July 3rd – all players report to Dallas for our player and parent meeting and start getting acquainted with each other.  Its great to finally see all of the faces together,etc.  Especailly great when a SnS alumni shows up, in this case, Erin Glasenapp, a player from my 1991 tour and now her son Ethan is going.  First of all, I feel old but so great to hear her memories and the experiences from her trip and the fact that she remains close with some of her SnS teammates, etc.  Hoping to create more of these memories.  

This journal will feature my thoughts on the daily activiites and you can follow instagram and facebook to get pics and videos so hopefully we can cover all the goings on.  

Today we handed out our gear and once we see all in the Stars ‘n Stripes uniforms, it really hits home that we are leaving in 2 days.  Lots of questions, and all understandable and lots of expectations regarding discipline, etc.  Kids had a quick training session with the coaches, learned the Brazilian warm up, and started learning names of all of their teammates.  

Great first day of an amazing experience ahead.

Training tomororw to celebrate the 4th.

Ciao, Ed

July 4th – Happy Independence Day and what a way to start with a 9 am training.

Kids in Navy, staff in white as we start our discipline.  great training sessions and coaches excited about all 4 of our teams

Girls 18, Boys 18, Boys 15, Boys 14 – we will also have 2 players from Sweden join us, 2 players from Denmark join us, and 3 players from USA join us in Europe.  

Its a great mix of players as we welcome players from Texas, Florida, Nebraska, Missouri, Louisianna, California, on our trip.

The afternoon is off to relax, last minute shopping, nice last supper, and maybe some fireworks.  Depart tomorrow so wish us safe flights!

Ciao, Ed

July 5th – departure day 

3 flights today but not without some drama. We are still waiting on 2 passports as 2 families have appointments this morning at the passport office. Pushing it close.

flight 1 and flight 2 are with Lufthansa and Air France respectfully, both depart at 3:40 pam and kids are excited and parents are sad as they hug their kids goodbye with a few tears here and there.  Its great pride that these parents are trusting their child with me and my staff and we take that role very seriously.  Have not lost a single kid in 36 years so plan on keeping that record in check.  

3rd flight is on British Airways and departs at 7:15 so a very long day for some of my staff but we too are excited.  Its awesome taking kids to Europe to play and chase their dreams and we really enjoy making memories that will last a lifetime.  Happy to report that both passports have been delivered and all kids are accounted for, a tight drama situation on one of them and then another player had the wrong passport and a few intense minutes for mom but she came through in the end.  Really hope these kids appreciate the sacrifices the parents are making to make this trip a reality.  But I will say that so far we have some amazing kids on the tour and so looking forward to the next 3 and 1/2 weeks.  its a long transfer day so wish us luck, Ciao, Ed

July 6th – finally we are here

Well after almost 24 hours of traveling, all 3 teams have arrived in Copenhagen and guess what, no bags lost.  YESSSSS.  What a relief.  Air France and Lufhansa flights arrive early but our British Airways flight arrives late afternoon.  We meet up with all of the kids, finally in one place and start knowing names on the bus. Its a 72 seater double decker bus and the kids are loving it.  A bit tired some crash right away and others are too tired to sleep.  Quick stop at a roadside cafe and remember, no unhealthy snacks so kids are doing very well with their choices, etc.  

quick bite to eat and back on the buss.  A few situups and pushups handed out for not remembering their number but its normal.  Kids re so excited to be in Denmark and its cool.  Thank goodness we have hoodies and sweat pants on the bus as its about 55 degrees, but it feels great.  Finally arrive at our destination, Aabybro.  A small quaint town with this special boarding school.  Pretty cool facility too.  We gather our mattresses, pilows, linens, etc, and off to bed, a little after 12:30 am, late but good to be here.  

Training starts tomorrow and we are roaring to go!!!

Ciao,

Ed

July 7th – training camp begins

7 am start to our camp with a jog through town, kids are all stoked and up early as well in anticipation to start training.  Coach Eddie runs the kids through a rigorous stretching routine, which they need desperately and then some light juggling and our Breakfast Club, as we call our early morning sessions, have begun.

