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Hello everyone!

Thanks to all for the work you did.

In the upcoming week, we will create an area for players to "drop/email" their favorite photos and we will post for all to share.

[To the players, do you remember this?]

BOYS ODP

Day 8

The 2 boys teams took the Metro to meet their next and final opponent, US Creteil. Upon departing the Metro stop the sprawling professional training center unfolded before their eyes. We were greeted by the club president and then shown to our locker rooms underneath the stadium.

The 98's played first and set an ODP record as Cooke scored within 23 seconds on a terrific shot from the left hand side. That score would be enough as the Virginia team finished the victors in the 1-0 affair. He also scored again on a header which was wrongly ruled offside by the host's AR.

The 97's battled their opponent's to a nil nil draw. Clay, in goal, proved to be the player of the tour as he once again repelled attack after attack.

Both teams showed both individually and collective improvements, both as players and young men. They dealt well with the food, culture, customs, currency and opposition. They were polite, respectful and good ambassadors for their families and country.

Aurevoir till next year.

ODP GIRLS

Day 8

After a full day of shopping and site seeing, it was onto our last day of competition on this ODP Tour.

It started with a team meeting for the 98s, with 96 Coaches, Sarah Curtis and Ann Germain. They shared some of their own expereinces (Coach Curtis played at University of Virginia and Coach Germain played for our National Team0. They discussed commitment, leading a balanced life, how to deal with disappointments and then Coach Ann made everyone cry! She proudly spoke of the 96s National Championship run and how their team MVP never played a minute, her role off the field and to her team mates had s HUGE impact. Great lessons again on this trip.

The 96s were up first verses the local FC Juvisy. This is one of the few girl's only clubs in France. This team had a mix of senior and U18 players, a bright balanced start for the visitors, with the home team siting in a compact shape and showing a few moments coming forward. The 96s would open the scoring via a PK in the waining stage of the half. Into the second, the match lost it's rythem and the home side got the equalizer midway through. Match finished 1 -1. Some bright spots for the 96s and we look forward to seeing them compete at Rider.

Unfortunately for the 98s, their match was cancelled at the last minute. The hosts offered a compromise with their team staying to play the young team, and then a follow up scrimmage with the 96s. We are thankful for the opportunity, nevertheless, the moment was ceased. The 98s got back to their strengths and dominated possession creating chances with good movement and combinations. Making the tired teams run resulted in goals from Yoo, Dinga, Ferantino and Sayahaydian.

[98s and 96s with FC Juvisy]

After a quick social with the hosts, we were off to do some shopping, subway back to the hotel and mealtime. We leave early on Sunday.

Day 9

Home... hope you enjoy our stories.

BOYS ODP

Day 7

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.

[Metro in Paris]

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.

The 97's lost their match 1-0 as they too had a much better effort. They battled their quick and skillfull opponents. And grew in confidence and stature as the match progressed into the chilly Paris evening. The # 3 for Brondy had already been identified by Tottenham Hotspurs and will play in England next year. His speed and skill was something to behold as the boys battled to stay with the young pro and learn from his playing ability.

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.

[Guess what we are looking at?]

Tomorrow is a game day so a healthy dinner followed by a 10:30 curfew will bring the group back on track for the final task ahead.
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

Day 7:

Another quality day in France. Today we toured Versailles... this wondrous museum/castle left our coaches speechless and am sure the pictures that our players took, it will be astounding to you as well. Then off to one of the richest "futbol" clubs in the world, Paris Saint Germain.

[Versailles with Girls ODP]

A sprawling facility was on tap for the girl's games today with the 98s up first. We started brightly and soon realized that we were physically going to over match them. A couple of goals in the first half by Dinga and Yoo on balls played in behind resulted in a 2 nil lead at half. PSG came out the better team in the second stanza and kept the ball more than we did, they score after we can't clear a free kick on a header and we reply in stoppage time through Ferrantino on a breakaway to get our first international win, 3-1.

[98s and PSG]

The 96s were now up against an experienced U18 PSG team. The match initially had sprinklings of bright play from both teams and then settled into a see saw battle. The technical proficiency of the French side started to create some chances and they led 1 nil at the half. We tried to keep the ball a bit more and the French countered with a diagonal ball behind our backs and made it 2 nil. That seemed to wake us up and we played with a ton of energy, got back to 2-1 but ran out of time. Good lessons today for our side.

[96s and PSG]

Back to our hotel for some local cuisine and off to Paris site seeing on Day 8.

Day 8:

The day that we dreamed of became reality. The pictures will speak and our stories when we return will echo the sites of the day. We visited the Louvre, Champs de Elysess, the Eiffel Tower and of course, did a little bit of shopping.

[Photo op!]

