Chaperones - Work Hard, Play Hard

From check in at BWI on parent chaperones hit the ground running and never stopped. Most of our time was spent herding cats on excursions, knocking on doors to wake up the sleepyheads, and walk them to and from the Pathfoot Building for meals. We made sure the boys were dressed for practice, games or that day's outing and - the bane of our existence - did loads of laundry. Your child may not have washed any of his clothes while away but you can be sure that his uniform and warm up kits were. I'm not complaining here, but the stench of all their uniforms and smelly socks piled up in one place was just short of toxic. Next trip we'll remind all of you to write your child's name into his clothes (kudos to Xavier's parents!) We spent the first night playing Match the Top, Bottom and Socks to the Player.

Julie was the laundry maven and spent a lot of time moving between washer and dryer in the room behind the reception desk. So much so that she befriended several of the Chinese students staying in AKD (AK Davidson) as part of an ESL teaching program. Kim and her friend brought snacks to the semi-final match against Larkhall and invited Julie to visit them when they return to China. Cross cultural understanding in action! 

Truth be told, there wasn't much free time. The few breaks we had were spent doing laundry and checking the schedule. We worked hard but we all got breaks. Stuart spent a day or two with his Scottish relatives, Bob ducked over to the sports management center to work out and keep sane, Jan, Mary and I walked campus searching for WiFi and swapping photos to post to Facebook and the blog. We napped on the buses to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

During the day the only place to check email and get Internet access was the Stirling Management Center, a conference center 15-20 minutes from the dorm. Coming from the spartan conditions of the dorm with its Soviet era block architecture, beds purchased on clearance from a Gulag and showers where the lack of ventilation caused the curtains to cling to our legs, we coveted the luxury of the sleek, modern bathrooms and free WiFi. Every day we walked by the construction crews that were renovating the dorms one by one and wished that ours had been completed already. What made our stay at the dorm exceptional was the staff who worked the reception desk (pictured are each team's room key drop box). They offered parents coffee and tea, helped us secure taxis and locate the fastest pizza delivery which happened to be Dominos. The constantly hungry boys called them nearly every night around 21:00h, which is understandable when dinner is at 17:30-18:00h.

When the boys were settled for bed, usually around 22:00h, a few of us would go out to see what was on tap and get a feel for the local culture. Most nights we ended up at The Meadow Park, a renovated mansion a block from the campus entrance and 15-20 walk from the dormitory. This is where we toasted Fusion parent Jorge Moreno who was celebrating his 29th birthday.

On a few occasions, when he was sure we didn't bite, Coach Matt joined us but on game nights he stayed behind to make sure the boys went to sleep. What happened in Stirling stays in Stirling but, rest assured, there was always a parent on duty at the dorm. You can all say a big thank you to Julie who was at AKD when the fire alarm went off at 12:30am Sunday morning while the rest of us were karaoke-ing. She can tell you that one third of our players either sleep through fire alarms or, when faced with the choice between sleep and saving their own lives, they will stay in bed. Thankfully it was a false alarm.

The chaperones let their hair down at the player disco singing karaoke. Bob cranked out Jimi Hendrix, Heather sang Heartbreaker and Jan and Mary sang Meatloaf's Love by the Dashboard Lights. Quite the performers! Coach Matt was cajoled into singing Oasis's Don't Look Back in Anger but the DJ wasn't taking any more requests. We'll make sure the next team to make the trip to Stirling holds him to it!

Sunday Aug 4 Final v Rangers SABC

The final match was held on the upper field that provided spectacular views of the mountains and William Wallace Memorial. Once again we were blessed with lots of sunshine and warm weather, unusual for summer in Scotland. The Rangers coasted into the final by obliterating three of their opponents and expected an easy match against Fusion so when John scored twice early in the first half they were reeling.

Eric threw in the ball and John passed it to Jack who chipped it over a defender back to John for a tap-in inside the six. The second goal came when Alex fed the ball to Sam who passed it through traffic to John who was waiting to the right of the goal and put it in. Sam scored his second goal of the tournament when he curled in off the wing to receive a pass from Alex and struck it low. Jubilant, he threw himself on the ground with a celebratory airplane.

Up 3-0 at the half, tour manager Gerry Gilroy gave the team a pep talk. He told the boys that, if they went out and scored quickly, they would silence the Rangers parents and win the game. That’s precisely what they did.

Throughout the tournament Jack had several shots on goal and finally hit pay dirt against the Rangers. John ran toward the box from the right corner and crossed it to Jack, who was charging down the middle, and found the corner just beyond the keeper’s reach. Not long after Jack tapped in another. Alex had the assist.

