Opening day in Maastricht

Our first day in Maastricht was filled with soccer. Two 2 hour training sessions with our trainer "Behr". He is a 70 yr old grandfather of 7 that has been coaching t the highest level in Holland and KNVB for many years. He quickly went over the Dutch philosophy and the 4 fundamentals and technical aspect of their game. The girls began their work and he quickly shifted through drills that helped access the girls and their skills. After lunch they returned for the second session and picked up where they left off. They were very tired and hot. It has been sunny and 65 every day. Its quite a bit hotter on the turf fields. Our match for the evening was against a U15 regional select team. They were a bit bigger but we had the hustle. They converted 4 corner kicks into goals and won the game 5-1. The girls did very well and truly enjoyed the game as well as the tea at the half. After the game we all got together in the cateen for a soda with the girls. After exchanging email addresses and laughs, we headed back to he hostel where we barbecued some chow. After the evenings team meeting, they all wrote in their journals and went to bed.

Earlier in the day we had a somber meeting, when Zaf told the girls about Lia's brother who passed away this past Saturday. They shared their sadness and some hearfelt emotions. They decided to honor the absence of Lia and Tylers memory, with a black armband that they would wear on their arms for the game. It was a bit emotional as they put them on. They miss you Lia and wish you were here.

A quick photo update

I guess in Holland they let the girls carry the goals around? hmm they must have good insurance!

The Chaperones having a morning shot of Espresso- trying to clear the cobwebs from the night before.

Everyone is all smiles for the Ajax stadium tour- but Audrey is working on her modelling pose for all the Dutch boys.hmmmm......

A view from the sidelines at Ajax

Smile!

Some tulips in the market. From Zaf- tulips are not that special. Everyone has two lips!

The girls sitting in the"players only" lounge. NOBODY but the players and their families get to ever go in and enjoy the unbelievable lounge. We did though!

Last day in Amsterdam- on to Maastricht

nothing needs to be said here.

sitting in the press room at Ajax stadium- fielding a few questions.

Ajax coach "eddie" reviewing the session and sharing some valuable information with the girls after training.

In front of the Ajax Stadium.

A canal tour boat like the one we rode- going through the beautiful city.

Wow- did you see that!

Having the time of their life.

Zaf- what did he get himself into now!

the team at Ajax Stadium.

Sorry for not posting any pictures last night. The internet went down. I will double up tonight. Today we took a canal boat ride and meandered through the beautiful city. We went to the Feyoonord vs Willem II match in Rotterdam. Great experience. Feyoonord won 6-1. Willem scored first on a direct kick just outside the box. The next 2 balls were beautiful through balls, next was a phenominal corner, a great header etc...... 7 goals in a game is pretty special. If you can imagine going to one event that combined the NFL,NBA,NHL, MLB, you would have gotten a sense of the crowds,the atmosphere the enthusiasm and fans celebrations. Pretty amazing to see the Far Post kids cheering and celebrating with the local Feyoonord fans. After the match we dropped the boys off at Valkenswaard. An hour later we arrived at our hostel in Maastricht. We will be here three nights. We have a team breakfast and meeting planned for 8:30 am. After that we go to our first training with KNVB coach Behr. The girls (and Zaf) are chomping at the bit to get started. We have two a day training sessions followed by an evening game with the Regional U15 team. Its 11:15 and the girls went to bed about an hour ago. Zaf and I are enjoying a cold Bavaria draft. Well deserved after a long day. I will  post some pics then head upstairs.

   The girls are all fine. I continue to be impressed with each and every one of them. They truly care for each other, and are becoming closer and closer. We have a truly wonderful bunch of daughters. We also really wish Lia was here. The girls constantly talk about her ((you) I hope you are reading this Lia!))  and hope she is being strong and please know that we have little chats about the fact that you are not with us and cant wait to see and hug you.

Hope you enjoyed the pics. Will check in tomorrow night and let you know about the days events. 