Breakfast at 8:30 – Staff go daily to the local grocery store and purchase our lunch and breakfast needs for that day.  Its quite a task to feed over 60 people but we provide granola and mueslix, milk, fruit, cereal, lunchmeat, cheese, jelly, peanut butter, and of course Nutella.  Our dinners have been prepared already for us and lasagna, pasta, etc, on our menu.  Of course, no snacks so kids are eating all of their food, cleaning their plates with inspections, and then we take turns with each team cleaning the lunch hall.  Pretty impressive and organized.

2nd session at 10 am as we walk to the turf fields and have great facilities at our leisure.  Great session before lunch at 1 pm.  3rd session at 3 pm and then lasagna on tap for dinner at 6:30.  Our 4th session is comprised of many small sided games that are played on grass, sand and in the turf goal station.  Great fun and competitive as well unitl 9:30.  Sun is still out as its up until around 11 pm but its time for showers and curfew at 10:30.  A great first day.  Fyi, the temps are great.  A bit cool at night and in the morning, around 55 degrees, close to 70 during the day with a light breeze, perfect weather.  More training tomorrow and I am sure some sit ups as lots of kids still don’t know all of the names of the entire group or someone will miss their number for count off which means 50 pushups but all in all, great start!  

Ciao, Ed

July 8th – another awesome day today as we start early again with breakfast club at 7 am.  Just juggling today and morning stretching.  Kids still have no problem getting up as they are still adjusting to the time zone but they move slower today after 4 sessions yesterday.

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 9th – last day of training camp

no Breakfast Club today as we let the kids sleep in a bit but we have breakfast at 8 am.  Training at 9 am and then we try and bus to beach.  Well the idea was great but the Danish bus driver was not pleased to see 30 kids in our first group and was not helpful at all, so we return to the school. Gave the kids some free time to walk to the grocery store and get some lunch as we now walk to a river and have some fun.  Water is extremely cold but so good for the kids legs and we force all to get in and then of course sing so make sure you all are following our facebook and instagram posts to get pics and videos.  It was a ton of fun and to top it off, I bought the kids ice cream, limit of 2 scoops, lol, but it was very good.  Spaghetti for dinner and kids have their last training session tonight at 7:30.  They get their phones for an hour tonight so hopefully you all will get a chance to speak with your child!!!  We have to clean tonight and tomorrow as we have a 10 am bus departure for Cup 1 and our first tournament.  Enjoy the time on the phone and we will chat with you from Frederikshavn tomorrow.

Ciao, Ed

July 10th – transfer day

today we transfer to Frederikshavn after a great camp at Aabybro.  Up at 7:30 to clean the rooms, mop the floors, wash the restrooms, collect the linens, etc.  Not too sure how my of these kids have used a mop but after today, most of them can now say they have.  Breakfast t 9 and then off at 10. Only an hour drive, but enough time to nap text and chat with their friends and family as the kids have their phone during transfers.

We arrive at our new school accommodations with one team per classroom.  Small but cozy, great team bonding.  Raining today and cool but after several hours of blowing up mattresses, arranging rooms, etc. we are finally ready.  We walk about 2 miles to dinner, pasta and it was pretty good.  

After dinner, we walk to the stadium and march for our opening ceremonies.  Kids really enjoyed it and our uniforms are a huge hit.  We were the last team to walk the stage and the kids did great.

Back to school, meetings to announce our captains and review tomorrows schedule as games start tomorrow and kids are ready.  

Wish us luck as we start the cup!

Ciao, Ed

July 11th – 1st day of competition

Here we go, and just in time for games, rain and wind. ugh

Boys B  vs a team from Denmark, won 6-0

Girls vs a team from Scotland, tied 0-0

Boys B vs a team from Norway, won 2-0

Boys C vs a team from Norway, won 11-0

Boys A vs a team from Norway, tied 0-0 

Boys A vs a team from Kosovo, won 5-0

Boys C vs  a team from Norway, lost 3-2

Girls vs a team from USA, lost 2-1

Boys A vs a team from Norway, tied 0-0

Boys A vs a team from Norway, lost 2-0

as you can see a very long day.  But tons of fun.

Tradition at Stars ‘n Stripes is a Player of the Game jersey, similare to Tour de France Stage winner. 

