And so it begins.  Entering my 36th year of Stars ‘n Stripes Soccer Tours and this one is shaping up to be a great one.

82 players from Texas, Louisianna, Ohio, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Florida, Virginia, Illinois, Kentucky, California and players joining us in Europe from Sweden, Malta, and Denmark

Parent and player meeting, got lucky and went inside as its 103 today.  Reviewed packing checklist, itinerary, answered questions and then we handed out gear to the kids

Now that they can actually try on the SnS jersey, its begining to sink in.  So much excitement and all of the planning and preparation leading to departure just a few days away.

Took a great team pic and kids are introducing themselves to each other.  They need to so they can avoid sit ups for any names they don’t know, so they better  get after it.

Great 1st day and training tomorrow morning so wish us a cool morning please.

for pics and videos, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook and enjoy the memories!!!

Ciao, Ed

First official training session this morning as kids all have their gear

Hot as well, 104 heat index, some of the kids from the north are dying, poor kids, but they may wish we had this heat in a few days,  

all teams are training with their coaches, learning names, learning chants, and getting excited for the trip. 

Afternoon is free to go last minute shopping, watch fireworks and get their last meal, lol

Tomrorow the fun really begins

Ciao, Ed

well, not a good start as AA changed our departure 3 times in a matter of minutes and I have kids/families scattered all over DFW.

finally got all together, all checked in, all have boarding passes, all have bag tags and one final chance to say bye to Mom and Dad and family member and friends.

No worries as they are in good hands although we already have sit ups for various things.  

Kids will learn fast our expectations and guidelines, first and foremost, keeping track of their belongings.

Amazing how fast they learn when a few hundred sit ups are handed out.

All on the plane, some sleep, most too excited but all behave great and AA staff is so complimentary of our kids, all dressed in Red.

wish us safe flight, 

Ciao, Ed

Arrived in cold and rainy Amsterdam.  Great airport

And guess what, no lost bags, yesssssssssssssss

we go outside and immediately feel the chill as its probably 55 degrees and raining.

We have some last minute money exchanges and of course we have 2 kids who don’t know ther PIN.  UGH

remember those conversations and emails parents???

we finally find our bus and load all 74 kids and we say hi to Coach Lennart and Coach Santi who join us in Amsterdam.  

All on one double decker bus and kids are having a blast. 

1st stop is just outside of Amsterdam, to a wooden shoe and cheese factory and the farmer actually shows us how he makes cheese as well demonstrates making wooden shoes.

And yes, kids buy some cheese and wooden shoes, so much fun.  And the cheese is the bomb, of course I had to buy some as well.

Now have a 6 hour bus ride, broken up with a stop to get lunch, (of course only healthy foods) and then we arrive just outside of Paris about 7 pm.

kids in their rooms, passports and cell phones in my room and a quick meeting to set the tone before we watch some Euros.

Dinner out tonight by team and then curfew as we have 7 am training tomorrow.

if all goes well, Eiffel Tower on our agenda so we will see.

Follow the pics and videos on social media, pretty cool stuff

More tomorrow, Ciao, Ed

Epic day for Stars ‘n Stripes

training at 7 am, walk to field and have a great session for all teams

breakfast at 9 and then we head to Paris for some fun.

walk to the metro and getting 74 kids and 12 staff on the metro was fun, lol.  We actually split the group so it easier but a sea of Red lined the subways and no one was lost.

We arrive in Paris and go right to the Eiffel Tower, such a cool sight and the kids loved it. 

We actually sang to 2 birthdays, LIllie who turned 18 today so what a cool place to turn 18 and Owen who had a birthday on July 3rd, our first day together.

After photos and singing, we allow the kids to go eat and shop and no issues as it was perfect.

Weather is great, 50s at training and high 70s and sunny in the afternoon

We return back to our hostel for dinner and meetings as we have so much to do with check in and preparations for the games.

Kids are in bed by 10 as they are exhausted so wish us luck tomorrow as we begng play.

hope all see the pics on social medial, pretty cool day.

Ciao, Ed

First Day of Paris World Games & Opening Ceremonies! We played teams from all over, had some great wins, and some tough losses. Opening ceremonies were a boat ride through the Seine River- wow some incredibly beautiful views! Got to see Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, and places where Olympic events were going to be taking place. Truly a ride to remember!

