Random Thoughts

Just wanted to share a few thoughts that came up while chatting with other parents recently.

Good Idea #1: send a small laundry bag (like the girls use for delicates) with the players name on it. This way all will get their own socks, UA and the like back after washing.

Good Idea #2: send along snacks in your son's checked bag and carry on for that matter. They eat like sharks, every couple of hours, this may turn out to be helpful in their hotel rooms as they sit up discussing how much they appreciate their Mum's sending them on this trip of a lifetime.

Good Idea #3: if anyone adults/players will be using a credit card in England let your CC company know you will be traveling and while you have them on the line, ask if they charge a fee for international purchases. Some do.

From a frequent, frequent flyer: When passing through security, all jackets must come off, all shoes must come off, anything metal (belts) that may set off the alarm should be taken off. Empty your pockets and put change etc in bin, this would include iPods, which should be in the carry on bag. All laptop computers must be run through in separate bin. ALL travel cosmetic/hygene items carried on MUST be 4 oz. or less based only on the stated size on the packaging. Any items that fit this description must be in a 1 QT size ziplock bag and must be run through screening in a bin with shoes, coat, etc. Finally, no liquids may pass through security OF ANY KIND. You will need to buy water or the like within the terminal. A travel water bottle EMPTY is fine. You should find no problems with medications as long as the users name matches the boarding pass/passport.

If you think you have a helpful tip for the group, you can add it as a comment to this posting.

See you in Cincinnatti

Bavarian Mens Club Friendly

The boys went against the Bavarian mens's club last night in a "friendly" at Gold Medal Sports. While our players out worked and out skilled the much older men-experience seemed on the BMC side. Called with 10 minutes left due to field limitations our lads were on the short side of a 7-6 match. Many positive things seen during the match especially considering we were two short of the full 14 traveling to England and "Team Findlay" had not played with us since the State Cup run last spring. Of particular note from one of the veteran BMC players a UK expat, he offered that they also went against last years TFA squad and this years version is much stronger. His opinion was that they will show very well in England.

The official trip schedule was released yesterday and I know the excitement is continuing to build in our home. Chelsea vs. Bolton on Saturday (huge) 3 Matches, a QPR match and plenty of time to sight see and sample a wee pint or two.

Players meeting 4/2 at 8pm following practice, pick up your travel gear (and mine Conner) and get last minute instructions from PH.

Just for the record, I spoke with several parents last night about all things TFA/England and whether they were traveling with the group or sending their son, each may be more excited than the boys. When we were 16 a big deal was travling to a state park in Ohio or to a travel baseball game out of state...in Bedford, MI. How times have changed.

One Day Closer/Scrimmage & Practice 2nite

So, we're one day closer to the trip. Spoke with ATT about phone service in the UK. Make sure your boys keep their phones at home, very expensive. I'll be carrying mine, if you want a contact number reply with an email and I'll send you along my phone number so that you can text me while we are traveling. I will not however be offering tucking-in service or good night kisses for the boys ;-)

Scrimmage tonite for the England group and practice to follow. Many have played together at some level perhaps indoors this winter, plus there is the tournament this weekend in Cinci...at least they'll get a chance to play outdoors getting used to the size of the pitch and speed of play, so much different from indoors.

Two Weeks and Counting

I spoke with Paul last evening and it looks like we are going to go ahead with the blog(s). I'll be writing from the parent perspective and he'll select one of the players and we'll endeavor to post both. My son is counting down the days until we leave. Nothing packed of course, but plenty of discussion. His biggest concerns are when are the matches, who are they playing, what are the fields like, and when do they get to shop at the mega-soccer store? I have to admit, I'm excited as well- although I'm saddled with the lesser items of importance, remembering the passports, converting some cash, checking the weather, and remembering all of the electronics cords and converters I'll need for the computer and cameras.

Preparing for England

Just the beginning today. Testing my first blog in anticipation of our trip to England next month. I am hoping that I can post several times daily during the trip so that families with TFA players and parents traveling can follow along.