July 6 – departure day finally here and we meet at DFW with all of the kids dressed in Red.  That will be significant as you read future days.  check in was a breeze and then a quick group shot and we say bye to our families.  Of course we had some tears, would you expect anything else.  Rest assured parents, kids are in good hands and its going to be a great experience.  Security is a breeze and we have plenty of time for a bite to eat.  As you know, discipline is big part of our tour and we start off with 2 kids doing sit ups for not saying their number loud enough.  Each of the kids have a number assigned to them so we can count off and not waste time counting heads.  I am sure by now social media has given away the 2 culprits and parents must be so proud to see their kids being first, lol.  Off to London Heathrow and will update July 7th the next day.

Ciao

Ed

July 7th – well we arrived, but not without much drama.  group 1 that left with Coach Eddie was delayed in Dallas and upon arrival in Paris, missed their connection.  They fortunately were booked on the last 5 spots and arrive in Copenhagen but without 3 of their bags.  What a mess in Copenhagen baggage claim.  My group had a much more stressful adventure.  Flight from Dallas to London Heathrow was great.  Smooth, good food, service, etc. and arrived in Heathrow late but with about 1 hour and 15 minutes to connect.  But its Heathrow and about 500 people in front of us trying to get through security checkpoint before we go through the detectors, etc.  We squeeze up towards the front,  upsetting lots of people along the way and finally about 8 of us pass through.  I informed the staff that my group of 30 was late and they tried to help the kids in red tops, which of course of us.  Flight is 12:45, we wait in this line  for over an hour and after long bouts of charm, begging, pleading, and just pestering with as much class as I could muster, they all get through wave 1.  Now we have to go upstairs for securtity 2 but they are waiting for us and put us close to the top, but still a long time away.  Its after 1 pm by now, and yes our flight was scheduled to depart at 12:45, so welcome to my world.  We finally all get through security and we literally run to gate A20 which is at the end of the terminal, of course it is.  And run we do, a wave of red kids with backpacks on, racing through Heathrow, what a sight.  We arrive at the gate, board the plane and the staff were all waiting for us. Better to wait for 30 passengers than to rebook 30 so it all worked out.  Arrive in Copenhagen and we encounter the disaster that baggage claim has become, with 4 bags missing, including  my own.  We now board our bus to Aabrybo and stop about 3 hours in for dinner at a roadside cafe.  Small simple pleasures as the  kids had a blast.  And of course sit-ups are present, lots of them.  We arrive just before midnight and our long adventure ends with a nice bed.  Its very cool out so our fleeces are another good call.  Wish I had mine as I am freezing and just want to brush my teeth, oh yea that is missing too.  

training tomorrow so fun day ahead for us.

Ciao

Ed

July 8th – training day – lots of training

We start at 7 am but kids all out on field by 6:30 as all are still on jet lag.  Jog through town followed by some team training.  All working out great.  Kids learned the SnS chant so be sure to follow our social media for those sweet clips.  Breakfast 8:30, training #2 at 10 am.  Little more intense as we need to know what we have talent wise.  Another good session.  Lunch at 1:45, more name challenges and yes more sit-ups.  Kids think we are joking, lol. Not sure where that came from.  Training at 4:30 and kids continue to work hard.  Dinner at 7 pm, lasagna, yummy.  And yes we have more sit-ups.  After dinner we have a sand soccer tournament and its a classic.  Kids had a blast.  Its quite  cold here, low 50s today and windy so sweats and fleeces are in order.  Still missing 7 bags and so frustrating.  Curfew at 10:30 is no issue as kids are tired.  Be sure to watch Stars ‘n Stripes on instagram and facebook for videos, pics, etc.  

off to bed for a nap and more tomorrow.

ciao

Ed

Breakfast at 8:45 and then morning training at 10:30.  Good session today as we move to 11v11 for the 1st time to sort out our shape, etc.  All teams looking pretty good I must say and happy to see the talent level.  Still learing names as evidenced by the many doing sit ups.  Lunch at 1:30 and we give the kids their first break as no afternoon session but they can no go to the grocery store for the first time and get some snacks, healthy ones, lol.  Also a team nap is in order, at least 30 minutes as we beat down a bit.  Kids really enjoyed the easy afternoon and dinner at 6:30, rice and chicken with curry sause, pretty darn good.