POD – Boys C – Cayson and Gustav

POD – Boys B – Brandon and Jonas

POD – Boys A – Jordan and Paco

POD – Girls – Reece and Lillie

more games tomorrow but need showers and dry clothes, lol

Wish us luck, 

Ciao, Ed

July 12th – Cup 1 day 2 of games

after a long first day, we as a staff decided to take our boys out of the B18 bracket as it was too much on them  We have a few nagging injuries and just too much as they played 4 games the first day.  It happens sometimes but it was a good decision so we can focus on the B17 division.

Girls – game 1 vs Norwegian team, lost 4-0

Girls game 2 vs Norwegian team, won 5-0

Boys C game 1 vs Danish team, lost 2-1

Boys C game 2 vs Norwegian team, won 4-3

Boys B game 1 vs Norwegian team, won 5-0

Boys B game 2 vs Guatamela team, lost 1-0

Boys A game 1 vs Danish team, lost 2-0

Boys A game 2 vs Norwegian team, lost 2-0

nicer weather today, some rain but some sun as well.  temps around 65-70. kids really supported each other today with chants and cheers, pretty cool to watch.  

Meals have been great with burgers/potatoes for lunch and turkey/potatoes for dinner.  Kids are pretty satisfied with the food.

POD – Boys C – Mark game 1, King game 2

POD – Girls – Christie game 1, Addy game 2

POD – Boys B – Brendon game 1, Nathaniel game 2

POD – Boys A – Anton game 1, Korbin game 2

big day tomorrow as we will know our advancement so wish us luck

Ciao, Ed

July 13th – day 3 of Cup 1 competition

What a night we had last night as we head into Day 3 of Cup 1.  We have contracted a stomach bug that is going around Denmark and in a matter of minutes we had 10-12 kids come down with severe stomach issues and digestive issues.  We had to isolate the sick ones, get them hydrated, clean up the messes and finally settled down around 1:30 am.

Needless to say, we are concerned about the upcoming games as we have some really sick kids.  We had an EMT visit us last night and then I spoke to a Dr. this morning that gave us the low down and kids are starting to feel better as we awoke in the morning.  Only 2 players missed significant time as these kids really impressed us with their desire to play for their teammates.  Character is something that is hard to gauge but I am so proud of these kids.  Happy to report  that almost all are feeling better again and hopefully the worst is behind us.  As for the games;

Boys A – game 1 vs German team, lost 2-0

Boys A – game 2 vs Norwegian team, lost 2-0, play 1/4 final game in Bracket B

Boys B – game 1 vs Danish team, won 2-0

Boys B – game 2 vs American team, won 1-0, boys will bracket and will play in Semis final on Friday.

Boys C – Semi final game vs Danish team, won 7-0 and will play in final on Friday.

Girls – game 1 vs Danish team, won 3-0

Girls – game 2 vs Danish team, won 4-0, advanced in bracket A and will play Semi final game on Friday

Friday will have playoff games and kids are excited.  11 pm curfew as we have 9 am breakfast and some fun tonight as well so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram

POD – Girls game 1 – Josie, Girls game 2 – Rheauna

POD – Boys A game 1 – Riley, Boys A game 2 – Korbin

POD – Boys B game 1 – Ryan, Boys B game 2 – Santiago

POD – Boys C game – Gustav

wish us luck tomorrow

Ciao, Ed

July 14th – Awesome day at Cup 1

Got to sleep in a bit today as all teams had breakfast at 9 am.

off to games as Boys A had first game and finally played well as they won 2-1.

Boys C next as they are in the finals of the B bracket and proved their talent as they dominate and win 3-0.

Girls next with a barnburner of a game against another American team, down 1-0, Leanne scored with 5 minutes left and then we went right to PKs.  We thought we were cooked as they made all of theirs and we missed one and if their 5th shooter scored, we would have lost. But she missed, we then made our 6th and Bree came up with a save on their 6th and we won in PKs.   Boys went wild.

No time to rest as Boys B has Semi final game and go down early 1-0 but fight back to tie with 10 minutes left, only to go down again 2-1 but with literally the last kick of the game, we earned a PK and Noah buried it for 2-2 tie and we head  right to PKs.

We had 2 pks saved and we lose 4-3 on PKs and the boys are out.  Crushing defeat as they are a really good team.

Boys A end our day with their Semifinal game but they are just exhausted with this long week and we lose 4-0 but stll a good showing.

Coach Ed buys all ice cream for a great day and off to dinner for my favorite, Swedish Meat Balls and mashed potatoes!  So yummy.