A day of sightseeing and some memorable moments.

Another day full of stories for the girls to put in there journals. We all went to Amsterdam today. Visited Anne Frank's house. Very worthwhile. We also went to the flower market and souvenir shops. It was very busy and lively. The girls got to experience all sides of the city. Some lasting impressions for sure. The pictures only say half the story. Natalie Phelps ran into two of her cousins- imagine that- 18 million people and she found them! Tomorrow we go on a canal boat ride then go to a match. After that we split from the boys and head to Maastricht.

What's next?

Tomorrow we go on a backstage tour of the Ajax Stadium and then go to the Fan shop to get some goodies. After we have spent all our euros- we are heding to Amsterdam to see the sights. We hope to visit a few recommended coffee shops and of course, the red light district. The girls are looking forward to some great pastries and local food. Its hard to believe we have only been here a half day. We are all good and having fun. Hope you are not missing us too much! Will post some more tomorrow.

A few pictures from our first day.



Quick photo op outside the hostel.



Meeting the Director of Coaching for the Ajax Youth Academy. This is the first time any team
that is not affiliated with the Ajax organization has EVER trained at the facility and the only girls team to train on the field!

The girls relishing their historic moment.

Coach Zaf reviewing the days practice session and going over the agenda for tomorrow.

Made it to Amsterdam!

We arrived on time. Everyone did well. The flights were smooth and on time. No lost luggage. Layover in Iceland was uneventful. We met our guide Joss and took our bus to the hostel in Zeesburg. Ate our first Dutch lunch at the hostel. Everyone commented that it was surprisingly good. We are resting for a few hours before going to Ajax for some training and exercise. Than we come back to the hostel for dinner and some sightseeing. The weather is sunny and warm. I will try to post a few pics later.

Made it to Logan- now we hurry up and wait

The bus ride was fun. Everyone made it just fine. We are at the airport having dinner and playing cards.  Once we get airborne, everyone is going to sleep (so they say!) I will add a little more tomorrow night. If I can figure out how to add pictures and video- I will do that as well. Good night. 

Our journey begins with sadness

Amelia will not be able to join us on our trip. Her brother Tyler is in the ICU in Bozeman Montana, and she and her family are by his side. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gagliuso family during this difficult time. Although I am sure Lia is heartbroken that she cannot go on the trip, her teammates and their families will be thinking of her and her family while they are away.

The Ajax Experience

 
Here's a good narrative story here about the professional end/fan side of Ajax soccer and experiencing a game in the stadium. This is a recent story.

Part One

Part Two

Have you checked the weather in Holland lately?

Wow!!- If the weather witch is right- we are going to have an abundance of sunshine for our trip. Sunny and 60 every day. Dont forget the SPF.

Get to know: KNVB

Officially, it's Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbalbon, but we'll call it The Royal Dutch Football Association.

It's important to know these folks: Our girls will be playing against some KNVB Regional Teams when we visit.

This is their website (LINK), if you speak Dutch, it's good reading!

A little about Wesley Sneijder

Yeah, there is a bit of Nike blah, blah, blah that you have to put up with, but here's Dutch star Wesley Sneijder, a product of the Ajax Academy - where we're visiting for a day.

 


And here's a little more of him on the pitch.

A look at the Ajax Academy - our Saturday hosts!

Holland Tees

Hey everybody! Did you get a chance to see the special Holland Tee shirts we'll be wearing for part of our trip?

Here is the front view:

And here is the rear view: 

We have to give special thanks on these shirts, first to Mendy Mitiguy and Michelle Brandon for designing them and second to Tony Blake for sponsoring them. It was truly a team effort on these sweet-looking shirts.

We can't wait to see Garry Malle in one!

Start packing

Hope everyone is getting excited for the trip. Remember to get your bags packed with all the stuff from Todd's list! Parents- Check back often for updates throughout the trip.