•Girls U19 played a team from England which resulted in a last minute 2-1 loss, and then played a team from Great Britain which resulted in a 3-1 win! Sophia Hernandez was awarded Star of the Match, which was chosen by tournament staff.

•Boys U13 played a team from France and a team from Ethiopia, both resulting in unfortunate losses.

•Boys U14 Blue played a team from Mexico and came up with a close 2-1 loss, and then turned around and played a team from France which resulted in a 9-1 victory. Nate Ike was awarded Star of the Match by the tournament.

•Boys U14 Red played a team from Brazil for the first game and tied 2-2, and then played a team from France, and came out on top with 4-0 victory. Moyo was awarded Star of the Match by the tournament staff.

•Boys U17 played a team from France which resulted in a 4-1 win. Brenden Davidson was awarded Star of the Match by the tournament, and then they played a team from Morocco and tied 1-1.

•Boys U19 played a team from Ethiopia which resulted in a 3-2 victory, and then played a team from England, resulting in a loss.

more games tomorrow, wish us luck

Ciao

A Day of games and relaxation! Played our last round of group stage games- Quarterfinals are tomorrow! Kids are all gathered watching the Spain vs France game now and just enjoying each other’s company.

We also sang another Happy Birthday to James!

•Girls U19 played a team from France and came out with a huge 3-2 victory. Sophia Hernandez was awarded Star of the Match, which was chosen by the tournament staff.

•Boys U13 played a team from Algeria, and gave a hard fight but ultimately ended in a loss.

•Boys U14 Blue played a team from France and won 1-0, and Mark Grymko (#18) was awarded Star of the Match, which was chosen by the tournament staff. (Will post this graphic tomorrow)

•Boys U14 Red played a team from France and won 2-0. Ethan Nemcock (#14) was awarded Star of the Match, which was chosen by the tournament staff.

•Boys U17 played a team from France which resulted in an unfortunate 1-0 loss.

•Boys U19 played a team from Egypt, which resulted in a loss, and then played a team from England, resulting in a loss.

Really enjoying Paris and trust me, we are seeing all of Paris

Ciao

Ed

Playoff day at Paris World Games

we have some tired legs as we have walked miles and miles, taken metros, trains, buses and these transfers can be long

Paris has 2 million residents in the city limits and 11 million in the suburbs, so imagine the congestion and the organization of the public transportation system. pretty impressive but long nonetheless when we are traveling all over Paris to play.

Boys E – our 2011/12 boys have a forfeit in the morning and play their last game of the cup in the afternoon,  Lose 5-0, tough cup for these young boys but gaining invaluable experience.

Boys B – our 200809 boys play a good game but lose 1-0, even game and Coach Greg pretty happy with their performance.

Boys D – our 2010 boys Blue team play a great morning game and won 4-0 and advance to the semi finals.

Boys C – our 2010 boys Red team play probably the best opponent in the cup and go down 2-0 but with 3 minutes to play they score 2 goals and tie on the last kick of the game 2-2.  Our Boys E and blue team all support each other and go crazy when the whistle ends.  We actually get all 3 teams together before the Red game and do our SnS chant at midfield and its pretty impressive.

Girls play a local French team and play really well, winning 4-0 to advance to the semi finals.

4 teams advance to the semi finals;

2010 boys blue – lose 7-0 to a very good French team

2010 boys red – lose to a team from Mexico in penalty kicks, after tying 0-0 in regulation, kicking themselves for letting this one get away

Girls – lost 2-1 to a Spanish team, good game but slow start was too much to overcome  but wild ending saw us almost tie it up.

2006/07 boys – played an English team and are down 1-0 but Koen scores as time expires to tie the game and send u to PKs.  Another stressful PK shootout  see us go to 10 rounds before we lose on the 10th shooter and our long day ends.

We take a long train ride home and eat at 10:15 and watch the 2nd half of the England vs Netherlands Semi final.  Long day but still fun.

