Let It Go!

By now you have been swamped with stories of your daughter or son's adventure in Belgium and Holland. What a trip! The life long lessons, the experience of travel in Europe and of course, the futbol.

Before coming home, Girl's ODP had a day off to shop last minute and enjoy Eindhoven's taste of gelato. On Sunday, we had a pain free day of travel with "Frozen" being the top movie of choice. Still have that song stuck in our heads...."the cold never bothered me anyway!"

Got some great pics from the trip... please send them to our office.

The Final Match & Home For Boys ODP (Day 9 & 10)

The 2000 and 1999 boys played their final game against RPC Eindhoven at the home side's complex.
The 2000 boys battled well but missed four opportunities to put the game away against the much more physical side. And succumbed in the end 2-1. The lone VYSA goal was scored by John Collucci.
Trent Bailey, John Collucci and Paul Bangura played well for the 2000's.
The `99 boys started their game out slowly but with a few personnel and tactical changes at the half by coach Badiee, got on top of Eindhoven and won 3-1. Sean Norman scored twice, with Will Boinest potting the single.
The boys then traveled into the town of Eindhoven for a little gellato ice cream and final shopping.
The next day the boys teams took the hour and 1/2 ride back to Brussels for the 8 hour flight home.
It was nice to see all the families at the airport to greet the young men as they came back with all their stories and exploits of this 10 day European adventure.

Michael Jordan

Our final competition day for VA ODP Girls started with a top quality breakfast and a workshop with Dr. Dan Friegang. Dr. Dan is a Sport Psychologist who has worked with VYSA for years, on staff for US Soccer and was with the USA Women’s Ski team at the recent Sochi Olympics. Great chat on how to maintain focus and attention. 

After an afternoon street-soccer competition with the coaches’ team behaving like an orchid (starting off flowering and beautiful, then wilting and dying), the teams made it over to FC Eindhoven.

FC Eindhoven is an affiliate of the World Famous PSV Eindhoven. In the main hall of their offices is a sign that has the Michael Jordan quote, “Talent wins Games but Teamwork and Intelligence wins Championships.” A taste of Americano here….

2000s are well rested and desire the opportunity to finish the tour on the front foot. Our speed of play is good right from kick-off and we finish our chances early and efficiently. The game finishes 8 nil with the 2000s in possession, we turn teacher after being a student in our previous match.

A tough matchup for the 1998s as they take on the club’s women’s side in the night game. In freezing temperatures our squad creates a few chances and the host does likewise. They cancel each other out well into the wee end of the game, the ‘98s show what they are about and secure a late winner to finish the tour with the 1 nil win.

Off to Eindhoven on Saturday for our last full day. 

Rest, Recovery and History

A day of recovery with a morning recovery stretch after a fantastic breakfast--this featured made to order omelets and fresh cafe for the coaches. We set off on a day of site-seeing in Amsterdam.

First stop, the Amsterdam ArenA (the home of Ajax). A bit of goosebumps walking into this World famous futbol stadium. History all over the walls of former players and Championships. Our tour was kicked off with a stop in the Ajax Fanstore (gifts for selves, family and friends).

Last stop of the day was down town Amsterdam for more gifts for selves, family and friends. History and bicycles dominate the afternoon. Fantastic architecture and more bikes than people.

Last game tomorrow in Eindhoven.

Number 10

We traveled today to Holland and after a late night at the Anderlecht match. It took a bit of cajoling to get the team into breakfast, stretched out, packed and onto the coach to Den Haag for our third match. 

Greeting us at the stadium were the host’s coaching staff all dressed in KNVB (Dutch) National team gear. Upon discussion, we confirmed that we are playing the Dutch Regional Team today. Tall order considering yesterday we played Belgium. 

Slow possession by both sides kicked off the 2000 match with the Dutch side slowly gaining control and we concede the opening goal on a free kick. Minutes to first half time, we bundle in a corner to tie the match. In the 2nd half, the Dutch side went high pressure and we don't cope well... Giving up 2 goals to drop the match 3-1. 

Grit, it is such an important factor in player development and from the kickoff-our 1998s are defending and trying to counter. On the Dutch team is the future of the European Women's game. The flair, personality and skill on display is breathless. Every time their #10 gets the ball, you feel something special is going to happen. She receives a 60 yd pass-settles it in one touch and rifles it into our bottom corner. 1 nil at half. Brilliant Dutch possession play with their #10 causing problems. However, the 98s counter efficiently and chances go begging. A late goal for the home side and we lose 2-0. 

