Stars n Stripes - Daily Web Journal

by b0013 7/11/2009, 11:05 pm

Stars ‘n Stripes, founded in 1987, was established to provide young soccer players who have dedication, desire and love for the game, the chance to become better soccer players and better people by exposing them to different players, styles, and cultures from around the world....

....Stars ‘n Stripes has visited Italy, including 1990 world cup games, France, including 1998 world cup games, Finland, Norway, Holland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, England, Austria, Hungary, Belgium, Iceland, and Australia. Stars ‘n Stripes has always left these nations with the host’s praise for the conduct, professionalism, and discipline of everyone associated with Stars ‘n Stripes.

http://www.starsnstripessoccer.com/

Itineraries for Summer 2009 - Europe Tour
JULY 7
Depart for Europe

JULY 8
Arrive Czech Republic, day sightseeing, transfer to accommodations for training camp

JULY 8-11
Training camp and sightseeing

July 12
Transfer to Gothenburg, Sweden for Gothia Cup

JULY 12-18
Gothia Cup – worlds largest youth tournament,

over 1350 teams and 70 nations

JULY 19
Transfer to cup #2 - Danish Soccer Festival in Holland

JULY 19-23
Tournament games, training, sightseeing

JULY 24
Depart for USA, arrive same day

by b0013 7/11/2009, 11:07 pm

07 July 2009
9:20am Dallas Time

Plano, Texas

The bus is off to Houston, Texas. I will add Ed's message soon.

3:45pm Dallas Time

I just received a quick 2 minute phone call from Ed saying they are about to board the plane for the 9 hour flight to Frankfurt, Germany. He said everyone is doing great and all was fine until right before he called me. All he said was that a few kids will owe him some sit ups once they land in Germany. Oh well, that is just the beginning! He said he will call me or email me when they land and get going. That is it. Sorry for being so short but sometimes that is how it is. No good meaty stories to tell you about.....YET!!! Talk to you soon.

http://www.starsnstripessoccer.com/

by b0013 7/11/2009, 11:08 pm

08 July 2009
5:24am Dallas Time

Just arrived in Frankfurt, Germany. On the way to Prague. All kids OK. No luggage issues at all. A few sit ups. Will recap the day later.

Ed

5:37pm Dallas Time

Well first day on tour is complete. Kids in bed sleeping and what a long
day. First of all welcome to all friends and families of our players and
also to our hundreds of past players still following our tours.

Flights and transfers were flawless and no bags lost. Trip to Dallas was
great. Ticketing and passport control no problem. Getting to gate no
problem and then reality hits. Kids had time to get a sandwich, change
money, call home, etc as long as they returned by 3:20. Girls no issues.
All hung together no problem. Then comes my boys. Late. Almost all of
them so 200 situps it is but it doesn't stop there. 2 of my boys still missing and we are boarding. Any guesses yet? Seth and Phillip if you are keeping track. 13 minutes late = 1300 sit ups.

In Paris, transfer to Frankfort, and finally arrive. Tons of traffic and a few accidents put us behind but some weinerschneitzel n pommes frites at rest area suits us just fine.

Arrive in Czech Republic for first and what a country. Beautiful scenery but cold. About 50 degrees and misty. We check in and eat a great meal, some kids learn about eating all food on plate but fantastic food. Training at 9:30 at night was great way to cap off night. Breakfast club at 6 am tomorrow so off to bed.

by b0013 7/11/2009, 11:13 pm

09 July 2009
1:45pm Dallas Time

2nd day on tour and it was great. 6:30 am breakfast club, 8 am breakfast, 10.30 training, 1 pm city trip for lunch n sightseeing, 4 pm training, 7 pm dinner n now kids r relaxing. 9 pm curfew tonight as they r tired but that is why we r here. Food is great n so r sit ups.

More tomorrow.

by b0013 7/11/2009, 11:15 pm

10 July 2009

2:45pm Dallas Time

Another great day for SnS. 6:30 am breakfast club again n after breakfast we had full training from 10-12 pm. What a marked improvement in our skill only after a few days. Kids r ready to play. After lunch we had a guided tour of Prague. We visited a castle n St Vitus Cathedral n then walked through town to Charles Bridge. Very famous sights in Prague n kids were surprisingly alert n attentive.