But wait, its not over!!

kids are kids and some forget our rules so Coach Ed has to drop the hammer regarding curfew, room keys, eathing all of our food, eating the proper food, etc.  To summarize, lots of kids doing late night push ups and team sit ups in order in the morning.  We will not relax on our discipline, regardless of the fatigue or the circumstances.  You that know me, know exactly what I mean.

all teams are now out and Thursday will see us go back into Paris to sightsee and chill on our last day.

Wish us a good rest as we need to recover to prepare for our next phase, Denmark.

Ciao, Ed

last day in Paris but a good one too.

All teams are out as 4 teams lost in the semi finals, 2 by penalty kicks.

We let the kids sleep in, until 9 am and then we start packing just to get a jump on the trip ahead.

We meet at 11 to discuss the schedule and of course to do some sit ups as we continue to keep our class and discipline.

Off to Paris and what a day we had.

We go right to the Louvre, too tight on time to go inside but even the area around it is quality.

We have 2 bdays today, Cody and Luka and we have a one man band play happy birthday as the kids sing with the Louvre in the background.  Pretty cool spot to celebrate a birthday.

We take group shots in front ot the Menagerie and allow the kids some free time to go shopping, of course in groups of 4.  It was a great day.  A lot ventured to Notre Dame, including myself, which was a masterful sight.  Still closed for fire repair but reopining in December of this year, which is awesome.  Still a glorious sight.

We all meet back up at 5:30 pm, take the subway once again.  Our kids are learning too as we have numerous SnS kids offer up their seats to women and elderly and some need to be asked politely to take our seats.  I am old school as some of you know and seeing our kids be so respectful is awesome.  Makes my heart smile.

Back to hostel for dinner and then we load the bus for our overnight trek. And yes, it will be long but kids are prepared and ready.

Thanks Paris for a great time, great football, and being a great host.  In all of my years visiting France, this was by far the most hospitable the French have been and it was awesome.

Sights we saw, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre, Glass Menagerie, Museums, Petite Arc de Triumph, boat ride, riding trains, metros, buses, walking thousands of steps, playing football, eating good food, a wonderful stay.

Next Stop Denmark so wish us safe travels.

Ciao

Ed

We made it to Denmark. 

A long bus ride with a few stops but we are here.  16 hours total and a bit tired but Aaybybro is the perfect place for us to stop, recover, have some fun, etc.

We arrive approx. 1 pm and its cool, probably 60 degrees and overcast.  Kids don’t mind as hoodies come in handy.

check into our rooms of 4 kids per room and private showers are a welcome sight for all. After we check in, each room as a group go with the staff to the local grocery store and buy some food, healthy of course as lessons were learned with sit ups late the other night on what to eat.  

After eating, the kids have free time and almost everyone of them goes to the field to have a kickaround.  We have sand soccer, a Goal Station, and grass field.  Kids stay for hours as the staff prepares for dinner. 

Dinner at 8:30, lasagna, and its great.  Kids go for seconds.  Its a great start to our quick 2 day stay in Denmark and kids enjoyed their phones and I am sure you enjoyed hearing from them.  However, phones back in my possession and they are once again forced to communicate by talking to each other, etc.

At dinner we have name challenges and both chosen get 100% of all of the names, awesome!!!!

Showers and a nice cool evening as kids are fast asleep.  Training tomorrow morning and some fun on the agenda.

More tomorrow, 

Ciao, Ed

Cold and rainy today in Denmark.  Breakfast on our own and training at 10 am.

its about 50 degrees and light misty rain but its awesome and kids have energy when they train.

this has been a good idea to take a few days to rest, recover, and enjoy each other.

bus ride was long so good to sweat out the trip.

after training kids return to the grocery store to get lunch and then they spend the afternoon playing futsal, tumbling and flipping in the tumbling room, and playing soccer outside on the Goal Station.

Really good times for us all.

Dinner was another family moment as we had another great meal followed by more players naming all the names on tour so that has been fun.

We need to pack and start cleaning as we have a 4:30 am wake up call to depart at 6 am.

off to Sweden tomorrow so wish us safe journey.

Ciao, Ed

Transfer day today as we say goodbye to Aaybybro, Denmark.