Taking the subway into the heart of the city was great fun, imagine 4 teams making their way in the tunnels of the subway system, in blue jackets, moving like a river into trains. Yes, people were taking photos and asking us who we were. Great fun though.

Our last full day is tomorrow with matches and more French memories to come.

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.

BOYS ODP

Day 5
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.

[97s get ready]

Both teams, after their soccer lessons from the night before, made a few individual and tactical adjustments in order to continue their learning curve. The '98's, starting in a new formation and with some players in different positions, played their hosts to a 0-0 draw. Individually the French were more technical but the US team created more chances and should have have come away with the victory. Brendan Clegg hit the bar on a powerful free kick and Reece Cooke was denied on an point blank opportunity.

The '97's also played a strong FC Tours squad and they too, came away with a point in a 1-1 draw. Thomas, in goal, was outstanding as he thwarted attack after attack. As Magill finished his opportunity in the 59th minute to secure the result.

After the match, a stop at a local pizzeria, to replenish the calories and eat everything in site was the order of the day. Afterwards, the team bus, carrying it's tired troops, made it's way through the dark but peaceful French countryside and back to their final night at La Grande Meteor Maison.
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.

[We have arrived in Paris]

Tomorrow the next set of matches.

GIRLS ODP

DAY 5

Bonjour! Today we made they way to the historic town of Tours, to explore and to play the second match for the 98s. The coaching staff did their best to find a proper french restaurant and ended up finding an "Old Town Alexandria-esque" fare run by a comedic Englishman from London. The players on the other hand reached out far and wide to break their Subway habits with crepes and the local cuisine.

98s game #2 verses FC Tours 95 team, that's right...we played a team older than our sister 96s. A nervy start as we were not able to establish possession, giving up a goal in the 8th minute. By the end of the half, we started to look like a mature version of our ODP Pool. This continued into the second half and we were rewarded with our first international goal from Garcia, a stunning volley from outside the 18 after they couldn't clear a corner kick. Our possession play tired our hosts and we created chance after chance. Their goalkeeper made one highlight save after another (we found out later she is the French National Team's U16 keeper). Tied going into stoppage time (once the clock expires-it is on the ref to blow the whistle). A couple of nervy moments as we don't keep possession and we give up the winner with literally no time on the clock. Another lesson for our young team as our host's experience wins it, 2-1. After the game, both of our teams were invited back to their clubhouse for refreshments and social time with their players and staff. We meet FC Tours Technical Director, Michel Rouseau and his staff , who applaud our style of "futbol" and give a pro jersey to Yoo as they named her player of the match. They make an offer for us to leave our team back in France for their club (we humbly decline).

[98s vs FC Tours 95s]

Our 96s had the day off from games and did a recovery and finishing session at FC Tours' Youth Facility. The 96 coaching staff is very happy were they are at and still feel the team can improve. Fantastic day for all finished with a return to our Amboise home for dinner. To Paris tomorrow.

[Dinner with the 96s]

DAY 6

PARIS! We dream of the fashion, the shopping, the historic sites and yes, our coaches dream of the eating.

An early start as we made the 4 hour bus ride to our home for the remaining part of the trip. This is were we will have some of our greatest memories. Where players will fall in love with Europe! And once in college, plan to return. Our first stop on the way was one of the largest castles in France, Chateaux Chambord. This is one of Frances favorite Kings, "King Francois 1" homes. It was a grand estate. We took the time to view the "most recognizable castle in France" and then made our way into the city.

We have arrived in Paris! WOW! Words can't explain what we saw today. Notre Dame, the Louvre, the fashion district and many sites. Unfortunately, with time upon us - we didn't enter the historic museum. Our Paris stay will be 3 days and thus, have a chance to get in a ton of the sites. A great meal at the Hard Rock Cafe, some singing with our waitress (who was from Fairfax, VA) and a subway ride back to our hotel. Long day with a great deal more memories to come!

Game day tomorrow with more site seeing!

ODP Boys

DAY 4
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!

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.

BOYS ODP

DAY 3

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.

[Chateau do Chenonceau]

Upon returning to the Meteor they were treated to Antoine's duck salad, pomme de terre and roast duck. A pleasant and fulfilling day of games, culture and cuisine. Tomorrow will prove to be an important day as they travel to the Chateauroux training centre to take on the regional select teams.

Bon soir and aurevoir.

[The dessert that no one shared]

GIRLS ODP

DAY 3

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

DAY 1
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.

When the rest of the group arrived we all ate and bused into the city of Tours to watch a professional match between FC Tours and Angers FC. A thunderbolt of a shot catapulted the home team to 1-0 victory and the near capacity crowd went home ecstatic at the ensuing result. Upon arriving back at the Meteor the players and staff happily poured themselves into their beds after an extremely long day.

[Amboise, France]

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.