Overview
Football, kids, cars and Africa
It's a mystery how these four things work in concert, but we’ve managed to bundle them together to create the World Cup Trek.
Once every four years the world sits around their televisions watching their home team kicking a ball around in the hopes that they might just score. Why not make it a little more interesting and actually be there to see it up close and personal? Fancy a 17,000km car ride to do it? That's exactly what we are proposing.
We decided that simply going to the local bar to watch the game was entirely too dull; we've all been there and done that. The idea of our legs hiked up to our chins on a twelve hour flight to see a 90min match didn't sound too enticing either.
"...a few weeks cramped in a car with your sweaty, stinking, dirty friends - dodging camels, giraffes, elephants and... gingerly pushing the car away from the occasional lion or anything else Africa has to throw at you"
So why not drive!? That's right, a few weeks cramped in a car with your sweaty, stinking, dirty friends - dodging camels, giraffes, elephants... gingerly pushing the car away from the occasional lion or anything else Africa has to throw at you. No park rangers to save the day, or support staff to fly you out. It's you, your team and whatever animal you can find to hitch to your broken down car to keep moving. What's a couple of extra days? A perfect chance to practice the chants you'll eventually be singing in the stadium!
Granted this is not for the completely sane of mind. It takes an arguably unhinged person to embark on such a journey. But then these are the types who make the world more interesting, and the sort that will make the World Cup Trek a success. It is a chance to meet fellow trekkers from across the globe supporting their various football teams, yet united in adventure and helping the children of Africa through sport.
Development Through Football
While we’d love to see a camel pulling your car through the Sahara or push-starting it through the mud, the Wold Cup Trek is about more than just a journey.
WCT is proudly raising funds for Grassroots Soccer, an innovative organization working in Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Their mission is to use the power of football in the fight against AIDS by providing African youth with the knowledge, life skills and support to live HIV-free. They are continuously improving their HIV prevention and life-skills curriculum, sharing their program and concept effectively, and utilizing the popularity of soccer to increase their impact.
We want to raise as much money as possible to assist this deserving organization. Thus, each team will be required to raise a minimum of US$2,000; pennies in the bank with a team of four and a couple of small fundraisers. The trek is expected to sell out quickly which means buckets of money for the charity. We will keep you posted on the amount as it rises and let you know exactly how your fundraising is going to help.
The Road South
In case we haven't made it clear, this is the adventure of a lifetime. The next World Cup will be in Brazil in 2014; we’ll have you paddling down the Amazon in canoes. But next year, of course, it’ll be 8,000 miles southward across a continent long traversed by the explorers of old.
"Ultimately this is your adventure and we want no part in telling you where to go, what to drive or how to do it"
The Trek will take you from Berlin to Cape Town. The route is up to you, whether it be overland through Egypt, or a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco; it’s your choice. We've done you the favor of suggesting a route, a few watering holes and a couple of ideal camping spots, but these are only recommendations. Ultimately this is your adventure and we want no part in telling you where to go, what to drive or how to do it.
Just keep in mind that no true adventurer goes with a full support team. This means it might be worthwhile taking a screwdriver, some pantyhose and a spare tyre with you. We can't guarantee you’ll even make it, but we’ll do our level best to reserve a spot at the arrival party for you.
Sound daunting? Well, it is. But then what isn’t that’s worthwhile? We have no doubt that among the six billion people in the world this Trek will sell out quickly, so reserve your place today by signing up here.
Where it's all going
US$1250 isn't really that much money for a team of two to split - and even less for a team of four. As with anything though, you probably want to know where your entry fee is going. We are constantly working on providing more for your money, but here it is so far.
Parties
No trek is complete without a proper departure party. We are working on getting a great venue in Berlin along with beer, bands, food, DJ’s and everything else that makes for a brilliant German Fest! Just as important is the arrival soiree in South Africa for those who actually make it!
Meetups
Sure a party at the beginning and end is great, but what about the vast, lonely stretches in the middle? Well, we've taken care of that as well. There will be all sorts of stops to meet up with other trekkers and wet your whistle along the route we layout. Whether you decide to take the suggested route or go your own way is up to you.
T-shirts and Stickers
That’s right; free clothes for registered team members and official World Cup Trek stickers to adorn your ride for the start. We’d be surprised if they were still on your car by the end and the T's will certainly be in tatters.
Facebook Team Page
A little website just for your team! Seem a little over the top? Perhaps it is, but what better way to keep sponsors, family, friends and media involved throughout your journey, not to mention helpful in raising that charity donation. It'll be easy to use and easy to update on the way down – provided you can find a fast internet connection.
"Any questions you might have along with advice on the best ways to fundraise, get sponsorship and media coverage – NEVER hesitate to get in touch"
Carbon Offset
We can't very well have all of you driving down there, killing every living thing along the way with the pollution spewing from your cars. Thus, included in the entry fee is a complete carbon offset that covers your vehicle and the distance you're driving - from Berlin to Capetown. To help with this, upon sign up we will ask you your intended route and vehicle. But don't worry, the price won't go up even if you do decide to take a Hummer.
Embassy Notices
We never said this was the safest thing to embark upon. With that in mind - and with the desire to make it as safe as possible - we will be registering you with your respective embassies in each of the countries you pass through. It is up to you to contact them once you enter the country, but we will set everything up so that’s all you have to do. Although you have no support team, it's always nice to know there is a safety net.
Advice and Support
This is your journey, and perhaps you and your team are the sort of lone wolves who want no help. Nonetheless, if you get stuck we are here to assist you. Any questions you might have along with advice on the best ways to fundraise, get sponsorship and media coverage – NEVER hesitate to get in touch with us.