Had more time downtown for shopping n some went to Internet. Another great dinner n now the kids r on their own n all of them r at the fields with a ball, go figure. It is great not to have TV n video games, etc as they need their ball n teammate to keep them occupied.

Games tomorrow so it should be fun.

Wish us luck tomorrow

by b0013 7/11/2009, 11:19 pm

11 July 2009

Final day in Czech Rep n what a great day we had. Kids slept in till 8 n they loved that. Light training session at 10 as we do final preparations for our friendly match this afternoon. After lunch kids start packing as we have to leave tonight for Sweden.

Now to our games. Boys B first and what a goal fest. We fall behind 3-2 before we explode n win 7-3. Goals from Phillip, Chandler and Grant and 4 from Emmet as boys played better as Gm went on.

Boys C was next and another great Gm as Phillip scored again to give us the lead. A 1-0 halftime lead then we mixed our girls n boys in 2nd half and Alex scored best goal on tour with a bomb from 20 yards out. Relentless pressure and a questionable late PK tied the score and we ended 2-2 but all in all a great day as lots of kinks worked out.

Another great dinner to finish our stay and I must say that our stay was awesome. Great accomodations, great food, and great fields allowed us to have a great start to tour. On long bus ride to Sweden so I will speak to you
tomorrow.

http://www.starsnstripessoccer.com

by b0013 7/12/2009, 6:14 pm

12 July 2009
5pm - Dallas Time

We leave the Czech Republic with great memories and an invitation to return, which we will, I guarantee it.

The drive was not bad as the kids were very patient with each other and the bus. These long bus rides are great for team bonding and we are now closer than ever. We have tons of new brothers and sisters on this trip. As we pulled into Gothenburg, the excitement rose on the bus and radio was blarring and the energy was clearly present and it continued with our training session. Wish us luck on Monday as our games begin but as we told the kids, we are not here to win but rather to learn and experience and so far we have done just that.

Kids have access to internet but have limited phone service but will have their cell phones back on Tuesday, as long as they deserve it. Speaking of deserving, forgot to tell you one small story regarding food. Our last meal was once again outstanding and we have our rule about finishing what you receive on your plate. Well, sure enough we had one plate that was not completely cleaned by eating every last morsel, but when asked about who owned this plate, no one claimed it. I was going to release the junk food ban for one night and gave them a 2nd chance to own up to the food. well as you can imagine, no one owned up and the junk food ban continued. We have now gone almost an entire week with good healthy food and that will continue as we compete in games tomorrow.

All going well and will update you tomorrow with results, etc.

by b0013 7/15/2009, 1:10 pm

13 July 2009

First full day in Gothia C up and always one of the best days on tour. rain this morning but stopped before our games. All 3 teams played almost the same time so it was tough to support each other.

Girls played first and LT put us up 1-0 at the half but some breakdowns led to 3 goals and we lost 3-1.

Boys B played next and played at the Heden fields, which is in the center of the Gothia cup, we played a very good team and were lucky not to be behind after 10 minutes but settled down and game ended 0-0.
Boys C finished the day with a game on a small professional stadium and lost 3-0. once again mistakes costs us. The kids in all 3 games were a little shaky, we hope from the excitement of playing in the Gothia Cup. They have all promised to relax for Tuesday games.

Monday night brought us the opening ceremonies, one of the most extravagant galas associated with any sports event and a crowd of over 55,000 witnessed another great show. I always say that every soccer fan needs to witness a World Cup and every youth soccer player needs to play in the Gothia Cup. it is truly a great event and the video will show that. Already over 2 1/2 hours of tape as we have been taping a lot of cool things, including sit ups.

