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.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
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
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
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
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 12th 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.
Monday, April 14, 2014
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!
Sunday, April 13, 2014
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 16th 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.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
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
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