After dinner, we have a really special evening as we break into 4 groups.

group 1 is on the sand for sand volleyball, group 2 on the goal station turf for small sided games, group 3 in the futsal gym and group 4 in the tumbling hall with trampolines, etc.  We rotate every 20 minutes and have a blast.  Beach in store for Sunday so that should be fun.

Ciao, Ed

July 9 – cold and windy again today, unseasonably windy, like 40 mph gusts which makes it colder.  talking low 50s.  Ugh but nothing slows us down.  Breakfast club at 6:30 am which is our workout and today was juggling the ball across the field forward and then backwards without dropping.  Challenging but also a good test of will, skills, and mental toughness.  Breakfast at 8 followed by training again at 10.  We are doing some unique training and kids are really enjoying it.  Special treat today as we take a bus for about an hour to see our friend Ruth and her husband who make us lunch with hot dogs, potato salad, fruit and more. Kids had a blast being in the Danish countryside.  We then walk about 2 miles to the beach and have a blast.  Not a lot of time in the water but we make the most of it and almost all of the kids went in.  Again, see the videos and pics on social media, pretty cool stuff.  We have to  walk back 2 miles to catch our bus again and return home.  We train again from 8-9 and then Dinner at 9 followed by a tactical chalk talk that lasts over 90 minutes.  Kids asked some good questions and we accomplished a lot and of course  told some good stories.  Kids are great, tired but great.  We walk everywhere and their hip flexor muscles are very tight so lots of stretching, etc.  Meals have been good too.  Lasagna last night, rice/curry/meat tonight and breakfasts and lunches are just simple  and healthy and fresh.  Room check as well tonight just to ensure we have some kind of organization.  And of course we still have sit-ups.  Dwindling finally which means they are finally getting it but still present to make sure.  last day here on Sunday and its been a great stay.

Ciao,

Ed

July 10th – the wind finally eased off today and allowed for a great Danish Summer day.  no Breakfast club today as we let the kids sleep in.  They have been killing it and we felt they needed a little break.  Breakfast at 8, training at 10 am.  Sharpness still not there but we are getting better.  after training, lunch at 1 and then afternoon training at 4:30 but kids kept going at it so we trained well after 6:30 which pushed our dinner time to 8 pm.  Had a great chat about nutrituion and snacking, etc.  Hope the kids are paying attention and might have to change a few parent habits in the process, hint, hint.  After dinner, the kids get their phones and all call or text home and friends.  They are pretty excited and have an impromptu dance party.   Go see the videos, pretty impressive.  Kids all go to the park and play in the playground and have a great evening.  We also do some laundry so we are clean for tomorrows transfer.   Food has been great, stay has been great, but still missing 4 bags, so frustrating!!!  Cleaning rooms and depart tomorrow for Cup 1 accomodations.  Kids excited to chat with famiy so that was fun!

Ciao

Ed

July 11th – transfer day as we say thank you to Aabrybo for a great training camp.  Breakfast at 8 am and we clean our rooms, very thoroughly and parents you would be proud of the kids and how they cleaned. Toilets as well.  Bus at 10 am to Frederickshaven and its a quick hour.  We arrive at our school and we immediately unpack and prepare our rooms.  One team per room on air mattresses and its quire cozy.  Kids are organized and ready for the experience.  We go to the local grocery store to buy supplies for lunch, all healthy too, they are learning.  Bus at 5 pm to headquarters so we can check in and then go eat our first meal.  Pretty good too.  Then we walk, and walk, and walk.  We finally found the beginning of the march for the opening ceremonies and then we walk back almost to where we started, lol.  Kids are finally singing and chanting, just go watch the social media.  Really good stuff.  We march through town and then into the stadium and each team was recognized on the sound system and while on stage they sang our SnS chant!  And after the opening cermonies, we walk home.  Pretty sure we had close to 10 miles today walking and with games starting tomorrow, 10 pm curfew.  We start livestreaming our games tomorrow so please follow the ProCup app for our schedule.  Remember, that these games will not be deleted so you can watch at any time.  Fyi, we named 2 captains today, Caden Carlock for the Boys18 and Ella Kane for the Girls17.  wish us luck tomorrow, 

Ciao

Ed

July 12th – let the games begin.  We are staying in a school room on air mattreses but its great as each team is in one room and time for team bonding.  yes the showers are public and yes the breakfast is a bit crowded, but its the experience and its all good.  

