Welcome to our blog site for our annual ODP International Trip. We will be keeping you posted throughout the team's games and travel as they make their way in and around the Loire Valley Region and the City of Paris. Merci Beaucoup!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
ODP HOME
BOYS ODP
Monday, April 9, 2012
ODP GIRLS
Saturday, April 7, 2012
BOYS ODP
The boys teams took the metro to shop in the morning (hopefully picking up gifts for their parents). After the 223 boutique shopping experience they traveled to the Parisian based AS Brondy club to play back to back games at their hosts training facility.
The 98's took to the field first and lost to a very skillful group 2-0. The Brondy club was fast and very technical but the boys played well, made individual adjustments and tied the second half 0-0. We observed big improvements in the players as they now became more aware of the French systems and styles of play. Our hosts provided the players with drinks and finger food after as they graciously thanked us for the match.
Day 8
On their off day the boys took the metro to the heart of Paris. They went though the Louvre, walked the Champs Élysées, took pictures up close of the Arc de Triumphe and strolled underneath the Eiffel Tower. A busy but very productive day as the 65 degree and sunny weather cooperated with the group through their Parisian excursion.
Bonsoir.
We would also like let you know that we had a female player who had contracted a staph infection while here in France. The player was taken to the hospital where she had the issue addressed and was subsequently kept over night for observation. The hospital determined that the strain was not contagious and she was released to her mother.
GIRLS ODP
Thursday, April 5, 2012
BOYS ODP
The entire group traveled to the beautiful town of Tours today. Set on the picturesque Loire river the old town was truly unique in postcard sort of way. The players moved around in their groups purchasing gifts, grabbing some dejuener of baguettes et fromage and generally taking in the sites and sounds of France in the springtime.
After a couple of hours in town the boys departed for the training centre of the professional team of FC Tours. They were given the customary change rooms and assigned field # 10 on this sprawling locale where young players train to become pros.
On to Paris.
Day 6
After the early alarm, and a merci beau coup and aurevoir to Antoine and the staff, the bus was loaded and the 2nd leg of the journey began. 25 minutes outside of Ambroise the bus made a slight detour and the magnificent chateau of Chambord unveiled itself before our eyes. A 45 minute stop was utilized to see this 425 room, 227 fireplace, Louis the XIV "hunting lodge." After photos, it was back to the bus and on to Paris.
Upon arriving at the Best Western in Saint Maurice the players dropped their bags, boarded the bus and were taken to the heart of Paris. They had the chance to see the world famous cathedral of Notre Dame as well as the Louvre. After dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe-Paris, the players boarded the Metro (subway) and made their way back home for a wanted sleep in the City of Light.
GIRLS ODP
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
ODP Boys
After another quality breakfast in the Meteor Estate, Chef Antoine wished the group a fine bon chance (good luck) as they made their way out to the door on their journey to Chateauroux.
After the hour and 1/2 trip through the country side and a few quaint French towns, the boys arrived at the Regional Training Centre of Chateauroux. This seven field complex of grass fields, turf fields, indoor fields and locker rooms accorded the players the experience of a professional football center where their opponents live and train. Upon arrival our hosts treated the boys to a fine lunch of poulet et legumes avec a desert of chocolate parfait.
The '97's took the time to prepare for their match whilst the '98's got an opportunity to site see for an hour in the magnificent little town of Chateauroux. However, once the matches began, that superlative of magnificent could also to applied to the performance of our host teams.
The speed and technique of the French teams completely caught our boys off guard as our, same aged, but far superior opponents, dominated the game in every facet. The '97's lost 4-2 on goals from Fadduol and, Magill while the '98's came out on the short end 7-1 (Taitague the lone scorer). It was a good lesson for our Virginia teams as they would have never seen such a quality opponent in the US, either in the past or likely to see in the near future.
We come to gain these experiences, but we now will see who will take the lessons and apply them to their next games. Another difficult game awaits them today as they take on the youth teams of the professional club FC Tours at the Tours 10 field training centre.
Aurevoir!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
GIRLS ODP
DAY 4
First day of competition for the 98s started with a 90 minute drive to the French Regional Center of Chateauroux. This is were the top selected players live during the week, go to school and train; returning home on weekends to be with their families. A fantastic lunch was served in the French School in prep for game day for the 98s and the 96s.
