Probably the best day so far...

We woke up today to frigid temperatures and rain but the soccer kept us warm all day.

The morning started with us watching FC Twente second team train. The team was playing later in the day so it was only about a 45' session. Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert is the coach of the team. The pace of the training was very fast.

Then we had lunch at the training facility with the players and coaches. It was great to see these pros away from the field. I was especially impressed with their character.

After lunch we got a chalk talk from Kluivert about the upcoming game that evening. It was very interesting to see the game plan ahead of time.

Afterward we got an overview of the club structure from their DOC. We could learn a lot in our country from this club's structure.

We then watched training sessions from all the youth teams and the FC Twente women's professional team.

The evening ended with a very entertaining game which FC Twente second team unfortunately lost 7-3.

Tomorrow we have another full day which will be exciting.

Talk to you soon!

Incredible environment!

It doesn't get much better than this...

Today we traveled to Mönchengladbach Germany to watch a Bundesliga match between Borussia Mönchengladbach and FSV Mainz.

Prior to the kickoff we met with the assistant coach in charge of goalkeepers who broke down the game plan for the match against FSV Mainz. It was interesting to hear the game plan and accounting report and then watch the match unfold. His report was very accurate.

The game itself was good. But the really special part of the experience was the game environment. The singing and spirit in the stadium was amazing. It was by far the most intense environment.

Tomorrow we are going to spent the day at FC Twente and Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert who is coaching the second team. We will watch the first team, second team, and youth teams train. It should be a great experience.

Talk to you soon!

Back on track...

After a few days of complications we appear to be back on track here on our soccer journey.

Let's recap the last few days...

Thursday - our last day in Spain was spent watching the oldest youth team Juvenile A of FC Barca play a match. The level was fantastic. You can see the connection to the first team.

Friday - unfortunately weather delayed our flight from Spain to Holland by about 5 hours which meant we missed the Dutch 1st Division game we were supposed to see Friday night.

Saturday - we got a lecture from Frans Hoek who is currently an assistant with the Dutch National Team. He spoke about the youth development and the Dutch First Division.

Then the first team coach of the Telstar FC women's team, Case Calk, spoke to us about the development of women's soccer in Holland. This is rather a new development. Much like the USA is doing starting in 2013 with Canada and Mexico, the Dutch have combined with Belgium to create a league and a super league. 

Sunday we head to Germany for a Bundesliga match. 

Tot ziens!

Well they can't all be great games...

The highlight of today had nothing to do with soccer.

Trust me...

I took the bullet train from Madrid to Barcelona. It cut a 6 hour drive in half going at speeds of 200 mph. It is the best way to travel. You hardly know you are moving it is so smooth. Spacious seating, a bar on the train, food service, movies...

The match tonight was not great. Barcelona hardly started any regulars. Messi came on in the 60th minute then injured his knee. After seeing 11 goals in the first two games we saw zero in this Champions League match. Benfica was eliminated with the tie.

Tomorrow we are headed back to the Barca training grounds for games and training sessions.

Talk to you then!

Adios!

Champions League!

Today I attended my first Champions League match at one of the most famous stadiums in the world - Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.

Compared to the other stadiums we have seen the Bernabeau was very modern. There were heaters on the roof that kept us nice and warm.

The game between Real Madrid and Ajax featured two contrasting styles.  Ajax and their famed possession style versus Real Madrid and their fast transition counter attacking style.

Madrid won 4-1 but it was really a far more competitive match.

We started the day in Valencia with a lecture from their director of sport on the Valencia way of playing. We also toured their stadium Mestalla. The fans are right on top of the field. I don't think I've ever seen a stadium go straight up like that.

Tomorrow we leave for Barcelona again. We will see our second Champions League matchtomorrow night between FC Barca and Benfica.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Adios!

On the road...

On the road...

We left Barcelona around 10 am for the 3 hour drive to Valencia.

It was a beautiful drive that reminded me a lot of California. Part of the journey was along the coast which is gorgeous.

Once we arrived in Valencia we checked into a hotel right next to the training facilities.

One thing I've noticed so far in Spain is that there are soccer fields and stadiums everywhere. It's awesome!

After a lunch of Paella and a short siesta we attended trainings at CF Valencia.

We watched the U17 boys train. The practice was fast and the players are talented.

I'm certain my CSU Stanislaus team will be thrilled to know that they warmed up basically doing the FIFA 11+ warmup.

After that we were supposed to leave and go watch the 9, 10 and 11 year olds train. Instead I stayed and watched the U19 team.

I'm not sure that was allowed because I found myself locked into the training facility behind signs that clearly stated "authorized personnel only..."

It was worth the risk!

They trained at a very high level and it was impressive to watch. I took lots of notes...

Tomorrow we are meeting with the director of youth development for CF Valencia. Then on the road again to Madrid to see the Real Madrid v Ajax Champions League match. That should be incredible.

Adios!

Play and Enjoy!

We had the pleasure of sitting for a while with the youth director of coaching for Barcelona. He shared with us the philosophy of FC Barcelona.

Are you ready?

Play and enjoy!

We spent today watching players from u9 to u18 play and enjoy the game to the fullest.

One of the things that was very obvious is that their philosophy translates into their play. The players play with a smile.

The day started with u9 boys. They play 7v7. Every team plays the same system 1:3:2:1. It is amazing to watch these youngsters play the game.

After that we saw u13 and u17 games. The day ended when we left the Barcelona training center and went across town to watch the u15 boys play against a local club Gava.

It was an incredible game with FC Barca winning 2-1. I'm pretty sure I saw the next Messi. His name is Lee. He was incredible!

Tomorrow we head to Valencia. Our first bit of bad news hit today. We were supposed to watch the 1st team train tomorrow morning and then meet and talk with the coach.  But the coach was fired yesterday so that has thrown our plans into disarray.

We are still going and we will get to see youth teams train but we might not get to see the 1st team in action.

I'm sure it will still be a great day.

Until tomorrow...

Adios!