Four Central Penn College Men’s Soccer Players to Represent the College in China
Four members of the Central Penn College men’s soccer team will have the opportunity to represent the College, Central Pennsylvania and the United States on an international stage this summer as part of Journey FC’s upcoming China Cultural Exchange Trip.
Central Penn College men’s soccer players Giovanni Fusillo, Andy Phommachanthone, Mohab Mahmed and Justin Shaffer have been selected to join Journey FC for the 11-day cultural and educational exchange program, scheduled for August 1 through August 11, 2026.
Journey FC, founded and led by Head Coach Cole Goodman, will include soccer players from Central Penn College, Harrisburg Area Community College, Penn State Harrisburg, John Harris High School and individually recruited players from across the Harrisburg area.
The trip is being planned in collaboration with DENO International, a Chinese organization that supports worldwide cultural and educational exchange initiatives, and the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg.
For Central Penn College, the opportunity is about much more than soccer. It is a chance for student-athletes to grow as leaders, experience another culture, build global connections and proudly represent the Knights beyond the field.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our student-athletes,” said Central Penn College Athletic Director Kasey Hicks. “Giovanni, Andy, Mohab and Justin will not only represent Central Penn College, but also our region and our country. We are excited for them to experience a new culture, compete internationally and show the character, leadership and pride that define Central Penn College athletics.”
The China Cultural Exchange Trip is designed to connect students and professionals from the United States and China through education, athletics and cultural experiences. Participants will take part in school integration activities, cultural workshops, guided sightseeing, soccer training sessions and international matches.
The planned itinerary includes stops in Hangzhou, Shanghai and Nanjing. Students will visit universities, participate in Chinese language and culture courses, tour academic facilities, take part in soccer joint training and matches, and experience traditional arts, customs and landmarks.
Highlights of the trip include an opening ceremony at Zhejiang Polytechnic University of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, a campus tour, courses in Chinese language and culture, 3D printing and CNC machining, a visit to Zhejiang University of Technology, soccer matches and training, a visit to Alibaba Group, sightseeing at West Lake, The Bund, Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road, Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River.
Participants will also take part in traditional cultural experiences such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, folk crafts, martial arts and guided visits that bring Chinese history, art and architecture to life.
Throughout the trip, students will be supported by a full-time bilingual tour director and an experienced local team responsible for logistics, accommodations, transportation, meals and emergency support.
The program reflects the power of athletics to open doors beyond competition. For the four Central Penn College players, the trip will provide an opportunity to build international friendships, learn through experience and bring home a deeper understanding of the world.
As members of the Central Penn College men’s soccer program, Fusillo, Phommachanthone, Mahmed and Shaffer will carry the Knights’ name with them as they compete, learn and connect through this unique global experience.