Tough games back to back, rest needed as we will spend the day in Amsterdam. ADO Den Haag treat us to nice dinner and we settle into a top quality hotel for the remaining stay. 

Off to the Hague

Day 5-Off to The Hague

 

The two boys teams took the morning to clean up their rooms, finish a little shopping and eat a hearty lunch before their 1PM departure to Den Hague. The normal 2 hr bus ride turned into to a 3 1/2 hour one due to construction enroute. The Hague is of course famous as the home of the World Court where all international disputes are settled.

The 2000's took the field against ADO Den Hague's 2000 boys team for the 5PM kickoff. Note: Den Hague's parent team plays in the Dutch 1st division against the likes of the world famous Ajax of Amsterdam. Their players were very technical and extremely skillful. However, our boys started out a lot better than they did in the first 15 minutes of game 1 and seem to be learning and adjusting along the way. The game ended up in a 0-0 tie but if not for the strong goalkeeping of Everaert, the score would have been larger. In fact he stopped a penalty kick deep into the 2nd half to thwart Den Hague's repeated offensive thrusts. The young players of Den Hague strike the ball very clean and are very tactically savvy as they (hopefully) move up the ladder to becoming a future pro.

Ethan Stewart, again, played a strong game terrorizing his opponents up and down the flanks. Captain, Tate Rusby-Wood was a solid and commanding force at the back. And Alec Taitague provided the opposition with more than they could handle.

The Den Hague club was kind enough to provide dinner for both Virginia teams in their clubhouse before getting back on the road to their new hotel in Eindhoven.

Tomorrow: Game 3

 

Gordon MillerVYSA Technical Director

Big Time Feel

The boys spent the morning shopping in Brussels and buying gifts for their Moms and Dads and hopefully staying away from the decadent Belgium waffles. After lunch they traveled the 1/2 hr outside of Brussels to the Belgium National Training Centre to watch the 2nd match of the VA girls.

The training centre was beautiful in it's appearance with two artificial fields, one full sized indoor field and three immaculately groomed outdoor playing surfaces. This is the location where players like Kompany, Hazard, Lukaku and Felanni train in preparation for this summer's World Cup. The boys watched and cheered on the 2000 girls as they battled to a 1-1 draw with the U-14 National side. (Note: The older '99 girls also tied their game 1-1).

They then piled back in the team bus to head to dinner before setting off to the evening's big pro match. Upon arriving at the stadium of the Anderlecht team they were quickly immersed into the chanting crowds making their ways through the streets. The anticipation of the game between the second and third place teams created a buzz that was only enhanced when they entered the sold out venue. The 0-0 scoreline did nothing to dampen the consistent singing and chanting of the feverent fans. And our boys looked like they enjoyed every minute of it.

After the game they visited the fanshop where more than a few euros were spent. By the looks of the bags, calls will be made back home in order to increase the limits on the ATM cards.

Tomorrow will be the bus ride to the Dutch city of Den Haag with a quick stop through Antwerp. They kickoff of at 5:00 pm tonight in their 2nd match against one of the top youth sides in Holland.

Red Flames

T’was a rumor at the VYSA Headquarters that the Girl’s Program would include a trip to the Belgium National Team’s Training Centre to play a couple of matches. That whisper became a scream and a memory that will be echoed about by players, coaches, our physio, Sport Psychologist and families making the trip.

The day started with another quality breakfast by Chef Anton, ok…. same as every other day (coaches need café). Both teams had a recovery stretching session in the morning and after some quiet time, made our way to another fantastic lunch. On to play the "Red Flames." 

FIFA flags and a guard greeted our bus, we proceeded into the state of the art home of Belgium futbol. Which included a 4 star hotel for guests of the FA and the countries’ stars. The likes of Hazard, Lukaku, Vertongen, Kompany etc… will be training here in prep for the 2014 World Cup.

In the middle of all this is the Training Centre building, with locker rooms and reception area. The hospitality was top notch with stewards opening doors for the players as the “Sound of Cleats” reminded all that there was still a game to be played.