After a brief formal ceremony, the 98s kicked off at a frantic pace. The hosts weathered the storm and slowly gained the upper hand. A couple of squandered chances in the first half by the 98s and a very open second half, with the hosts getting the winner with 15 min left off of a free kick. Delight for the French team and disappointment for the 98s at the final whistle.
The 96s kicked off in the evening and cruised to a comfortable victory over the hosts' women's team. Ahead 1 nil at the half, they scored 2 in the second before giving up a consolation strike to make it a 3 to 1 final. We showed some bright spots and have stepped up our speed of play from yesterday's draw.
After the match, we had a fantastic pizza "ala" wood oven style and made our back to our French home.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
BOYS ODP
The boys awoke from their long sleep still trying to shake off the effects of the 7 hour flight. However, after the French style breakfast prepared by the Meteor chef Antoine, they seemed to gather their strength in anticipation of the eventful day ahead.
The local Amboise soccer club heard that the Americans were in town and invited the two teams to play a light scrimmage against their two sides at the stadium by the river. The '97's won their match 2-0 on goals by Rison and Dalton. While the '98's triumphed 4-0 with a brace (that's two in soccer lingo) from Lawal and singles from Taitague and Jones. After the match Amboise hosted the boys for a little soda, and small snack as goodwill gifts were exchanged between the coaching staffs. All and all it was a good way for the players to get their legs underneath them and begin to engage the French competition.
After the game they traveled to the world famous Chateau de Chenonceau where they toured the gardens, stables and building itself. This chateau is built over the river Cher, which in fact runs underneath the entire length of the 17th century structure. An impressive structure that was well worth the time.
Bon soir and aurevoir.
GIRLS ODP
Another great breakfast greeted the girl’s squads and a morning departure to one of the most famous castles in France, Chateau Chenonceau. We explored the castle with the river running under it, gardens and labyrinth. Tons of historical facts from local Kings and families, to it being the location of a WWI hospital, to the “Gallery” area (aka bridge) over the water being the pathway the Resistance frequently took in WWII. Onto the first match, featuring our Region 1 ODP Champs and National ODP Silver Medalists, VA 1996 Girls.
[98s at Chateau Chenonceau]
The 98’s had a 45 minute session before the game and we can see their speed of play is up, they are starting to acclimatize. The 96’s dominated possession, other than a few counter attacking moments by their hosts. They were held by a mature side nil all (0-0). The Bourges Club hosted the teams after for some drinks and baguettes in their clubhouse. VYSA Board Member, Jim Bonfils thanked the host club with appreciation gifts.
On the return drive to our French home, the 96s battled the 98s in a free style rap contest with the coaches showing their lack of skills that won’t “pay the bills.” The highlight of the night was dinner, featuring a delicious sautéed duck and strawberry sorbet delight. Tomorrow our matches will be at a high level, featuring French Regional Teams.
[96s and Bourges FC]
GIRLS ODP
DAY 1
Today was our day of travel. A comfortable flight with tons of youth groups sharing our cabin space. Chatter was up, sleep was down. Transfer fun in Amsterdam and then arrival in Paris at rush hour time. Yes, we were reminded of what we left back home in the north. We arrived at our very comfortable home for the next 6 days.
Dinner with some pate surprise meat as an appetizer and then to the local football derby match for our host town. Game had it’s flirting moments won late by a scorching 35 yard shot by the home team. Everyone went home happy and us to our beds exhausted.
[This is our home in Amboise, France]
DAY 2
Quality early breakfast and then a light training session. Both the 96s and the 98s trained this morning, pretty spirited as the teams are starting to acclimatize to the change in time zones.
Quick shower and then off to lunch in the city of Amboise. A very quaint city with a historic castle in the middle. Players explored the town and we certainly enjoyed our share of French pastry, we will try to get our fill before we return home.
Back to our hotel for another quality meal and then French Idol hosted by our illustrious host, featuring Steven Tyler, Jennifer and Randy. Great time and team bonding…which in fact was also a personal development moment. To compete at the next level, it is important for our players to show poise under pressure. Yes, the girls rocked and eventually triumphed in a tight vote.