Jherson received the only card of the tournament. Rangers players, frustrated that they couldn’t out run him or strip the ball from him, tried to take him out from behind and would dive to get a whistle. The third time this happened, Jherson got a yellow. After the game, some Rangers refused to shake hands and told Jherson he shouldn’t have been on the field (i.e., should have been red carded). Unperturbed, Jherson said, “I have haters and I have followers. I don’t care about (the haters).” Julie has a great photo of Jherson in air, going for the ball, looking as if he's about to crush a Ranger underneath him.

The sidelines were more crowded than they were in previous matches. Coach Matt’s parents returned and were treated to a better performance than the draw with Shetland. Stuart’s extended family came to show its support and his uncle coached feverishly from the sidelines. Several boys from East Kilbride, who lost 8-1 to the Rangers earlier that morning, cheered the Fusion on and liberally berated the ref for making bad calls.

John clinched his second tournament hat trick on a pass from Alex, juking out the keeper in a one on one. The Rangers scored a consolation goal late in the second half with a nice shot just outside the eighteen.

Immediately after the game Fusion celebrated with their buddies, Shetland, who beat Riverside 4-1 for the Plate. The celebration continued at the Farewell Disco where the multi-talented Fusion players busted moves and sang karaoke late into the evening.

Epilogue

Despite the concern over the increased player to chaperone ratio, the return trip home was uneventful. The flight attendant on the leg from Philadelphia to Baltimore acknowledged the boys and their accomplishment to the passengers upon landing, to their delight.

The US Airways employee who informed us of our outbound flight cancellation from Baltimore was on duty when the boys arrived. She was thrilled to see everyone and hear about the tournament. She gave Julie a big hug.

The cup returned home with team manager, Jan. We agreed that each boy will have an opportunity to take the cup home, similar to the Stanley Cup in the NHL. Eric K is starting off and it will rotate through the group. So that everyone has a shiny cup to show off, please take good care of it!

Each boy will also receive a Takoma Park Fusion pennant (if their parent didn't receive one at the airport) and a Shetland pin. We have pennants from the teams we played that will be given to players. Since there aren't enough to for each boy to have one we'll need to determine how to do it fairly.

If the boys didn't get it directly, several chaperones have contact information for guest players Mitch and Jack (affectionately known as er-Jack because Coach Matt often paused when addressing him). Both boys are eager to visit DC and play with the Fusion again. Looks like a reunion scrimmage is in our future!

LLYSF has posted a highlight video of the tournament that includes a few photos of our team and trip organizer/team manager Jan.

Last Update Before We Leave

 

Loch Lomond U13 Boys Champions Takoma Park Fusion and runner up Shetland. The boys kept their best performance of the tournament for the final, winning 6-1. John notched another hat trick with three one on ones against the keeper. Jack and Sam tallied goals with two and one respectively. Rangers scored a late consolation goal but were deflated.

 

The Fusion's last game, a friendly, was played this evening against Livingston. The boys were exhausted from celebrating late into the night at the player farewell disco so they were  flat (incriminating karaoke photos will surface soon). They still held their own, dominating the second 25 minute quarter, going up 1-0 with four shots on goal. Livingston came back in the third quarter to win 2-1. Everyone was pleased with their performance. Unfortunately, we forgot to get a photo with the opposing team.

I'll continue to post entries, fleshing out some of the games, talking about some of the trips and other stories from the week. There are just too many to put up in such a short time.

I can speak for all the chaperones when I say it has been a pleasure getting to know the boys. They were terrific and represented the US well. Ask them about the boys from Shetland, what the food was like (did they try the haggis at lunch?), or does Subway in Scotland taste the same as in the States? They'll come home with some dirty laundry but we had to choose between that and Stirling Castle and the Sports Direct store. In other words, there was no contest. Shopping for football duds was their favorite activity.

They will be happy to see your smiling faces at BWI Tuesday evening!

Sunday Aug 4 Semi-Final v. Larkhall

Semi Final v. Larkhall United 3-0
The 9am match meant another early breakfast for the boys but this time they were well rested. The night before, Matt escorted them to the Player’s Disco and returned 25 minutes later to make sure they went to bed at a reasonable hour.

Larkhall was a tough competitor. Through most of the first half the teams were evenly matched and neither goalie saw much action. That changed toward the end of the first half when Alex’s free kick went into the box and Jherson drove in the header.

Matt’s rousing half-time talk (“It’s a battle!") did the trick because Fusion dominated the second half, taking shot after shot, wearing down the Larkhall keeper. The insurance goal came when Sam ran up the left side of the field, passed to Eric K who tapped it to Mitch who drove it into the left corner, deflected off the goalie and in. His first goal of the tournament, Mitch’s victory lap led him to the sidelines where he high-fived his parents.

