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.