96s have their first game tomorrow, 98s will train and then watch their sisters. We will be touring one of the most famous French castles (Chenonceaux)-apparently it has water running under it.
BOYS ODP
The 1998 and 1997 VA ODP Boys Teams arrived yesterday in the beautiful region of the French Loire Valley. Upon checking into their spacial apartment suites at the Meteor Estates they were taken out for a brief regeneration period to shake off the effects of the long day of travel.
DAY 2
After a quality French breakfast the players were bused downtown to the FC Amboise training center where they practiced by the Loire river for the next hour and a half. The weather was a near perfect 68 degrees as the teams shook of the effects of a 6 hr. time difference. After lunch the groups did some sight seeing in the old town region of Amboise where the famous chateau overlooks the shops and narrow roads below.
Upon returning to the Estates and indulging in the Meteor famous rote de buef, the players then gathered in groups to perform the French version of American Idol. After practicing in groups of four they then took the stage to the judging of the panel as well as the rest of the boys and girls of the program. I don't mind saying that a few were put off their chocolate eclairs. Everyone is having a good time and all are healthy and happy.
Tomorrow the '96 Girls are off to Bourges while the local Amboise club has asked the '98 boys for a friendly get together and a light scrimmage.
In the mean time aurevoir.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Benefits of the Trip: From Dr. Dan the Mental Man
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
VA ODP 96 Girls Itinerary
THU. MARCH 29
Departure from Dulles airport on overnight flight to Paris CDG
FRI. MARCH 30
Arrival in Paris in the morning Transfer to Amboise in the Loire Valley Possible attendance to Ligue 2 match Tours FC – SCO Angers
AMBOISE
SAT. MARCH 31
Training in the morning Sightseeing in the Loire Valley
SUN. APRIL 01
Sightseeing in the Loire Valley
MON. APRIL 02
Trip to Chateauroux for lunch and match at the Regional Football Training Center Possible visit of La Berichonne Chateaureaux (Ligue 2) Training Center
MATCH vs ES VINEUIL BRION
AT CHATEAUROUX - 06:30PM
TUE. APRIL 03
Activities tbd
MATCH vs TBD
WED. APRIL 04
Transfer to Saint-Maurice (outskirts of Paris) in the morning Sightseeing in Paris
SAINT-MAURICE
THU. APRIL 05
Sightseeing in Paris
MATCH vs PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
AT SAINT-GERMAIN - 06:30PM TBD
FRI. APRIL 06
Sightseeing in Paris
SAT. APRIL 07
MATCH VS FC JUVISY - TBC
AT JUVISY - TIME TBD
Sightseeing in Paris
SUN. APRIL 08
Return flight to Dulles airport from Paris CDG
VA ODP 97 Boys Itinerary
THU. MARCH 29
Departure from Dulles airport on overnight flight to Paris CDG
FRI. MARCH 30
Arrival in Paris in the morning Transfer to Amboise in the Loire Valley Possible attendance to Ligue 2 match Tours FC – SCO Angers
AMBOISE
METEOR VAL DE LOIRE
SAT. MARCH 31
Training in the morning Sightseeing in the Loire Valley
SUN. APRIL 01
Sightseeing in the Loire Valley
MON. APRIL 02
Trip to Chateauroux for lunch and match at the Regional Football Training Center Possible visit of La Berichonne Chateaureaux (Ligue 2) Training Center
MATCH vs REGIONAL SELECT TEAM “CENTRE”
AT CHATEAUROUX - 04:30PM
TUE. APRIL 03
Activities tbd
MATCH vs TOURS FC
AT TOURS - 06:30PM
WED. APRIL 04
Transfer to Saint-Maurice (outskirts of Paris) in the morning Sightseeing in Paris
SAINT-MAURICE
APPART-CITY
THU. APRIL 05
Sightseeing in Paris
MATCH vs VAL DE MARNE SELECT TEAM (TBC)
LOCATION TBD - 04:30PM
FRI. APRIL 06
Sightseeing in Paris
SAT. APRIL 07
MATCH vs US CRETEIL
AT CRETEIL - 02:30PM
Sightseeing in Paris
SUN. APRIL 08
Return flight to Dulles airport from Paris CDG