Kids in bed at 10;45 as we just got home from the ceremonies and breakfast early tomorrow, so off to bed. Wish us luck in our Tuesday games.

by b0013 7/15/2009, 1:17 pm

July 14th 2009
After a great opening ceremonies last night, kids were very excited about games today and as you will read, we had some tough results but played our best soccer on tour. Girls started us off as they played an excellent Norwegian team but lost 4-0. Score does not reflect the quality of the game. Boys C played next and their improvement was very impressive. their organization and calmness on the ball were so improved but they too lost 2-0 but a game that they could have easily won with a few breaks. speaking of breaks, boys B once again were on the short end as they lost 2-1 but played most of the 2nd half with 10 men due to an unfortunate red card and once again gave up a penalty kick. even after being down a man and down 2-0, they outplayed their opponent and scored late and were unlucky not to get a tie in the closing seconds. I lifted the junk food ban, a little at least, and allowed the kids to have some ice cream or a candy bar, you would have thought it was Xmas morning but we are having a ball. After our games, all 3 teams had to do match analysis of a high level game at Heden and their results were great. now we are teaching them to look at the games with a different perspective. Big day tomorrow and most of us will play 2 games so we need to be well rested.

by b0013 7/16/2009, 3:17 pm

15 July 2009
A very long day today but a good day. Boys C had an early Game n had a tough break as they lost 2-1. Phillip scored and we had an equalizer called back in the closing minutes. Boys B had an interesting morning as all 4 teams were close in points. We played an awful Gm n lost 2-0 and the boys are upset with themselves. Girls played great and won 2-0 with goals from Anna and Latoya. Girls are really playing well. Boys B had 1st playoff Gm n beat a team from brazil 1-0 as they played better and Chris Nantaphak scored the game winner. And to top it off our girls finished the night with a 3-0 smashing of a Norwegian team. All 3 teams have long days tomorrow as more playoff games on the docket. POD - girls Gm 1 - Latoya POD - girls Gm 2- Alex Boys B - Gm 1 - Mike Gm 2- Grant Boys C - Phillip Big day tomorrow. Wish us luck

by b0013 7/17/2009, 3:12 pm

16 July 2009
After not being able to win a Gm sns now can't lose one. All 3 teams win games today n coupled with last nights sucesses we are now on a roll. Boys C started our day off with a 8 am Gm which meant a 6 am wake up call. We picked the the right time to play our best game as Phillip scored again and we won 1-0. A great game for them and their confidence is really high. Girls were next n had a hard fought Gm n pulled out a 2-1 win with goals from Latoya and Hannah (Swedish girl). Boys B also won their first Gm as Grant scored a great free kick and we won 1-0. A quick taxi ride and we have another boys C Gm and we created tons of chances including 3 breakaways but in the end we made too many mistakes and we lose 4-1. We threw away this Gm and the boys know it. Seth did score a great goal. Back to our girls and another great Gm and we won again by scoring some terrific goals as CC (Danish girl) Latoya, Hannah (Swedish girl), and Emma (Swedish girl). Girls are playing great and having a ball. One last Gm as boys B play at 8 pm to finish off a long day. We play great again and win 2-1 with goals from Grant and Daniel (guest player). Just like the girls we are on a roll. We allow all kids to have ice cream to end the day as all are excited about more games tomorrow. POD - girls - Sarah Girls Gm 2 - CC (our Danish girl) POD - boys B - Grant Boys B - Gm 2 - Adam POD - boys C - Trevor brown Boys C - Gm 2 - Zach More tomorrow

by b0013 7/18/2009, 11:50 pm

17 July 2009
After Thursday and the longest day on tour, Friday started at the crack of dawn with the Boys B playing at 8 am. We dominate a Swedish team and score early as Emmet scored a nice goal. a few goal posts later and huge advantage in possession, it was only a matter of time before we manage the game and move on to the next round, but that would be way too easy for Stars n Stripes, we give up a really bad goal late and now we go to penalty kicks, where anyone wins, and usually it is not Stars n Stripes. Today was no different as we lose in pks. Collin - score sweden - score emmet - miss sweden - score adam - score sweden - score grant - miss sweden - miss chandler - score sweden - score - we lose Girls play at 10 am so finally the boys can watch the girls play. They play a quarter final game vs. a team from sweden and give up an early goal and are down 1-0 but the boys want ice cream and they cant get any unless they cheer and support and provide energy for the girls which they do and cheer and chant the entire game, it works as the girls score 2 goals, the game winner with a minute to go and we win 2-1. Boys are done know and after a long week they can finally wind down and relax with some free time. girls have a semi final at 6 pm so they are off to rest. Girls play a tough scottish team in the semis and go down 2-0 before fighting back with a goal but they tank is too empty and we lose 3-1 but a great run for the all SnS teams. for the first time they can wear non SnS gear and use the elevator and be a kid. another meal and tomorrow brings finals and the amusement park, so a fun and relaxing day. POD - Girls game 1 - Sandra (swedish girl) Girls game 2 - Tejes POD - boys B game - Emmet