Girls play in the finals tomorrow so should be great and watch our stream as game starts at 12:45 pm our time in Denmark so get up early and watch if you can.

Watch the videos and pics on our social media to really see whats going on, lol.

POD – Girls game vs American team – Leanne

POD – Boys C Final game vs Norwegian team – Bishop

POD – Boys B semi final game vs Norwegian team – Elliot

POD – Boys A game 1 vs Norwegian team – Jackson

POD – Boys A semi final game vs Norwegian team – Sebastian

Girls final tomorrow and hopefully beach time to relax and recharge so wish us luck.

Ciao, Ed

July 15th – Championship Day at Cup 1

Its here, the day the girls get to play in the finals of Cup 1 in the stadium.  Wake up to overcast and cloudy skies but atmosphere in the school is upbeat.  All teams eat breakfast at 9 am and then the girls go to the game early, start time at 12:45 pm and the rest of the group arrives shortly after.

We have some private and personal time in the locker room that only special moments provide and then the girls take the field. 

Its a rowdy crowd as our boys are boisterous and our opponents from Norway are just as loud and it provides a great atmosphere.

Unfortunately, we lost the final 2-0 as they were better and we were not our best on this day. hope all had a chance to watch our livestream and fyi, the games we livestream will remain  on our Stars ‘n Stripes YouTube page so you can watch as much as you want.

After the game we return to the school, chill  and head downtown Frederikshavn for some free time and a good meal. Great time with this group as the kids continue to bond and get closer and closer.

Packing now to prepare for transfer day tomorrow and we need to pack and clean so another long day tomorrow so wish us a safe passage.

POD – Girls game – Josie

Ciao, Ed

July 16th – Transfer day

Always a tough day for me, transferring from Cup 1 to Gothenburg is a ferry from Frederikshavn to Gothenburg.  Fun as it sounds, we have to clean our rooms, repack our bags, organize again and then load our bags in a luggage container, walk up stairs, gather all of the ferry tickets, wait for the ferry to board, plus we have parents that are joining our ferry.  

Fun time on the ferry as kids get to chill, all have their phones and of course they are like woodpeckers texting away, lol

Great food and meals on the ferry, about 3 and 1/2 hours, a bit windy and cold upstairs but we make the most of it and for some reason this group loves to sing and sing they do. Hope you are following the videos and posts on Facebook and Instagram as its pretty cool.

We arrive in Gothenburg and to my surprise, no busses, not happy as you know my organization.  We wait and finally get picked up but it sets back my timing and we cannot train as we need to check in the hotel, then walk to Heden and check in for the Cup, all taking a long time.  We showed the kids the Heden area and the Gothia Cup info center, tents, etc.  They are excited as Gothenburg is an awesome city, my 33rd year visiting here and cannot wait to see all of my friends.  

After check in and our walk, we sit down to a great dinner. Hotel Odin is my home in Gothenburg for the last 15 years and after a year hiatus at another hotel, its sure good to be back at Odin.  Food, rooms, showers, location, and staff make it a perfect place in Sweden.  Meeting at 9:30, recollect the phones and passports and curfew right away as long day tomorrow.

All 4 teams play 1 game and all are excited and then of course its Opening Ceremonies.  Please find a way to watch it as it is spectacular.

Wish us luck tomorrow

Ciao, Ed

July 18th – Day 2 at Gothia Cup

after a spectacular Opening Ceremonies the kids are ready to play.  Still have some nagging injuries and some need to spend more time stretching, etc.

Food here at Hotel Odin is awesome.  Real eggs, bacon, sausage, crepes, bread to die for, etc.  Kids are really enjoying this stop.

Girls are in group of death as they have a 5 team bracket and the 4 other teams are all quality.  We are hurting with injuries but they play really well in the 1st game and lose 2-0.  The 2nd game we had to play with 10 players most of the game and they ended up losing 4-1.

Boys C had another tough game, they are actually playing up a full year to play 11v11 and we are playing some young men, lol.  Fighting hard but still lose the game 4-0 to a Swedish team. 

Boys B get back on track as they came back to beat a German team 3-2 in a great game.

Boys A still having a hard time scoring goals and lose 3-1 after beiing up 1-0 to a Swedish team.

