It's Friday

It's 10:30 am on Friday, and the computer at the hostel won't let me download any photos. I'll try again later today to post photos.

Yesterday the boys had double sessions, and then a game against Someran Football Club last night. Some of our boys are looking a bit tired, but when I ask them how their legs are feeling, most of the boys say "OK". I think this part of the week (the last 2 days) is where the kids need to dig deep for a bit of energy. The weather on Thursday was perfect: 72 degees and sunny.

The game last night went OK first the first 7 or 8 seconds, then our opponents scored on a beautiful cross and header. Aproximately 3 minutes later the Dutch scored again on a miraculus free kick from 30 yards out. Jack T. was in the goal the first half but there was nothing anyone could have done to stop those first few goals. Chad was our goalie for the second half and he played great, but we lost 5 - 0.

On the brighter side, the boys have goten MUCH better at passing and moving the ball slowly down the field. Leo tells the boys they need to "build a house" and they need to start in the backfield and slowly pass the ball up. The kids are learning when to move to open space, and (when a teammate has the ball) how you sometimes need to move AWAY from the ball to take pressure off the ball. Leo is very good with the boys, he's funny and precise at the same time.

It was great to see Skip and Denise Vallee at the game last night. Their smiles warmed the pub ater the game. Oh, I forgot to mention, the pub. After the game all the players (and their supporters) go to a "cantina" that is located wthin a few steps of the field. There everyone drinks (kids drink soda). Last night all our boys mixed in with the Dutch players and the Dutch kids were very welcoming. After Jack W. talked to a few of the Dutch kids, the Dutch boys started to chant JACK, JACK, JACk, JACK...." This went on for over a minute. Jack had the biggest smile on his face! It was awesome!! Charlie got a great photo.

Tonight is our last game. We play against the local U13 Regional Select Team. Apparently there are several 11 and 12 year olds on this Select Team, so hope springs eternal!!

Well, I have to go.

Talk to you soon.

Jim