4:30 am wake up, clean the rooms, finish packing and load the bus.

thanks to our great host Soren for the great stay and now a 45 minute bus ride to Frederikshavn, Denmark to take a ferry to Gothenburg, Sweden.

Great ferry with restaurants, shopping, lounging, etc. as it takes almost 4 hours to arrive in Gothenburg.

Hotel rooms not ready yet so we go to Heden to train.  Imagine prime real estate in the heart of Downtown reserved for soccer fields and that is what Heden presents.

Gothia Cup is amazing and we are ready.  Great session, return to hotel to get rooms, kids in 3 or 4 to a room, private showers, etc.

Dinner was fantastic and then evening meetings to prepare for games that start Monday.

Added bonus was watching the Euro Final at 9 pm between Spain and England and kids all watched in their rooms.

Gothia Cup competition starts tomorrow so the time is now to play!

Wish us luck,

Ciao, Ed

1st day in Gothia Cup competition – what a great day!

Gothia Cup Games and Opening Ceremonies!! We had results of all sorts, but it was an exciting day. Opening Ceremonies were great as always! We had great seats and got to trade a lot of things and meet a lot of people!  The opening Ceremonies is something every youth soccer player should experience.  A truly moving experience that will last a lifetime.  

Weather is nice, sunny and mild temps, around 60 degrees.  Kids are loving the hotel with real beds and private showers.  And the food at Hotel Odin is the bomb, no complaints from the kids at all. 

•Girls U18 played a team from England which resulted in a 1-0 loss.

•Boys U13 played a team from Sweden and tied 1-1.

•Boys U14 Blue played a team from Sweden and won 2-1.

•Boys U14 Red played a team from Sweden and lost 2-0.

•Boys U17 played a team from Sweden which resulted in a 3-1 win.

•Boys U19 played a team from England which resulted in a 1-0 loss.

More games tomorrow for all teams so wish us luck

Ciao,

Ed

Day 3 of competition at Gothia Cup

FIFA gave the Gothia Cup the title of Youth World Cup and for good reason.

Teams from all over the world are here and so cool to play against so many different nations and see different styles.

Best part is after the games, the kids can meet these players and really enjoy other cultures.

Our goal always is the individual player on Stars ‘n Stripes and how they develop within the team framework.

All teams are stll in it and enjoying the  competition.

We start a little shopping so the kids can get some souvenirs but we are so busy watching other teams and trying to find some time to rest.

Walking a massive part of the tour as we don’t have Mom and Dad to taxi us around.

Trains, Trams, Buses and walking are the pathway forward and singing and chanting along the way just makes it more enjoyable.

Thursday is massive day for us so wish us luck

Ciao

Ed

Some BIG wins today!!

4 out of our 6 teams are playing on Friday.

For Gothia Cup, that’s such a huge accomplishment!!!

Hoping one of the teams can pull it out to play in a final on Saturday!

so much fun watching each other support each other.

Those parents who had the  opportunity to visit this week are getting a first hand look at the Spirit of Stars ‘n Stripes

The closeness these kids have for each other and the drive to succeed.

Its a really cool thing to watch and be a part of.

All while keeping our discipline and class, and of course we have sit  ups to keep that discipline and class.

Funny when the kids think the staff will ease off and cut them a break for misbehaving.

No Chance!!!

another big day tomorrow as we keep playing on.

Ciao

Ed

Four teams played today, six games played!

Two quarterfinals were played by the girls and the Boys Red teams.

Girls going out in pks, boys red going out with a 1-0 loss.

Tough day, but exciting because we haven’t made it this far with this many teams in a while. Happy Birthday to Tristan!!!

Tomorrow we will enjoy the city and the finals before part of the group goes home, and the rest goes on to Hjorring.

Always tough to lose the last game in a tournament but the kids need to realize the success achieved reaching Friday and still in it.

some beat up and sore kids but spirits are still high.  

We get to take the kids to come cool spots in Gothenburg such as Haga and allow them some much deserved free time, always in groups of 4

hopefully they will bring home some good souvenirs for the family.

relaxing last day in Gothia planned for Saturday and weather is awesome, sunny, 70, no rain, perfect.

Ciao

Ed

L

ast day in Sweden and bittersweet

We have a fun day planned, no soccer for first time on tour. 

although the Gothia Cup Finals are played and of course some of the kids go and watch.