Xavier moved and placed the ball well. Eric M single handedly stopped several defenders who couldn’t get around him. Andrew and Jherson’s speed were put to the test as Larkhall sent the ball deep but they only managed one shot on goal with Matthew making the save. Jason came close to scoring his first goal of the tournament with a line shot that went just wide.

A few amusing aspects of the game included Austin defending a lad who was twice his height. He held his own. While waiting for a corner kick, Jackson was in position in the box with his arms up in surrender while a defender kept shoving him from behind, but the ref ignored it . The Fusion's tenacity left Larkhall scratching its collective head.

The Erics sealed the victory. Moreno sent the ball into the box and Kinderman chipped in the goalie’s rebound.

Next match at High Noon against the storied Rangers.

Saturday Aug 3 Fusion vs. Shetland

The lack of internet access is killing us chaperones. It is not available in the dorms so we either have to trek to the management center, a good 15 minute walk each way, or find a pub. With a full schedule like ours it’s difficult to get away and post updates, let alone make them coherent.

Off campus we’re worse than teenagers when we realize there’s WiFi. Six adults gathered around a table and every last one of us is basking in the glow of a device.

Meal times are staggered, so often when we arrive at the Pathfoot building there are teams just finishing up. On Friday evening when we arrived players from a Scottish 2001 team called out to ask how the boys did. John said, “We won both games, 4-0 and 6-0”.  The boys replied with a, “Whoa”.

As an American team our boys are a novelty, which was evident at the reception following the Opening Ceremony. Jherson in particular has drawn attention because he’s tall, dark skinned and his hair is braided. He takes his Rock Star status in stride and has been gracious with the Scottish lads, most of whom have never seen an African-American before. In fact, watching the Scottish teams interact with the Fusion in the cafeteria has been one of the highlights for the chaperones. Unfortunately, there aren’t any teams within our age group staying in our dorm. Maybe that’s a good thing otherwise they would’t get any sleep.

The third match of the tournament, against Shetland, was scheduled at 9am which meant the boys had to wake up at 7am to have enough time to eat and walk to the pitch. Several boys are difficult to rouse, especially with all the football they’ve been playing, but by the time they make it to the Pathfoot building they’re awake. That morning, the Shetland players had already finished their breakfast and surrounded the Fusion, chatting them up.

Shetland were friendly at breakfast and feisty on the field. Their match that morning was Fusion’s toughest one yet. The weather was cold and the pitch located at the top of the hill near Airthrey castle exposing us to the wind. Fatigue and overconfidence left the Fusion, in Coach Matt’s words, “Flat”. Shetland’s defense was much better than the previous too teams, effectively shutting down our offense. Sam scored our only goal in the first half. In the second, a Shetland player let one loose from outside the 18 and the wind carried it out of Matthew’s reach for the equalizer. Unlucky, to use one of my favorite British terms.

Fusion had chances, though. Eric M sent a solid shot from outside the box but the wind blew it wide. Overall Fusion didn’t have the cohesion that made them so successful the day before which was unfortunate because Coach Matt’s parents, who were in town from Manchester, were in attendance.  Final score 1-1.

Matt has been instructing the boys on the pitch and off. When games are super early boys are told to eat lightly, lots of carbs and easily digestible foods, no yogurt. Hydrate and no coffee. The boys are following his lead.

More photos to come but the weather was so crappy they're are hard to come by.

First Day of Loch Lomond Soccer Festival

It was a beautiful day for football! The sun was out all day and not a raindrop fell. We heard that this was the best weather Stirling has had in long while.

Fusion started off the tournament with a bang, shutting out Riverside 4-0. John scored in the opening five.  Jackson made a run to put one in. In the second half Austin placed shot past the keeper in the right corner. John finished what he started with a close range header through a mess of bodies.

Wednesday night’s loss to the Accies motivated the players for Friday’s games. The players were getting a better feel for each other’s strengths, moving the ball into space and being more accurate with their passes. Alex and John had multiple shots outside the box that went just wide or hit the post. We lost count of the goals could have gone in but didn’t. The play was more aggressive though not as physical.



All smiles after two tournament shutouts.

The next match against East Kilbride started much the same as the first. John drove down the field and put the ball in when EK turned the ball over after first touch. Fusion maintained possession most of the game putting constant pressure on EK’s amazing keeper. Still goal hungry after the morning match, Alex finally calibrated his boots and found the back of the net twice in less than five minutes. Jack had several shots on goal, including one off the crossbar, and Jason launched a couple wide but it was all John after that. A hat trick wasn’t good enough. He had three more goals in the second half for a total of six at day’s end.



