FAQ - Questions about BFUT International programs

Question: Where is the BFUT Brazil Center of Training Located?
Answer: Atlantida Park Hotel, Rodovia Fernao Dias Km 37.5, Atibaia Sao Paulo, CEP: 12.954.901 Brazil. Phone: (11)4412-8338. www.atlantidaparkhotel.com.br

Q: What type of visa should I apply for in order to travel to Brazil?
A: You should request the Tourist visa.

Q: How safe is the city the player would be in?
A: Atibaia is a city 45 min from Sao Paulo City, financial center of Brazil. It's a smaller city in the richest region of the country. All the activities have the BFUT or the family supervision, giving more security to the player.

Q: Can you tell me more about what clubs the players might play against?
A: They will be representing the BFUT Brazil & will be competing against the top First Division clubs, such as; Sao Paulo, Santos, Guarani, Palmeiras, Corinthians, etc…

Q: What professional games might he be able to see?
A: Games of the 1st Division State and/or Brazilian National Championship. Games are offered from the end of January to beginning of December.

Q: How many other kids from the US will be there?
A: In order to provide the best quality in the programs, BFUT does not open too many spots for IPT players. It will be expected around 10 players per month from all over the world.

Q: How much Cash should I bring to Brazil?
A: We recommend you take the credit card, make sure you inform your bank you are traveling abroad and around $300 dollars in cash.

Q: How long should the player go to Brazil for in order to get an excellent training experience?
A: BFUT recommends the player to spend AT LEAST 3 weeks and a Maximum of 6 weeks.
Week I – Adaptation, Week II – Development, Week III – Performance

Q: How do you decide the age group where each player would fall under?
A: The level that the player will attend in the pro club is related to the results obtained on the first 2 weeks, after the BFUT player analysis.

Q: How long would we have to get a spot if we find we want to go ahead and commit?
A: In order to provide you the best experience in Brazil and development, we request you to make your reservations no later than 60 days before the departure to Brazil. You will receive a physical conditioning recommendation program, to be prepared before going to Brazil.

Q: If my visa does not arrive on time how will my refund work?
A: If you have and agreement with airline ticket included you will get full refund minus $200 dollars, if the agreement does not have an airline ticket included you will receive full refund minus $150 dollars.

Q: Would the participant get a written evaluation at the end of the program?
A: Yes, you will receive the Official BFUT Player assessment and a letter of recommendation from Thadeu Goncalves, President of BFUT. If you wish, you can be included at the BFUT Player Profile and become part of our players' database.

Q: About how much would airfare be?
A: Between 750.00 and 1,000.00 US Dollars, if leaving from Miami, Florida. The earlier the resevation is made; the better will be the rates.

Q: Can the parent(s) come to visit, watch for a week and would they be able to get a hotel room?
A: Yes. BFUT can provide full assistance to parents interested in going to Brazil to watch their child’s performance.

Q: Is there anything special to do if I am a U18 player?
A: Yes. You have to provide the following information to the Brazilian consulate about the place that you are going to stay and the person responsible for you in Brazil:

Responsible person - Jose Thadeu Gonçalves

Phone number: 011-55-11-4412-8338

Address: INSTITUTO BRASILEIRO DE FUTEBOL
Atlantida Park Hotel, Rodovia Fernao Dias Km 37.5,
Atibaia Sao Paulo,
CEP: 12.954.901
Brazil

FAQ - Questions about Brazil

Q: What to bring to brazil?
A: Soccer shoes (indoor/outdoor). Make sure your shoes are comfortable with a flexible sole, well broken-in before the trip. Feeling the ball is essential for the foot control of Brazilian soccer. Our coaches mostly wear short cleat shoes.

• 10 pairs of socks
• 8 pairs of shorts
• 10 T-shirts
• rubber sandals for showering
• jeans
• warm sweatshirts
• warm-ups
• long pants (like khaki's)
• rain jacket

we strongly suggest you water proof your footwear.
DO NOT BRING VALUABLES (i.e., jewelry, etc.)
Make sure you bring one nice outfit for any special appearances that may be made for the media or any special receptions that may occur.
Other Items:

• Sunscreen
• Camera / film
• Alarm clock
• Toiletries

Spending money (should not exceed $400). We suggest bringing $50 cash and the rest in traveler's checks. Money will be exchanged once per week. There will be time and places to spend your money. There will be a shopping excursion in each city.
Special Note: Participants of our programs have informed us of the poor living conditions of many families (especially children) in Brazil. They have said that it would be extremely helpful to bring old clothes for kids between the ages of 9 to 15 or anything that you don't use anymore. (Clothes are especially helpful since poor children wear the same shirts for days and weeks at a time). Trading is very common, so don't be surprised if you receive constant offers to trade things. Bringing things with you provides you with something to give or trade. Anything you have will be greatly appreciated.