Girls start us off with a barn burner as we tie another US team 2-2

Boys 18 won their first game vs a team from Norway 1-0

Boys 18 have to play again in a few hours and lose to a very good Norwegian team 4-0

Boys 15 tie a Danish team 1-1, should have won.

Girls end the first day losing to an older American team, counted as a friendly 6-0

Lunch and dinner are at the headquarters and its quite good.  No complaints but we walk everywhere and kids legs are tired so need to watch injuries.

back to school for end of day meeting, pass out Player of the Day awards and curfew.  Good first day

wish us luck tomorrow, Ciao

July 13th – games continue –

weather is great, about 75 during the day, 50s in the evening and kids are in their fleeces, etc.  There is a tent of gear on site and the prices are incredible so get ready for some cool deals that the kids found.  Great stuff.

boys 15 start us off today losing 1-0 to an American team and just could not score.

Girls tied a Scottish team 2-2 in a great game.

Boys 18 destroyed a Danish team 9-0 and apologies for running up the score but 1st tiebreaker is goal differential

Boys 15 won 2-0 against a team from Norway and starting to play better.

Boys 18 finished the day beating a very physical Danish team 4-1, very physical!!!

back to school but we allow the kids to stop at Grocery store as they are still learning about proper snacks and of course more sit ups are still going on.  They will learn, I hope.

kids in bed and ready for the next day

Ciao, Ed

July 14th – big day today as we start getting an idea on advancement so results might be a little more important.

Boys 15 start the day off with a 4-0 lost to Danish team as injuries forced us to play the entire game with 10 players, but boys really fought hard.  They are playing pretty well.

Girls played their best game of the tour as they beat a Norwegian team 3-0, really knocked the ball around very well.

Boys 15 then play the winners bracket round and again play very well but could not score.  We tie and then go to an adjacent field for penalty kicks.  Its just a penalty box and goal and the fans line the areas around the box for the pks, really cool and exciting and also very nervewracking, lol.  We end of losing in the 4th round as we missed 3 pks, ugh, but a great cup for the boys 15.  

Boys 18 won 2-0 vs a Danish team and again played really well, we are excited about this team advancing so stay tuned for them

Girls finish the day playing another US team and again played great, just could not score and tie 0-0, which gives us advancement and the opponent the group title.  We had it, but need to score more goals.

Now the fun part, kids have been great all week so we get all together after the girls game and announce that the staff is buying ice cream for all.  You would have thought they won the lottery as they explode with joy and laughter.  We walk over and proceed to almost clean out the ice cream stand but it was good fun.  Off to dinner and a night to just chill and big games on Friday so wish us luck  Ciao, Ed

July 15th – big day today as both Boys 18 and Girls play advancement games.

Boys 18 first and play the host Danish club, FFI.  We score early and control the game but a lapse early in the 2nd half give our opponents a PK and they bury it.  We cannot score and tie 1-1.  Again we need to trek over the PK area and take another shot at pks.  The crowd grows with several hundred players and fans all lined around the penalty box.  you need to see the social media to get a grasp of these pks.  

I need to tell you that in 35 years, we have ended most of our cup runs in pks, go figure.  We just cannot handle the pressure.   Today was no different as again we drop the game losing 5-4 on pks.  We have taken 2 rounds of pks, 8 kicks total, and have missed 4 of them.  Guess what we are practicing in Sweden on Sunday.  Boys are devastated but lessons are learned.

Girls play a semi final game vs a team from Norway.  We go up 1-0 and get a good start but we are tired.  Legs heavy from long week and we give up a goal before halftime and its tied 1-1.  We continue to fight but the play is sloppy and then late in the game, we create a chance and a ball is slated to back post where Leanne scores and the girls and the chanting boys go crazy.  Boys chanted the entire game and at the whistle, they rush the field, surround the girls, and continue to chant and cheer.  Really cool experience for all.  