In front of a couple of hundred fans (not ours), the 2000s kicked off and looked a wee bit rattled at the environment. We slowly find our legs and creep back into the match and some good possession creates a couple of chances. Into stoppage time of the first half and we are loose in possession, then punished with a clinical finish by a striker on form. Our young side in a big game, shows short-term memory, forgets about the goal and continues on creating chances in the 2^nd half. Deserves the equalizer and feels in the end we could have won it.

Our 1998s start their game on the back foot as the Belgium fans will the home team on to an early goal. The team character on the ’98s is quality and watching them sort out the moving pieces of the home side was inevitable. We equalize minutes before half-time on a set piece cross-curled to the back post and tapped in. The second half is played at a very high tempo with both teams creating chances, neither converts and both teams leave the field with a pleased crowd applauding.

WOW! What do we do now? Playing a National Team-check, at their facility-check, how about going to watch a pro-game, in their home stadium, in a must win game, sold out fans singing. CHECK! All four teams attended the RSC Anderlecht home match and were part of the almost 30,000 singing fans treated to a nil all draw.

Time to recover and off to Holland the next day.  

Let the Games Begin (Boys ODP Game #1): Viva Chocolatier

The '99 boys day started with a brisk walk around town in order to get the leg loosened up in anticipation of their first game later that day. Whilst the 2000's day began with a round robin 3v 3 head tennis tournament at the local outdoor salon football courts. The team of Blake Myers, Justin Mecham and Campbell Brickhouse claimed the championship in front of the cheering Belgium throngs that had gathered.

After a pasta lunch and light rest the teams made the decision to take the public tram the 15 minute ride it the stadium. 

The boys entered their assigned locker rooms deep in the bowels of the old structure only to have the excitement build as they found their jerseys hanging up in numerical order-just like their professional heroes.

The 2000's started out against FC Brussels in a nervous manner and had trouble settling into the match. Thus we entered the half time break down 1-0. After a few tactical adjustments and lineup changes the boys came out flying in the second stanza and we're rewarded as Pinello rocketed one home to tie the score in the 48 the minute. Four minutes later Bangura was brought down in the box but Bailey missed the ensuing PK. With the crowd urging them in the Virginia boys surged forward looking for the winning goal. But with 6 minutes remaining FC Brussels scored on the counter to win the match 2-1. 


Boys in Brugge

Both boys teams took the 1 1/2 hr journey into the old picturesque city of Brugges. The backdrop of high turrets, canals and open air market provided the boys with a sense of historical perspective that they have never before experienced. 

After the 3 hour tour the boys, headed back into town,for an hour and half training session on the artificial surface just 10 minutes from the hotel. The boys seemed to becoming out of the jet lag better as they went through their paces under the 65 degree, sunny day.

After training and a shower we walked 15 minutes into the heart of Brussels for a robust pasta dinner. The boys are all well, learning French phrases and eating their share of Belgium waffles. There are no injuries, no illnesses and plenty of excitement in group.

The 4 PM kickoff tomorrow, against FC Brussels, beckons.

PS-Our technological difficulties have been solved for the Boys ODP Blog. Thanks for your patience

Chocolate and Bruges

The town of Bruges has records that date back to the 800’s (no typo here). Many of the canals around this Flemish city were built in what is considered the dawn of the Golden Age, in the 12^th Century. 9 Centuries later, VA Girls ODP walked these streets.

The medieval architecture of the city was over whelming and so was the smell of chocolate. Numerous souvenirs were bought and consumed. The favorite seemed to be the hot chocolate, you received a stir stick with a chocolate chunk attached and a cup of hot milk. Just stir and enjoy.

After touring we returned to Brussels to watch the Boys ODP squads kick off the tour with their first games. Some quality futbol played and a brief practice followed in prep for our games verses the Belgium national team.

Dinner that night was great…Again! A walk to the piazza in Brussels to take in the lights and we closed the day with more memories and laughter.

BIG GAME vs BELGIUM NATIONAL TEAM to come on Tuesday -- Watch for BLOG.

The Sound of Cleats

One of the most vivid feelings a player has is making their way from their locker room to the game field. As you walk, anticipation is felt in your chest and the laughter of teammates poking fun at each other is drowned out by the sound of cleats vibrating on the pavement.