Q: General Information and Helpful Hints
A:

Meals
Healthy and nutritious meals will be provided three times daily at all locations, including one beverage (juice, milk, soft drink, water, etc). It is important to note that water in Brazil is sold by the bottle, it is not free. We will be able to provide water for training sessions and at meals, but each player must purchase any other water. Water costs about $1.00 per bottle. Any snacks or sweets will also have to be purchased separately by each coach/player.

Laundry

Laundry service is available. Each individual is responsible for his/her own cost. Coaches must bring a laundry bag and $50 for laundry. Players Staying with families will be able to do the laundry at the Family's home.
Tours
Events are scheduled for the players and coaches' free time with BFUT. Any tours or sightseeing that the player/coach may want to do outside the planned itinerary will cost extra.

Weather Conditions

Temperature will range from 50 to 65 degrees in winter in Sao Paulo and and Rio and 80 to 95 in summer time. Most of the country has noticeable seasonal variations in rain, temperature, and humidity, but only Southern Brazil has extreme seasonal changes. The Brazilian winter is from June to August, with the coldest southern states receiving average winter temperature of between 32 and 45 degrees. Summer is from December to february . You should be prepared for outside chance of rainy days, so think Gore-Tex shells and side-zipper pants. They are adaptable, waterproof, and breathable.

Q: VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION
A: Each player, coach or parent will need to obtain a Passport and Visa in order to travel to Brazil. This is your responsibility, but in order to facilitate the process, BFUT is providing you with the following helpful information.
STEP 1 - Obtain a passport. Application can be picked up at your local post office. Follow the steps on the application for photos, travel dates, etc. This process usually takes about 30 days.
STEP 2 - After you have your passport, you have two options to obtain your Visa.

Option 1
Contact the nearest Brazilian Consulate in your area and request the application. Follow the steps on the application and return to the Consulate with your passport and fees. (either go in person or send via mail). You must request a TOURIST Visa. The purpose of your trip is TOURISM. Each player must return the enclosed Travel Authorization Form, signed by either parents or legal guardians and notarized, with a copy of the player's birth certificate, to the Consulate and send a copy to the BFUT office.

Option 2
We suggest contacting VIP Services, Mr. Stephen Leighton, 2012 Louisiana St., Houston, TX 77002, phone 1-800-856-VISA (8472), or (713) 659-3767. This is a professional service, which will assist for a fee. This process is usually much faster than the Consulate. They have been working with BFUT customers for more than 6 years.

Q: About Brazil
A: Brazil occupies nearly half of the total area of South America. It has borders with all the South American countries except for Chile and Ecuador. Its land mass totals approximately 3,300,000 square miles, more than the continental United States and slightly less than all the European countries together. 40% of the Brazilian land is occupied by the Amazon Rain Forest.
Capital: Brasilia
Climate: Mainly tropical and sub-tropical; particularly humid in Amazon region and along the coast. Temperate on the southern coast and on the higher lands. Rainy season in the south is from November to March. It is driest from June to August. Temperatures in Rio de Janeiro: winter (June-Sept.): 55-64 degrees F.
Terrain: mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt.
Diplomatic Representation: Chancery at 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 745-2700; there are Brazilian Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, and New York, and Consulates in Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco.
Currency exchange: All banks and exchange agencies exchanges recognized travelers checks and foreign currency, but there is also a flourishing black market trade in foreign currency which offers about 20% above the official rate. This is strictly illegal in Brazil.
Telex and telegram: International telegram and telex facilities exist in many cities. Offices of Embratel in Rio de Janeiro (Praca Maua 7) and Sao Paulo. Rio's airport provides 24-hour telecommunication services. Telegrams can be sent over the phone or at post offices and hotels.
Telecommunications: State-owned; good system; extensive radio relay facilities; Long-distance calls can be made from the state telephone company offices, post offices and hotels. Trunk dialing system linking all main cities. Full IDD services available for the whole country and abroad. Public telephone booths (orelhoes) operated by phone cards, which can be bought from newspaper booths (kiosks), cafes, cash desks, etc. Dialing code for Brazil: IDD access code + 55 followed by area code (Belo Horizonte-31, Brasilia-61, Rio de Janeiro-21, Sao Paulo-11), followed by subscriber's number.
Fax: Facilities are available .
Post: Services are reasonably reliable. Sending mail registered or franked will eliminate the risk of having the stamps steamed off. Airmail service takes approximately four to six days. Surface mail takes at least four weeks.
Press: The only English newspaper is The Brazil Herald in Rio. Rio also has an English Language publication, the Rio Visitor, which gives tourist information.