That leaves a final for the girls on Saturday morning.  Off to dinner and we need to really chill.  Swedish meat balls tonight and mashed potatoes so that was awesome.  Not too many kids get a chance to play in an European Cup final tomorrow so that is going to be fun.  wish us much luck please and we try and bring home some hardware.  Ciao, Ed

July 17th – transfer day 

after the high of the girls championship and the beach day, back to reality as we have a 7 am departure for Sweden.  We are up at 5:30, packing and cleaning our rooms and then quick 10 minute bus ride to ferry where we catch the 8:15 am ferry.  Its about 3 and 1/2 hours long, cruise ship like with restaruants, shops, games, and of course the sun deck where us coaches hang out.  The kids are exhausted and most just sleep but its a transfer day so they have their phones and are busy catching up with family and friends as you can imagine.

We arrive in Gothenburg, sunny and about 70 degrees, excited to be back for my 32nd year in the Gothia Cup.  Yes, 32nd year, no old age comments please.  New hotel this year but rooms not ready so we walk to Heden and train, meet our guest players, and then check in our teams for the cup.  Walk back to hotel, finally check in and then take trams and another walk to dinner.  Walking has been a huge them for us.  

Day 1 in Sweden completed and kids excited to play tomorrow.  Wish us luck, Ciao

July 18th – games begin as kids and staff ready for the Gothia Cup, the Worlds Youth World Cup.

Girls start us off at 9 am with a win vs a team from Sweden

Boys 15 next up as they also win 2-1 vs a Swedish team

Boys 18 meet a local powerhouse Swedish team and get beat 4-0

The past week has taken a toll on us and we have some nagging injuries plus a few kids fighting some cold symptoms.  Back to hotel to chill and then tram/walk to dinner.

After dinner we get to go to the opening ceremonies, a sight that you just have to witiness.  Its a youth cup but these ceremonies are Olympic like in quality and its just awesome.

I state this every year, Every soccer fan needs to attend a World Cup and every soccer player needs to compete in the Gothia Cup.  Its that special.  

Kids trade items with other countries and have a blast, singing and chanting all evening, its really cool to witness.  Some great pics on social media so please follow along.

Also, our games are livestreamed by our own Dennis Jones so 11Sports and search Stars ‘n Stripes to watch.

Kids finally back in hotel and resting for another big day tomorrow.  More games so wish us luck, Ciao, Ed

July 20th – moving day as results today will determine what advancement the teams head into.

Girls again with 8 am game, killing us, but it is what it is.  We play a very good Swedish team and lose 2-0 but still finish 2nd in the group and move on to the Winners bracket.  A great feat in Gothia

Boys 15 again play at Heden and lose 6-1 to a Swedish team as we had numerous bad breaks but we advance in the consolation bracket which is fine as we have some young boys on this team and they are finding their way.

Boys 18 play last and finally find their goal scoring boots as we win 5-1 vs a Swedish team.  Boys 18 are finally getting healrhy too so watch out for this group.

its really cool to see all the kids at each other games as they cheer and sing and chant for each other.  The bus and tram rides are interesting as some are quiet while others have chanting competitions break out, etc.  So cool to see so many other cultures here all with football as the common denominator.  

All 3 teams are now playing on Thursday, a great feat and an even bigger challenge ahead to see who can play on Friday.  Huge day so rest ahead of us and hopefully dreams of goals as we sleep.

Wish a ton of luck tomorrow, Ciao, Ed

July 21st – advancement games

Girls again started us off with another 8 am game, that is 9 am, 8 am, 8 am and 8 am.  against a Swedish team and we came to play.  Winning 2-1 and continuing our run.

Boys 15 next and have a tough game against a Swedish team and give up 2 penalties and lose 2-1.  Their cup is over but a really good job with all of the guest players and boys playing on 2 teams.

Girls up next and they run up against a prevous Gothia Cup Champion Swedish team and lose 3-0 but had good fight.  This team was better than us but what a great cup for the girls.  Quick sidenote, the coach of this team has a daughter that guest played with us back in 2008, small soccer world.

Boys 18 finish the day with a late game vs a German team but worth the wait as they won in Pks, something that our SnS teams don’t do very well.  They are ecstatic and celebrate like kids should.  Tram breaks down on the way home but we chill, make the most of it and finally get home.  Late so quick trip to convenient store for some healthly snacks, etc.

Boys 18 only team left in Cup but all 3 teams got to play on Thursday and one team will play on Friday, a great accomplishment.