Our day began with a delightful community breakfast with Chef Anton’s Belgium famous coffee and yogurt. Our zombie like squad got up after their first night of full sleep to the beat of everyone feasting on our Chef’s quality morning meal. This day will feature our first match at RSC Anderlecht.

RSC Anderlecht is the home club of US MNT player, Sacha Kljestan. Our hope is to see him play on Tuesday night, we have some staff working on tickets for that crucial game which has Champion’s League implications. Our kickoffs are mid afternoon and we decided to spend the morning at a slower pace with a walk to the Belgian Food Lion to purchase snacks and the customary recovery drink of chocolate milk. Quality lunch and we are off to play our first International friendly at Anderlecht’s youth training center.

This training center had 4 fields, 2 grass and 2 turf with a restaurant overlooking the main grass field. Families of the Belgium players milled about as various teams got ready to play. With dressing rooms prepared for the match--"The Sound of Cleats" and kick-off.

The 2000s opened their International tour with a goal after 45 seconds pouncing on a mistake by the Anderlecht back line and within 5 minutes a second before anyone could establish possession. Ball speed around the backline increased and at half, the score line is a comfortable 4 nil. A nervy second half and a final of 6 to 2 with both teams scoring twice in the second stanza.

1998s played next on the artificial turfed stadium. The home team was very organized with a high backline and pressuring the Virginia squad. Chances go begging and the Region 1 Champion side is just unable to get their timing right to break the off-side trap. And we all know, if You live by it…. You die by it. The second half features the ‘98s dominating play but on this day, the Belgians hold firm and survive for a nil all draw. With Belgian FA scouts looking on in the stands, game 2 awaits in a couple of days.

After both games, the hosts welcomed the teams to the club restaurant for tarts and conversation. Instagram /Twitter/Facebook accounts exchanged, new futbol friends made!

Back to our hotel and another fantastic diner. Au revoir! 

BONJOUR!

Bonjour!

Bievenue a Brussels! Welcome to Brussels, Belgium!

An overnight trip full of anticipation, “the food,” a walk around a picturesque historic area,  “the food ,” quality accommodations and “the food.”

In all honesty, the red-eye flight to Europe was relatively pain free. Six hours direct, a couple of movies, chicken and wild rice dinner with a croissant breakfast a mere hour later. Little traffic at customs when the girls arrived at 7AM and the boys at noon. 40 minute drive to our Brussels’ home. No problems other than one of the girl’s coaches’ sense of direction in the Dulles airport.

Upon arriving the girl’s teams dropped off their bags and set out to explore their home community. This tour eventually took them to St. Michael’s church, a 16^th century historical basilica that has survived many a war and thus, rebuilding. We then walked into the main town plaza where the breath of Belgium waffles welcomed us with open arms. Boys ODP commenced their walk-a-bout by diving into the local pastry and learning how to say thank you in French. Please note that many of the boy’s colognes have now gone the way of the baked good.

Our lunch and dinner meals consisted of a taste of Italy while speaking French in a north European country. Yes…the food. On a personal note, am very proud of the 2000 girl’s coaching staff who secured and devoured a total of 6 deserts at dinner.

All four teams took part in a training session at RWDM Brussels, one of the areas pro team’s facility. By all accounts, very spirited sessions with Dr. Dan Friegang (Our tour’s sport psychologist) drifting into the groups with the recovery goal of controlling your environment -- “Be the boss of yourself.”

Au revoir and bon chance in Day 2. 

Virginia ODP Belgium/Holland Itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Brussels

Day 2: Recovery and Regeneration Day       

Day 3: Girls ODP vs. RSC Anderlecht; Boys ODP, training and sightseeing in  Brussels

Day 4: Boys ODP vs. FC Brussels; Girls ODP, training and sightseeing in  Brussels

Day 5: Girls ODP vs. Belgium National Teams (VA 2000G vs. U17 and VA 1998G vs. Women’s NT); Boys ODP training and sightseeing in Brussels

Day 6: Relocate to Eindhoven; Boys and Girls ODP vs. ADO Den Haag

Day 7: Boys ODP vs. FC Eindhoven; Girls ODP sightseeing in Amsterdam

Day 8: Girls ODP vs. FC Eindhoven; Boys ODP sightseeing in Amsterdam

Day 9: Boys ODP vs. RPC Eindhoven

Day 10: Depart for home