Final Match: TFA vs. Queens College

As I wrote yesterday Queens is a specialty school for 15-18’s with the emphasis on Science and Sport. Those in the football program learn to play and coach while here. Some may well move up in the ranks of play other may find a career in coaching.

Our boys exhibited a higher standard today. They played faster, with a greater purpose and physicality. At the half they were separated by just two goals, one being by way of a penalty in the area. In the end the final was 4-nill. The result today is then measured by effort given and implementation of tactics learned this week.

A word regarding referees in England, EXCEPTIONAL. They work for the boys and the game. They call the game fairly and work with the players, complementing them on challenges and defending when the play gets physical. They call the players by name as the game unfolds and communicate with the coaches. It is the polar opposite of U.S. referees. You would never find a referee drawing attention to him and thereby away from the game. Really, very impressive.

Off to the hotel we are. The second leg of the Chelsea vs. Liverpool Champions League match is on tonight. With that we will fit in dinner, Journals, and a final team meeting. We’ll have an early alarm tomorrow morning and then off to Heathrow.

See you stateside.