Wish us luck tomorrow, Ciao Ed

July 22nd – still playing at Gothia –

its quite an achievement to keep playing games on Friday at Gothia Cup and our Boys 18 are doing just that.   its a long difficult week with games, transfers, walking, supporting your other SnS teams, dealing with injuries, a few sicknesses, etc.  Heck, we still have one of our players missing a bag if you can believe that.  But even with all of these challenges the Boys 18 have an 1/8 final game this morning vs a Swedish team.  Its actually cool today so jackets, sweat pants, and fleeces are in order and a hint of rain approaches as we start the game.  We start well and play very fast and create some chances but no luck.  girls are cheering and chanting as always as this has become the normal as all of our teams have supported each other this entire tour.  

no score at halftime but we feel confident in our play and press even higher in the 2nd half.  We score a nice goal but its called back on a questionable offsides call as we feel the linesman missed this one.  Game ends 0-0 as our opponents were quite happy to play long ball and try their luck with penalties.

once again our fate will be decided from 12 yards away and once again we end up on the losing end.  Boys are crushed as we are definitely the better team but that is football.

So after dozens of games, wins, losses, ties, championship games, chanting, singing, walking, etc, our soccer play has finally ended but we left our mark and so proud of these kids.

time to relax, do some shopping at Heden center and get ready for our dress up night out.  boys in ties and dress attire and girls in skirts/dresses.  They clean up quite well and look great as we walk to eat dinner as a group.  A night to hang with our friends at the hotel and we have one more full  day tomorrow.  Kids will have their phones from Saturday morning on and most of them have enjoyed the phone free freedom which we hope as a staff will leave a good impression.

Watching finals tomorrow and last day of fun ahead so should be another banner day.  Ciao, Ed

July 23rd – last full day in Europe

Sad day as we woke up realizing its our last day in Europe.  Posed the question to the kids about a 3rd trip and to our suprise, overwhelmingly they want one more cup, interesting so we will see for future trips.

Breakfast at 9 and then pack and organize as we need to be checked out by 12 pm.  We don’t leave until tonight so we need to place bags in luggage room and plan for the day.  Kids are wearing whatever they want, I think for the first time on tour as we are in SnS gear daily.  Free time to shop for souveniers for mom/dad/family and then we watch some finals at the stadium.  Great games too so kids know that they need to keep working to achieve some of the goals that they strive for.  After finals, we take the kids to Liseberg, its an Amusement park and they have a blast.  Several of them winning large boxes of chocolates so warning parents, some sugar highs ahead.  We allow this as its our last night but we maintain our discipline with our sit ups still as we are not done representing.  

A great night by all and then a midnight bus transfer to Copenhagen airport as we have a long day ahead of us.  Please wish us safe travels and no delays and no lost baggage, Ciao, Ed

July 24th – final entry for Stars ‘n Stripes 2022 Summer trip

what a day too, bus transfer at midnight, arrive at Copenhagen airport at 3:15 am, chill about an hour and a half and then  start the process of check in which was a nightmare

We started the tour by running through the airport and we ended the tour by running through the airport.

We made the flight, barely as they had to hold the door once again.

2nd group delayed in JFK and we were delayed in Philly.

long day, 29 hours total, but all kids home safe and sound, minus one bag, of course.  Hopefully they sort this out for future trips.

We did have some sit ups, etc, as kids still need to learn that our guidelines don’t end on the last day, lol

End of tour awards-

Player of Training camp –   Girls – Courtney   Boys A – Sebass   Boys B – Trevor

Player of Cup 1                   Girls – Jayda        Boys A – Caden     Boys B – Trevor

Player of Gothia Cup           Girls – Ella           Boys A – Tanner     Boys B – Aiden

Player of Tour –                     Girls – Madison   Boys A – Bailey       Boys B – Aiden

Lennart Award –         Nathaniel

Eddie Hype Man Award         Girls – Alayna      Boys – entire A team

Pit Most Improved                  Mike Swerlyk

John Koutoupis Award            Caden Carlock

Golden Boot Award                 Aiden Battelle

Golden Gloves Award             Courtney Dugan

videos and photos still on our social media and hope to sell you all next year.

yours in Soccer,

Ed Puskarich