About Us
Travel ball international tournaments is a huge part of Sport Tourism. ABN is transitioning to lead the way!
ABN History ( since 1994)
( We sent our first tour group over in 1992, but were not officially a company yet!)
Rob Friedrich moved to Europe in the mid 1980's as a player, and after quickly evolved into coaching. Rob was a National and Olympic Development level coach in Denmark, as well as a professional coach in the highest German Professional Basketball Bundesliga. Rob immediately began creating summer camps in Europe, and this was soon to turn into a full time passion.
Rob Friedrich started ABN in 1994 as an international newsletter to connect coaches in Europe in the pre-internet days. The coaching newsletter was quickly a success and was published and sent to over 26 countries! Rob is also a published basketball author and wrote the book 'ABC Basketball' (3rd Edition). This book is the biggest seller in the history of Danish Basketball Books. Rob also began scouting for NBA teams and ABN transitioned with him. After being involved in the creation and administration of the two largest basketball camps in Europe, ABN was in the middle of the Basketball Revolution in Europe.
In 1998 , The International Hoops Challenge was created an international tournament for 48 (!) USA teams being sent over from the Sports Ambassador Program People 2 People. Since that time, ABN has created basketball tournaments under the name IHC for each USA team that travels with them. The concept was simple. Create camps, bring over teams, create tournaments during the weekends of the camp..
In 2014 ABN began a Linked IN Private group called "ABN Assist" which now numbers approximately 8,000 enthusiasts from all around the globe. (Comprised of Coaches, Players, Agents, Scouts, General Managers, Academy Owners , Vendors, etc.)
In 2016, ABN started its own MicroCommunity on this website, an international camp registration website, and an international job board focused on assisting coaches find jobs in different countries.
Now.., in 2023, we are transitioning once again. ABN will now focus on touring only.
Sports Tourism post Covid is exploding, and we hope you will be part of it.
As Global Basketball changes, so evolves ABN. Our future lies in the Sports Tourism sector. But our values from the past 30 years will carry on.
ABN is a Faith-based Company with a Mission Statement of connecting people who love basketball, all around the world.
As time passes, more and more of ABN's time is being used to develop Mission and Faith based tours.
Rob works with representatives in all countries, with the one common detail being that integrity is chosen with all business partners. ABN is focused on principles of integrity, honesty, and love. The partnerships and relationships ABN has created is just as crucial as the success of the business.
International Hoops Challenge events have been created to give high school students the opportunity to travel and play overseas. Our understanding of both the American and European sports cultures helps us succeed as we can give a personal touch to each tour.
Rob has been a public high school PE teacher and adjunct lecture in California since 1999. He currently lives in the SF Bay Area, California. His two sons live in Denmark.
For more information on Rob, please feel free to look at his complete resume on his Linked In Profile.