by b0013 7/18/2009, 11:51 pm

18 July 2009
First non soccer day on tour, at least non soccer in terms of playing games or training. And to top it off, it is raining the entire day. Kids sleep in and have a late breakfast at 9:30, then clean their rooms, some of them are disastrous as you can imagine. Thank god for Frabreeze. Gothia Cup finals today and I am planted in the stadium watching game after game, what a great youth cup this is. Girls go shopping with the Swedish girls and have a ball, buy up half of Sweden as well. Hope they got souvenirs for mom and dad. Boys watch games and shop as well, but rain soaks them throughout the day, but some great fun. We dress up tonight for dinner, one of my favorite times on tour, boys in ties and dress shirts-pants, girls in skirts-dresses, boy they look sharp, wait for the video. After dinner, it is off to Liseberg, the oldest amusement park in Europe, and we have kids ride roller coasters for the first time, in the rain nonetheless, another great time. At least 4 kids win over 4 pounds of chocolate, not sure how we will eat this, but I bet we find a way. Now they are cleaning their rooms, packing, and getting ready for transfer to Denmark on Sunday. Charles and I washed all of the uniforms, like good coaches do, so at least we will smell better next week. So far, a really great trip, one week to go and kids are already talking about plans for next year. 3 of our Swedish girls are sleeping over with our girls and what a great experience that has been for them. The girls are so close, lots of tears last night as they lost their last game and I expect even more at the train station tomorrow. How we get so close in such a short time is truly amazing. Transfer day tomorrow, so lots of patience is needed. Wish me luck this time.

by b0013 7/20/2009, 11:48 am

19 July 2009
July 19 - transfer day again as we leave Sweden after breakfast and take a train to Copenhagen. It was actually great and easy. Nice transfer and no issues at all. Already trained at the fields as they are really great. Small cup but very organized and we play lots of games. All teams play 2 games tomorrow so they are preparing. Tough to leave Gothenburg especially saying goodbye to our Swedish friends. Lots of tears as they were fantastic and all of us benefited from this experience. Lots of rain here in Denmark today but hopefully it stops before we play. Kids are recharged and ready to go. Each team is in their own classroom on matresses so team bonding is everywhere. Wish us luck tomorrow.

by b0013 7/21/2009, 11:23 pm

20 July 2009
First full day in Denmark and what a day. 6 games on tap as well as rain and a cold rain at that. Boys B played first and destroyed a brazilian team 5-0. 3 goals from emmet and 2 from Phillip led the way. Girls next as they won 4-0 and are rocking. Anna scored a great goal to lead the way. Boys C did not play well and lost 3-0. I think they are nervous to start a new cup. Boys B played 2nd Gm and one of the best games on tour but we lost 3-2. But what a great Gm. Girls and boys C both played at same time with completely different results. Boys C played Luton Town, an English professional club and lost 7-0 but what a great experience to play that type of quality. Girls hammered their opponent 10-0 and are playing fantastic. Won 4 games and lost 2. Good first day. Rain came down like crazy during our last Gm and cost us a beach excursion but we will try again tomorrow. We came back to some bad news as the boys C had some theft. A few dollars and some I-touches were only items taken so we are okay. Some lessons learned about security. Kids went to disco tonight and had some fun time. POD - Girls - Anastasyia Girls Gm 2 - Sarah Boys B- emmet Boys B - Gm 2 - Eddie Boys C - Riley C Boys C - Gm 2 - chris N Wish us luck tomorrow.