Back to hotel and tonight I gave the kids time to go and eat with the families that came to Gothia.  Curfew at 10 pm and get ready for day 3 tomorrow.

POD – girls game 1 – Hailey, POD – girls game 2 – Issis

POD – Boys C – Eric

POD – Boys B – Massimo

POD – Boys A – Erick

wish us luck tomorrow, 

Ciao, Ed

July 20th – win or go home day at Gothia Cup

It’s Thursday at Gothia cup and all teams still playing are in elimination mode, win and continue, lose and go home.

Girls start us off and even though they are beat up, they play very well against a Swedish team. Game ends in a tie and off to PKs and Bree saves 2 to help us advance to the next round.

Boys A next up as they also play against a Swedish team, a very good team and we lose 3-0.  Cup is over but played well as the week went on.

Boys C get to play at team from Ireland and with the confidence of the win yesterday, they play well and win 3-1 to advance.

Girls grab lunch, rest at the fields, lick their wounds and then play another Swedish team.  They are too much for us as we lose 2-0 but so proud of the girls and the grit they showed being so beat up. 

Boys C end the long day by kicking off their last game at 9:15 pm against a team from Chile.  Great atmosphere and a good game but we fall 2-0 and our Gothia Cup run for Stars ‘n Stripes officially ends.  Great week and kids are exhausted.  I think Friday we plan some fun, watch games, amusement park, etc.  

POD – Boys A game – Anton

POD – Boys C game 1 – Cayson, Boys C game 2 – Avery

POD – Girls game 1 –  Bree, Girls game 2 – Gracie

Kids all miss home, some not so much, others a bit but all are busy and having a blast.

Ciao, Ed

July 21st – Friday at Gothia Cup

A well deserved chill day today as kids sleep in until 9, breakfast at 9:30, meeting at 10 and then kids are off, lol

Heden to watch games, shopping at the Mall, chill in the rooms, etc.  They deserve some free time and weather responds as its sunny and about 70.  Some great games to watch though as some of the best teams in the world are here.

Tonight we have dinner at 6 and then off to Liseberg Amusement Park and the kids have a ball, winning some really cool prizes, 6 foot chocolate bars, massive unicorns, etc.  Too much fun.  Curfew at midnight tonight and Saturday is last day at Gothia before we transfer.

Its good to not go 100 mph per day so we really needed this light day.

More tomorrow, 

Ciao, Ed

July 22nd – last day and long travel day at Gothia Cup

Sadly, we leave Sweden today but what a week.  Love it hear and cannot believe its my 33rd year here at Gothia Cup.  Breakfast at 9:30 so kids sleep in a bit, meeting at 10 then we depart for Heden, Finals at Gamla Ullevi, and some shop at Haga.  Great weather for our last day, sunny and 70 and we have a great day. Some of the kids still challenge our rules and of course they lose as sit ups and push ups are still in effect. We watch some great finals too and hopefuly the kids get some motivation from this.  Dinner at 6 and then our fun begins.

We have 2 groups tonight, bigger group departs for Dana Cup on a ferry at 8:15 but our bus is late, which is odd as I am a stickler for details.  We get nervous as it finally arrives at 7:40 and we actually run for the ferry, a first for me and we are actually last on the ferry, we were so close to missing this, UGH.  

Before we load the bus though we say goodbye to some of our older players and our Boys C as they return to USA and their departure is 11:30 pm.  Its a pretty cool scene as we got really close in these few weeks and the Boys C will be missed.

So on the ferry we see a great sunset, get a few snacks, a bit chilly, but still a great time. Landed at 11:30 and again to my surprise, no Bus, another delay which I am not happy with.  Seems we were forgotten about and we wait about 90 minutes to finally get picked up but the kids juggle and chat and just enjoy each other although with their phones in hand, lol.

Finally we arrive at 2;30, get our rooms, bedding, etc, and just crash.  We are exhausted and need a day of rest.

Best of  luck to the Boys C and our Staff, Andrew, Meghan, and Tiffany as we will miss them all and Thanks to Gothia Cup and Gothenburg, love it here and we will return next year.

