Copa Airlines today begins a non-stop service between Denver and Panama City, and players from the Colorado Rapids Development Academy will be on board for the overnight flight ahead of competition in the Central American country.
The squad of 18, made up of U-17s and U-15s, will be in Panama for six days, during which time they will play three matches - two against academy teams from professional clubs, and one against a youth national side.
They begin with a game against San Francisco FC on Wednesday, before facing Plaza Amador on Friday, and then the Panama U-16 national team next Sunday.
In between, the players will attend a reception at the residence of the US Ambassador to Panama, take a trip to Gatun Locks at the Panama Canal, visit a bio museum, and take part in a community project at a school in Panama City.
"This trip provides our players with a tremendous opportunity, both competitively and culturally," said Senior Director of Soccer Development, Brian Crookham. "They will get quality competition in a country that is coming on strong in CONCACAF, while learning about a country vital to the world economy.
"It is also a great opportunity to strengthen old relationships that we have with clubs in the region, as well as with our new friends at Copa Airlines."
To keep up-to-date with the Rapids Academy, click HERE, or visit @RapidsAcademy on Twitter.