They shop, sightsee, and just hang out as we say bye to our 11s and 10s tonight so most hang out together.

its pretty cool to see how  the older kids welcome the younger kids to hang with them as we got really close on this tour.

I take the bus with the 10s and 11s to Copenhagen airport, departure is 10 pm.  We arrive early and Coach Cannon is in charge of checking in the kids for the flights.

European departures are always fun as the airports are crazy.  

While that happens I now take the 10s and Coach Andrews group to a hotel in Copehagen as that group departs in 2 more days. 

Fun night as our rooms are not ready and we finally get settled in around 5 am.  Very long day.

In the meantime, Coachs Eddie, Matt, Greg, Tiff, and Dennis take 9 pm ferry to Frederikshavn, Denmark and then a bus to Hjorring.

They arrive without any issues and enjoy cabins this year, a little different accomodation.

I am tired!

Some cool facts about Gothia Cup

total of 1911 participating teams from 72 nations, During the tournament, 4820 matches were played on 142 fantastic pitches all over Gothenburg and the surrounding area.
The tournament offered a goal-rich experience with a total of 21,296 goals with lots of excitement and drama. 

Ciao

Ed

Sunday, I think, not sure as days are running into each other.

Cannon and the younger group arrive home to a nice welcome at DFW and now the parents can smell the full trip with the bags, sorry Mom.

I warned you, lol

Andrews group enjoys an easy day walking around Copenhagen and taking in the sights of that great city.

I catch a ride with a group also going to Hjorring and arrive that evening.

Coach Eddie and the others have a Relaxing day.  arrived at the cabins very very early morning, so kids got to sleep in. Walked to the store to buy some healthy snacks- some didn’t get that memo so the coaches got to keep some delicious pastries and Pringles to eat. We relaxed around the cabins. Took naps and laid out in the warm sun, played some soccer tennis, played 1-2-3 touch resulting in butts up if you lose, played cards etc. The boys had a light session on the field, while the girls played soccer golf. Ended the day with more relaxing, games, and meeting some of the other teams around the cabins.

Sad to lose our younger kids, but several of them continue on and will play up with the older kids.

We also pick up some guest players and Herman and Gustav, our Swedish boys, join us for the 2nd straight year.

Rocco from Malta continues with us and we pick up some local Danish girls as well.

Our cabins are next to some Australian boys who are full of energy and befriend our group right away.

Might be an interesting week.

Opening ceremonies start on Monday night so we have another full day to recover, train, and prepare for the Dana Cup.

Ciao

Ed

Another pretty relaxing day!

It poured all morning so we didn’t get started until the afternoon. Got to sleep in and enjoy the crisp rainy air.

Each team had a light training session, and then we had dinner before opening ceremonies!

Opening Ceremonies was pretty cool as all teams march through town.  Hjorring is a small town, about 20,000 people and the Dana Cup literally takes over the town.

They welcome us and cheer us on, similar to a parade, culminating with all teams gathering in the Stadium.  Pretty cool experience.

Games start tomorrow- wish us luck! We have Boys U18, Girls U18, Boys U16, and Boys U16 (7v7)

wish us luck, 

Ciao

Ed

First day of Dana Cup!

• Girls U18 played a Norwegian team and lost 2-0, then played a team from Afghanistan and won 6-0
• Boys U18 played a Norwegian team and tied 1-1, and then played a Danish team and lost 2-0
• Boys U16 played a Norwegian team and lost 1-0, and then played another Norwegian team and won 7-3.
• Boys U16 7v7 played a team from Germany and won 3-0

A long and exhausting day for some of the boys playing with 2-3 teams!

Got to watch and support each other for some of the games, which is always fun.

Coach Andrew and his group end their nice few days in Copenhagen,check into the airport and fly home without any issues.

No bags lost and a great reception from the families at DFW.  2 groups down, 1 still playing in Dana Cup.  

Another big day full of games tomorrow is in store!

wish us luck

Ciao

Ed

Boys C made it home safely!!! Happy parents excited to see their babies again.