Awards for the Boys C are as follows;

AAbrybro player of the Camp – Cooper

Cup 1 player of the cup – Gustav

Gothia Cup player of the cup – Bishop

Player of Tour – Mark

Travel well to all,

July 23rd – back to Denmark

after a long transfer day, we let the kids sleep in for the first time.  And to my amazement I woke each of the rooms up at 11:30 am and they were all out.  Not one kid was awake so tells me we had some tired kids.  Got up, got organized, walked around the complex, then had check in.  After lunch we decided to take the kids to the beach.  All excited and we walked about 3 miles to the train and took a 30 minute train ride to Hirtshalls.  A great little town.  It was cool and misty but that was not gonna stop us.  All kids in the water, and it was cold, very cold but so good for our legs.   Loved it.

World War II German pill boxes lined the beaches and some of did some exploring.  Dinner on their own in town and then a train ride back to walk home in the rain.  Its about 50 degrees out so chilly.

Back to school, meeting and 10 pm curfew.  A much needed day off and kids are recharged.  The boys C returned home safely so happy to hear about that and tomorrow we start training and preparations for the cup including Dana Cup opening ceremonies.

More tomorrow, 

Ciao, Ed

July 24th – Dana  Cup opening ceremonies

After a great day of rest and beach, we again let the kids sleep in until 10 am, no one complaining.  light breakfast and then we train at 12:30 on main complex.  Dana Cup is a great tournament with over 1500 teams and fields scattered across this little quaint town, Hjorring.

After dinner, we march through town in a parade style march with all of the teams in the Cup leading up to the Stadium entrance.  Pretty cool and see some of the photos and videos on our social media.

otherwise, a light day again, kids are healthier, injured kids getting some rehab, all  resting and getting ready for games that start tomorrow 

Wish us luck

Ciao, Ed

July 25th – first full day of games at Dana Cup

Let the games begin and plenty of games we had.  Boys A lead us off with a 1-0 loss to a Norwegian team, a very good team at that. We then head to a new age group, Boys 16 playing 7v7 and they won 9-1 vs a German team.  Boys B play their first game and they win 1-0 versus a team from Norway, lots of Norwegian teams here fyi.  

Girls play their first game against a team from Norway and lose a tough one 1-0 in a game that could have gone either way.  Girls are still beat up so we add some Danish guest players and its a pretty cool expereince watching the girls mesh.  We also add 2 Danish boys to our Boys A team and they are doing the same, just sharing cultures, etc.  

Boys A play again against a team from Romania and play very well and win 1-0, still having a hard time scoring goals but we will take this victory. Anothe B16 game and we hammer a team from Norway 10-0 as we are rolling in the 7v7 team.

Boys B finish the day with a game at 8:20 pm and play a very good Norwegian team and play their best game on tour, winning 2-0.  playing very well are all of the teams as they are getting their legs back finally and we are in shape as well.

Its very cold and windy here, with temps dropping below 50 with wind chill and personally, I hate it.  I need my sun and high temps.  Dinner and lunch are in one hall and not the best lunch but pasta and meatballs for dinner which was very good.  

Curfew at 10 for the group, minus the Boys B as they had some time to get a late sandwhich or burger.

On a soft note, I broke down and bought the Boys A and the girls some ice cream, Coach Ed getting soft in his old age.

POD – Girls – Leanne

POD – Boys A game 1 – PJ, game 2 – Riley

POD – Boys B, game 1 – Paxton, game 2 – Noah

POD – Boys 16 7v7 – game 1 – Massimo, game 2 – Ryan

More games tomorrow and supposed to have rain and colder temps, ugh.  Wish us luck

Ciao, Ed

July 26th – rain rain please go away

Cold, rainy, and windy, hate all 3 but we have to deal with it as Dana Cup continues.  

Girls start us off this Wednesday  with a tough 3-0 loss as we continue our woes.  We need to dig down to get our spirit back  Boys A play against a Norwegian team and win 2-0 as they finally put some goals in the back of the net.   Boys B16 7v7 team continue their dominance as they win 5-0 are really enjoying the 7v7 bracket.  Girls play their 2nd game of the day in a driving rainstorm against a tough Norwegian team and lose 5-0.  Boys 15 end the day with the best game of the day as they beat a very good Norwegian team 6-1 and then have to sit in the rain for 30 minutes to wait for the bus.  Late hot showers all around for these boys but their spirits are up.  Usually we give the kids their phones on Wed but it was so late and so miserable, they all went to bed and will have them on Thursday night.  Please stop this rain and cold temps as we are freezing with  wind chill below 50 if you can believe it.

