Game Updates

Older boys game finished 1-1.  They played three 30 minute segments.  The first segment looked fairly even with the energy being very positive.  WHU had a slight edge in possession while the International boys countered a little better.  WHU scored on a deflection while the International boys benefited from an own goal on a ball slotted during a counter.  The second segment was a bore as the Intetnational boys bunkered in and allowed WHU to completely hold possession.   Neither team created quality opportunities.  The third segment saw both teams open up and reach for the positive result.  The Internationals appeared to create the better opportunities.  Overall a good result.  The WHU boys were the technically superior team but, the International boys appeared to play with more energy.  Landon and the younger boys have a bit of a wait until their 2:00 pm EST kickoff.

Both teams just participated in the older boys post game reflection meeting.  Paul asked the older boys to rate individual and team performances.  For the team performances the boys had to vote with a showing of hands.  Then, each player had to grade themselves and tell why in front of the group.  Paul would then give his opinion.  Apparently WHU Academy players have to rate their performances after every game and training session.

After the reflection session, WHU brought in their top sports scientist to discuss all physical aspects of the game:  warm up, strength, speed, nutrition, recovery, etc....

After a brief break to stretch the legs, all of the parents and players were asked to participate in the game film session.  WHU had their video analysis staffer create clips of focus for Paul to discuss with the boys.  WHU video tapes every game and training session for the older age groups.  It's such a great way to share visual feedback to players.  Can be tough for some players in front of a large group.

Pre-Game:

The West Ham Experience ends with a 1-0 Loss against a very good U12/U13 Academy Team.  The younger international boys held their own against a team that regularly trains and plays together. After a scoreless first half, the international boys were able to counter and get in behind the WHU back line with some nice combination play.  Against the run of play, they scored but unfortunately it was called back to being slightly offsides.  Minutes later, West Ham was the beneficiary of a controversial no-call as one of the their forwards tripped up one of the International defending players feet.  The result being a lofted goal over the head of the GK. While the London team was able to hold most of the possession, the International Team were successful in thwarting most attacks.  In fact, the American side probably created more shots total on the counter. Incredible considering the boys just met 7 days ago and participated in ten fatiguing 90 minute sessions.  Landon played the entire 70 minute match at CB and held his own.  He connected successfully on all passes from the back (not sure of the number).  His backline only allowed the WHU group two shots on goal.  I am very proud of his effort and willingness to play any position that is asked of him.  

Overall, I believe the experience was a positive one for Landon.  For 6 full days Landon trained on the same pitch as Bobby Moore, Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Jermaine Defoe, and Frank Lampard.  The education of being a professional footballer was invaluable and will hopefully challenge him to continue to work on reaching his personal goals.  

We look forward to returning to his own team.  While it was nice for him to create some new friendships, he looks forward to competing with the team he has been with this year.  We depart London Heathrow Airport at 10:15 UK time and will return to RDU at 4:00 US EST.

Thanks for following along! 

Game Day!

Today is the last day at The Camp.  The older boys will play West Ham at 10:00 (6:00 am EST) and Landon will Play West Ham at 6:00 (2:00 pm EST).  They have been training all week for this day. Paul Heffer WHUFC Director of Academy Coaches will coach both teams.  Landon's team will do one final training session while the older boys are playing at 10:00.  Then, both teams will do a video analysis of the older boys game (debriefing).  Both teams will get the opportunity to wear offical WHUFC Game Kits for the games.  I will try to grab some pics after the game.  Unfortunately, we have been told not to take video/pics of the games.  UK Law does not allow us to take images of UK children.  

Today will be a long day.... We will not get back to the hotel until 8:00.  After dinner-straight to bed. We depart to the airport at 4:45 am.  Since we will not see the sun when we get up in the morning....

Legends Restaurant and Bar

Thought this was interesting... They moved us from our usual dinner room to the Legends Bar due to a conference.  The wall decor was interesting.  Life sized pictures of Great Moments in WHUFC History.  FA Cup, League Cup, etc.... I cannot take credit for these pictures though.  Jackie from GIS took them and posted them on their Facebook Page.  I borrowed them to share with you.

Final Training Day before the Match

Today's trainings were somewhat light.  The boys worked on team shape and positional play.  This was more than likely to prepare them for the match against the Academy Team tomorrow.  In addition to the change in intensity, Paul Heffer brought the boys into the team conference room for a debriefing. Basically, mental preperation for the upcoming game:  The conversation was player guided by Paul and focused on the boys positional responsibility.  Also, he took the time to discuss individual goals and team goals.  After the game, he will sit down with the team and have them rank themselves as a player and as a team.  You can see from the dry-erase board picture, the rankings from the previous 16-18 age camp.

The boys are obviously tired.  It has been a fatiguing week of soccer.  But, as a team, the progress is very notable.  Landon looks to be positioned to play Center Back (more than likely due to his size and the inability for others to defend against the longer ball).  No tour tonight... Paul wants all of the boys to rest for tomorrow.  He will actually be coaching against his own academy teams.  Instead, WHUFC is bringing in a Sports Psychologist to talk to the boys for about 90 minutes prior to dinner. I think that I am going to miss this one......

Before jumping on the coach...

Prior to jumping on the coach headed to Rush Green, I took a little longer walk away from the stadium.  The immediate area around Upton Park certainly has a lot of personality.  On the way back into the stadium hotel, I grabbed some pics of the rooms and decor.

Facebook Pictures

Good morning!  It is about 3:15 am EST as I write this.  Landon and I have completely adjusted to the time difference now.  We are sleeping in rather easily now and have had very little trouble getting ready in the morning.  Today is a little bit of a selfish day for me..... After the morning training sessions, I am going to try and venture into London Central on my own.  There is a tube next to Upton Park that I can jump on.  It should take about 30 minutes to get to a pub that was recommended by Lee Wady:  Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese.  Other than having a pint with lunch, I will probably just wander a bit.

For those interested... Jackie, the GIS Coordinator for this trip has been posting pictures on the GIS Facebook page.  There are not a lot of Landon, but it should add to the depth of detail that I am trying to provide.

https://www.facebook.com/Globalimagesports

For those curious... I have access to Wi-Fi and am adding video clips to prior posts.