by b0013 7/21/2009, 11:26 pm

21 July 2009
Soccer, Beach, and more soccer. No rain and lots of sunshine. Boys C started us off with one of their best games of the tour. They lost 2-1 with Hutt scoring but really happy with their play. Boys B and Girls both play next on side by side fields and girls won 1-0 as Latoya scored again and boys tied 0-0 which was enough to advance to playoffs. Not much energy today as kids had junk food last night and it showed. Another lesson learned. After lunch we walk to the beach and have a ball as all kids are in the sea and getting some much needed R and R. Boys C have one more Gm and outplayed their opponent but can't score and lose 1-0. Boys B and girls are grounded in the afternoon and I'll let them tell you why. After dinner the cup has a freestyle juggling competition and Eddie and Emmet enter. They both did great as Eddie was crowned champion. Another long day tomorrow with lots of games and a trip to Copenhagen. POD - Girls - Natalie (Swedish girl) POD - Boys B - Collin Boys C - Zach Boys C - Gm 2 - Adam Collins More tomorrow

by b0013 7/24/2009, 10:41 am

22 July 2009
Only 2 more days on tour but most of the kids wish it would last a little longer. Go figure. Boys B started us off with a great Gm as they won 4-0 with 3 goals from Eddie and 1 from Alex Powers. Boys C played another solid Gm but lost 3-0 and their play and thought process continues to improve. Girls continue to roll as they won 8-0 and 9-0. Latoya has now passed Emmet for the lead in goals scored. They are playing on such a high level that it is fun to watch. Boys B played 2nd Gm in the rain and played flat losing 3-1 and need to win on Thursday to join the girls in the final. After dinner all of us go to Copenhagen and spend some free time shopping and eating ice cream. Boys C did a lot of souvenir shopping so be ready moms. Kids are packing as we have one last soccer day on tour. Pod girls - Kaitlin Girls Gm 2 - Sarah Pod boys b - Eddie Boys b Gm 2 - Kyle Pod boys c - Wes

by b0013 7/24/2009, 10:47 am

23 July 2009
What a way to end our tour as our girls won the finals 3-0 as Latoya scored 2 goals and Cristelle Tejes scored 1 goal. Great atmosphere as the boys chanted the entire game. Congrats to the girls as they went the entire cup undefeated. Boys B lost in their bid to reach the finals as they lost 3-0. Also a great run but our legs just gave out. Boys C lost their last Gm 2-1 as Chris scored a great goal and we were heading to pk's when we gave up a late goal. After the games it is back to the beach in the rain of course and then time to pack and clean up our rooms and boy are they messy. End of tour brings more tears as we say goodbye to our Danish and Swedish friends. Always tough. We have had a great tour and tough to end it. Speaking of endings it is now time for our end of tour awards; Czech Rep players - Girls. Cristelle Tejes Boys B Chandler Boys C. Turner Gothia Cup players - Girls. Kaitlin Boys B. Kyle Boys C. Phillip Cup Denmark players - Girls. Latoya Boys B. Eddie Boys C. Adam Player of the Tour - Girls. Anna Boys B. Emmet Boys C. Hutt John Koutoupis award - Girls. Sarah Boys B. Collin Boys C. Seth Golden Boot - Girls. Latoya Boys. Emmet Most Improved - Wes Lennart award - Zach We have a 3:30 bus departure so long day coming up. Eddie and Emmet return to Sweden for 9 days to train with a few professional teams so we wish them all the best. I just found out that the cup Denmark has a site with pictures and videos from the week. Check it out http://www.ishoj.dk/Default.aspx?ID=1186 Kids are excited to see everyone and get some clean clothes. We had a great tour and just wait for the video.

by b0013 7/26/2009, 6:07 pm

24 July 2009
Well, after a long day, all kids are back in their beds. 2:45 am wake up call, 3:30 bus to airport, 7:05 am flight to paris, change planes, then 10:30 am flight to Houston, arrive and go through customs, then take bus to Dallas, arrive back in Dallas around 7 pm. kids are exhausted but feeling good about tour. Now let the stories begin. Video is already 5 hours long and I will edit to shorten it but no way I can edit the memories. We had a great tour, great kids, and some great soccer. Thanks from all of the staff coaches as the kids left a positive impression on each and every place that they attended. Lots of class and after moms wash the clothes and get the smell out of the bags, I am sure the kids will tell you more and more. As always, be safe and thanks again for a wonderful 2009. Can not wait for tour 2010 as kids are already planning on returning, now they have to fundraise.