POD – Boys A, Hudson

POD – Boys 16 7v7 – Ryan

POD – Boys B – Gustav

POD – Girls game 1, Lillie, game 2 – Reece

Thursday is playoff day so wish us luck

Ciao, Ed

July 27th – playoff day in Dana Cup

Girls start us off in the morning, not as cold, not as rainy, but still miserable.  They play their best game on tour and lose 2-0 but good to see them play well against a tough swedish team. Their cup is over but considering the injuries, pretty happy with them.  Boys A next up as we have 3 boys games all at same time so numbers are scarce.  We play another Norwegian team and give up a PK early on and dominate the game with a few missed chances and just could not score and lose 1-0.  Story of the Cup for the As is lack of scoring.  Boys B16 7v7 play again and again dominate winning 7-0 in a muddy field, just awful conditions but this team is on a roll.  

Boys B play next against another Norwegian team and win 1-0 in another tough game.  They are winning the close games so that is fun.  Speaking of close games, after lunch Boys B have to play again and the sun is out and wind is easy so we get to play soccer.  A great atmosphere as we play a Norwegian team and both teams have great support.  We go up 1-0 and its get testy and in the closng moments we have a brain fart and give up a pk and game ends 1-1.  On to PKs.  UGH.  We actually go up 2-1 after Santiago makes a save but then we cannot score and lose on PKs, again.  Hate losing this way.

No time to ponder as the Boys 16 7v7 team play in the semi finals at the main complex.  We play against a team from Lebanon and they are really interested in physical play.  We go up 1-0 but they tie it 1-1 and then we destroy them with 3 quick goals and win the game 4-1.  So much fun and now a final tomorrow in the stadium.  Kids are doing great, get their phones back for an hour, sing together in the meeting area and just making memories.

POD – girls – Lillie

POD – Boys A – Evers

POD – Boys B – game 1 – Brandon, game 2 – Brendon

POD – 7v7 game 1 – Korbin, game 2 – Brandon

Big final tomorrow so wish us luck.

Ciao,  Ed

July 28th – Championship Friday at Dana Cup

What a day, what a day, what a day????  its finals today and 7:30 am breakfast for the B16s 7v7 as they have a final in the stadium at 10 am.  Kids excited as we walk over to the stadium, get our own locker room and just prepare mentally and physically for the final in the A bracket, a great accomplishment but we are not done yet as the boys want the Trophy.

Gorgeous sunny day, temp around 70, no wind, other Stars “n Stripes kids in the stands all geared up to provide some spirit, etc.

Game is against a team from England and we are both by far the 2 best teams in the Cup so fitting we meet in the final.  

Great walkout, national anthems played and the whistle blows and we are off.  Game starts slow, similar to 2 boxers feeling each other out.  Not much attacking as we are a bit nervous and play very cautious.  Something we have not done all week.  Halftime ends 0-0.  Coach Eddie fires up the boys and emphasizes attacking so we go out the 2nd half with a more renewed mindset.  And as luck would have it, we give up the 1st goal, go figure.  That actually seemed to settle us down as now we know we have to attack and in comes Ryan Weaver as he explodes on the field and scores the next 3 goals, all brilliant to give us the title 3-1.  Final whistle blows and all of the kids rush the field, it was awesome.  Nice podium celebration and photos after, etc. and kids are in heaven.

After the game we head back to the rooms, change, shower, and then take a train to Skagen, about an hour away.  Its a small little town at the tip of Denmark and you can acually go and stand in the sea and take pics, etc, where the 2 seas meet.  Pretty cool and the staff and I take advantage of this by renting bikes and adventuring.  The kids shop, eat, and some venture off to the sea but its a well deserved day of rest after a great final.  

We return home to plan tomorrow as we have to pack and rest up for our departure.  

Some much needed down time tomorrow, yes!!!!

POD – Boys B16 Final – Ryan Weaver

more tomorrow, 

Ciao, Ed

July 29th – last day in Europe, ugh

Last full day in Dana Cup which means last full day in Europe.  Kids sleep in and get this, they are in their own clothes for the first time in 25 days.  They are happy, lol

Some go shopping, some go to the finals, some nap.  We start packing up and cleaning up the rooms and then we all dress up for our night out together in Hjorring.