We have a 16th birthday on the trip- Happy Birthday Elliot! Got to sing with him, and the Australians staying in the same areas as us sang with us. Then he got his birthday “pats”, the Australians joined us with those too.

We started the morning with an early game from boys 7v7, with a win. Then we did a big group yoga session to stretch the legs and try to get out some of the tiredness. Beautiful weather and such a relaxing vibe. Eddie always does a great yoga session!

All teams are into the playoff stages tomorrow!

•Girls U18 play in the semi final

•Boys U18 play in the round of 64

•Boys U16 7v7 play in the quarter final

•Boys U16 play in the round of 64

Love this Cup, not as much traveling to the fields and our lunches are on our own so the kids eat different foods at the tents.

lets hope Yoga loosened us up.

Ciao

Ed

What a day…. We started with the U16 7v7 boys playing in the morning, all players able to attend, and the boys put on an easy 7-1 winning show. Then we had to split up, half of the girls went to the U18 boys game and cheered them on as they went out in pks, and the other half of the girls went to the U16 boys to cheer them on as they went out in a hard fought 2-1 loss. Then all of the players got to go to the U16 7v7 boys semi final, where they lost a heartbreaking game 4-3. They came out of it with medals and a big trophy, which is still an amazing accomplishment!!

With all that being said, all of the boys got to attend the girls semi final game, where they beat a Swiss team 3-0. The girls play in the final tomorrow where they will bring home some hardware regardless. We celebrated Rylie’s birthday as well (a win is one of the best birthday presents!!).

Overall, it was an emotional day, but a great day. Lots of lessons learned on and off the field, per usual.

Kids are doing great and loving it. Let’s hope the girls can bring home some gold hardware tomorrow!

Ciao

Ed

A very rainy day in Hjørring- poured on and off all day. Girls played in the B bracket Final- in a mud pit- and all of the boys came and supported. Cheering, chanting, singing the entire game. It was a great atmosphere and lots of fun for everyone. Girls came up short with a hard 1-0 loss, but so proud of them for making it to the championship!

Kids got some free time afterward to swim, shop, nap etc. Then we all came together and sang Happy Birthday to Rocco- the big 19! Lots of birthdays on this tour!! We all then went to support our campsite Australian mate’s as they played in the semi final. Chanting, cheering, singing the entire time, and then came all together and did a big group chant at the end. Truly awesome!!!

We said goodbye to Coach Santi as well as he leaves us early in the morning.

Lots of love, camaraderie, and great memories being made!

Sad to think that are all leaving soon.  UGH

Ciao

Ed

Getting close to the end of the tour.

Today we had some free time in the city to do some shopping and enjoying the nice weather.

Then we came back to the cabins, got ready, and went to Bone’s for our nice dinner. They dress up nicely!!

Kids were really excited to dress up, girls in skirts and dresses, boys in ties and slacks and what a great dinner.

some had ribs and steak, very tasty.  

We said goodbye to Herman and Gustav as well as some of our campsite Aussie mates. Tears were shed, but we hope to see them next year!

so hard to say bye as we get so close to each other and its a great feeling for us as a staff to see how much the kids truly love each other.

massive day planned tomorrow so stay tuned

Some interesting facts about Dana Cup

• 50 nations
• 1.018 teams
• 20.000 participants
• 10.000 supporters
• 2.572 games played on 67 playing fields

Pretty cool stuff!!

Ciao

Ed

Great last full day for all.

Skagen is a destination in the north of Denmark, about 90 minute train ride and its where 2 seas come together.

We all go as a group and then allow the kids to have almost the full day to chill and do whatever they want.

Some went to the tip to see the 2 seas come together and enjoy the beach

others rented bikes, like our entire staff

we had fish and other fine foods, it was truly a great day.

We saw a baby seal on the beach

I think the kids enjoy mostly being in regular clothes and not in SnS gear lol

time to head home and pack and clean as we have a 4 am wake up call, 5 am departure.

Then we started packing up for our last night in the cabins and long adventure home. Boys had a “longest plank” challenge and Sebass was the winner of the random ball- goofballs!

final day tomorrow, SAD

Ciao

Ed

Had an early wake up call to clean and catch a bus to Copenhagen, then a flight to Philadelphia, and finally arriving in Dallas.

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