The Fusion defense was phenomenal with Andrew sending the ball up constantly, Eric “Stonewall” Moreno preventing the offense from penetrating. Xavier and Sam kept the field wide by working the lines. At fullback, Jherson was a full foot taller than opponents with one EK parent commenting how, when he headed the ball, his “boots were at our lads’ eye-level”.

You can follow the tournament in real time at the Loch Lomond Youth Festival website: www.lochlomondsoccer.com

The next match is Saturday morning 9 am. Fusion lead the division and our scout, Gerrie, believes that they'll play the Rangers in the finals.

First Friendly v Hamilton Accies

The Fusion's first friendly match was against the Hamilton Accies, an academy team. This is Scotland after all so the match would not have been complete without a steady rain. The parents on the sidelines were huddling under umbrellas and sporting rain jackets, moving around to stay warm. Tour organizer Eric McAleer laughed and said, "This is nothin. It's just spittin".

The Accies are an academy team which means that player expenses are paid for and they're in the funnel to play professionally. Their footwork and ball control was outstanding with several beautiful goals. The match was an eye opener for the Fusion as it was highly physical and our players were pushed, elbowed and slide tackled frequently. The ref let them play only pulling out the whistle when Jackson was tossed several feet, calling to the offending player "aye, this isn't a wrestling match". Fusion gave it their all and with each quarter, matched the Accies physicality. After three 25 minute quarters the Fusion lost 6-1 with our guest player, Jack from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, scoring the lone goal.

After the game both teams were excited about posing for a group shot. In a few years Fusion players can look to see which of the boys end up playing for the Rangers.

Glasgow

We took a day trip to Glasgow on Wednesday. The driver dropped us off at St George's square and we followed our fabulous tour manager, Gerrie Gilroy, on a pilgrimage past numerous street musicians to boy heaven - the Sports Direct store. The lower level was entirely shoes - running, flats, cleats - and the upstairs was soccer jerseys, pants, shorts galore. The boy spent an hour combing the racks, looking for their favorite teams, debating between old jersey style vs. new. Many boys opted for the green and white of the Celtics in preparation for the tour of their stadium.


At Jock Stein Stadium the first stop on the tour was the trophy room where our guide shared the team's rich history and great moments on the pitch. We visited the field, sat on the player bench and toured the skyboxes with their glorious views of the field. In the press room they each fielded questions from the media and referred all contractual inquiries to their agents.
 

Beans for Breakfast

The boys got a good night's rest last night but they're still suffering from jet lag. Yesterday afternoon they were bouncing off the walls but by evening many a head were bobbing at dinner. This morning when they gathered in the dorm lobby to walk to breakfast they were still half asleep. When asked to name a highlight from the day of the trip Jherson replied "Being able to sleep."
 
One difference in how they start their day is eating beans for breakfast. Could be the jetlagbut several have taken to drinking coffee in the morning. Having Cocoa Krispies as an option helped, too.

Cowboy Up!

As we prepared to board the puddle jumper to Philadelphia, the US Airways customer service rep waved us over and loudly whispered, "Your flight has been cancelled. I'm telling you this before the general announcement so you can make it to the ticket counter before everyone else. You'll board a bus to make your connection."  This after arriving three hours early to the airport. After standing in the TSA line for an hour. After walking a country mile to the farthest gate in the terminal. Boy patiently waiting, playing cards, and going wherever and whenever we told them to.

We trekked to the ticket counter and to baggage claim and back to learn that the flight, in fact, had not been cancelled and US Airways was going to pull a plane out of the mothballs for us. In all we spent five hours at BWI when we could have driven to Philly in two. Bob Carter told us to "Cowboy up!" so we invoked our Takoma Park karma and arrived just as passengers began boarding the flight to Glasgow.

 

Exhausted but in good spirits, the boys began suffering from RID, Reduced Intellect Disorder, where their goofball quotient is directly correlated to the number of boys present. Their first practice, held at William Wallace High School, should help with that. 

 

And I'm sorry that the photos aren't aligning properly but I'm too tired to care.

 

T Minus 22 Hours

What began as a kernel of an idea in Fall 2012 has finally come to fruition. Many emails and dollars spent later, the boys U13 Takoma Park Fusion are crossing the pond to take part in the Loch Lomond International Youth Soccer Festival at the University of Stirling.

Hopefully we'll find the proper USB cables to connect Stuart's camera to my Surface Pro and have adequate Wi-Fi access. If so we'll upload photos and chronicle the trip for those who remain stateside.