Girls in dresses/skirts, boys in ties and slacks, very sharp, check out pics on our social media.

Bus at 9 so gotta go, long transfer day, 7 hours to Copenhagen Airport and then 2 flights tomorrow.

Wish us luck and I will do one more recap upon our return to Dallas.

Ciao, Ed

Kids are so excited to see their families, but are also so sad to leave their new friends. They will keep in touch for sure, and hopefully some see each other throughout the year and again next July!

It was a fantastic tour and so proud of the kids and my staff.  Memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

As always we have some end of tour awards;

Girls:

Player of Paris- Sophia

Player of Gothia- Maddie

Player of Dana-Rylie

Player of the Tour – Keeley

Boys A:

Player of Paris- Sebastian

Player of Gothia- Rylie

Player of Dana- Clayton

Player of the Tour – Cody

Player of 7v7- Trevor

Boys B:

Player of Paris- Thomas

Player of Gothia- Mason

Player of Dana- Elliot

Player of the Tour – Luca

Golden boot- Ethan Nemcok

John Koutoupis Award – Cody

Lennart Award- Trevor

I am tired and worn out as I finish this tour, but also very sad as we experienced so much.

These kids were great, some speedbumps along the way, but every lesson is learned, good and bad.

Thanks to all the kids for their passion on this trip, to my staff for all of their hard work, and to the parents for allowing me and my staff to experience Europe with a soccer ball, great way to end my 36th year.

Already planning on more trips!

Yours in Soccer,

Ed Puskarich, Stars ‘n Stripes IFC

July 30th – one last entry

Well, we made it home. Barely, but we made it.  Long overnight bus ride from Hjorring to Copenhagen and we had our 1st flight depart at 6:50 am, no problems.  Tired kids but to be expected.  Our 2nd flight also departed on time at 10:40 am but that is where the fun starts.  First flight, small delay in Paris but made to DFW without any issues. 2nd flight had delays taking off, delays landing in Heathrow and we had to actually run to catch our last flight to DFW.  I mean, we ran too.  So tired and so upset that these layovers are not longer.  Trust me, a task that I will undertake next year.  We arrive in DFW on time, go figure, but as luck would have it, we are missing only 1 bag.  Yes, you guessed it, mine!!!  Oh well, we walk out to a loud reception with signs and tears of joy and that was great so thanks to all for meeting us at the airport.  The out of town kids all get to their flights and for the next few days, pretty sure lots of sleep and tons of laundry.  My apologies for those who had to open up these bags to wash clothes as we smelled.  oops.

Great tour and some figures to sum things up;

Gothia Cup – 1878 teams and 69 nations

Dana Cup – 1114 teams and 38 nations

Fabulous tour and we had a chance to visit with the kids about the ups and downs, pros and cons.  One of the first questions asked, how did you feel about not having your phone?  Resounding yes and positive feedback as it made them talk to their teammates and communicate with each other.  Great lessons learned.  We do have some awards that we give out each year and here they are;

Boys A – Player of Aabrybro – Sebastian        Player of Cup 1 – Korbin        Player of Gothia Cup – Anton    Player of Dana Cup – Hudson    Player of the tour – Korbin

Boys B – Player of Aabrybro – Massimo        Player of Cup 1 – Brenden       Player of Gothia Cup – Noah   Player of Dana Cup – Trevor    Player of the tour – Avery

Girls  – Player of Aabrybro – Rheauna           Player of Cup 1 – Bree            Player of Gothia Cup – Josie    Player of Dana Cup – Lillie        Player of the tour – Reece

Boys 16 7v7 – Player of the team – Ryan

John Koutopis Award – Ambassador Award – Korbin

A huge thank you to my staff – Eddie, Greg, Matt, Dennis, Andrew, Meghan, Tiffany – They are the reason our tour is so successful.  Hopefully all have a chance to watch our social media and Coach Eddie promises to get the highlight video out asap so look for that.  We will stay in touch as we have a bond for life with Stars ‘n Stripes.  The memories that we created and shared will not fade away and from all of the staff, including my self, thanks to all of the players for allowing us to share in your experiences.  We hope that you learned a little bit in the process.

Much Love and Respect, 

Ciao, Ed