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.
