another, while experiencing and learning first hand about each other's cultures.

Headed by President Patrick Steenberge, Global Football has produced football games in 18 nations and this year Global Football is scheduled to travel with NCAA DIII college teams to Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

“We have hosted American football games in some of the greatest venues in the world in 18 different countries with each place being an honor,” said Steenberge. “Our mission is to share our passion for the sport with intrigued onlookers and hardcore fans, of which there are many here in France. We hope the challenge of a game against American opposition will aid the development of the sports.”

During the Global Football Tour of France, the John Carroll University football team will visit three cities – Paris, Normandy, and Amiens. 

Making the trip for John Carroll will be head coach Regis Scafe, assistant coaches Brian Cochran, Tom Zagorski and Kerry Volkmann, and players Blaine Balderston (Leawood, KS, Rockhurst), Alec Barker (North Ridgeville, OH, North Ridgeville), Phil Bokovitz (Gallipolis, OH, Gallia Academy), Mike Cannell (Macedonia, OH, Nordonia), Kevin Carroll (Aurora, OH, Aurora), Corey Castro (Olmsted Falls, OH, Olmsted Falls), Hayes Cooper (Saint Charles, IL, Marmion Academy), Matthew Dee (Chicago Heights, IL, Marian Catholic), Kyle Fenner (Washington Ct. House, OH, Miami Trace), Kyle Fiegel (Akron, NY, Central), Alexander Furth (Oak Park, IL, Fenwick ), Alec Greenhouse (Parkman, OH, Berkshire), Rick Haley (Bryans Road, MD, Henry E. Lackey), Michael Locke (Wexford, PA, North Allegheny Sr), Emmett Lydon (Rocky River, OH, Saint Ignatius), Bobby Mangiarelli (Warren, OH, Howland), Adam Miller (Coral Springs, FL, Coral Springs Charter), Charlie Moeller (Ann Arbor, MI, Saline), Dan Nageotte (Fairview Park, OH, Lakewood St. Edward), Devin O'Brien (Brookfield, OH, Brookfield), Michael O'Neal (Dallas, TX, Jesuit College Prep), Drew Place (Kettering, OH, Chaminade-Julienne), Josh Rentz (Maple Heights, OH, Trinity), Karl Roshong (Canton, OH, Perry), Casey Rouch (Columbus, OH, Grandview Heights), Kevin Ryan (Chicago, IL, Mt. Caramel), Kyle Scheerer (Olmsted Falls, OH, Olmsted Falls), Bob Schmitz (Plymouth, MI, Catholic Central), Brian Schneider (Painesville, OH, Riverside), C.J. Seitzinger (Bethel Park, PA, Bethel Park),Aaron Short (South Euclid, OH, Saint Ignatius), Brandon Stevens (Fairport, NY, Fairport), A.J. Teresi (Chardon, OH, Chardon), Luke Whitworth (Davie, FL, Fort Lauderdale Archbishop McCarthy), and Zach Zielinski (Aurora, OH, Cuya. Falls Walsh Jesuit)