NEWS - NOVEMBER: LIMEONE CUP REVIEW

The FDS Academy took to the skies again with a visit to the Limone Cup, which is based around Lake Garda in Italy. Coaches Howard Willmott and Scott Baines took a group spanning from 1999 birth dates to 1995’s, that made up the two squads. The tournament along with being very enjoyable was a massive learning experience for the boys and should prove to be a good educational foundation moving towards the end of the year.

Arriving at Stansted Airport at 11am on Sunday 14th October the group had the normal mixture of excitement, apprehension and nerves that always precede times away from normal life. The group soon settled into a good Academy temperament, managing to cope well with the busy airport, and enjoyed the attention they received by looking smart, and “cute”!!!

Arriving in Italy we finally reached our head quarters in the town of Garda at 10pm and subsequently had our first Italian meal. Hoping for something quick before bed. The four courses meant a later bedtime than hoped.

Following a late night the older squad had the misfortune of a 6:30 wake up call before a 7:30 departure to their venue for their first game of the day. With the majority of the squad playing in an older section of the tournament, the major learning outcome would be based around the need to compete, and while the preparation was not ideal, it became evident to the boys that being organised off the pitch would be of great value for them to play well on it.

The younger group had a more relaxing morning before a pleasant walk to the pitches. With the hotel half way up a hill over looking the town of Garda it was apparent that the boys would be blessed with playing within the confounds of some exceptional scenery, and so it proved with the view of the mountains, valley and lake all visible from the excellent facilities in Garda. The boys also had the opportunity to welcome Fredrick to the team. Fredrick being a Danish player who would play with the group throughout the tournament, he did not speak much English, which was far more English than our squad could speak Danish so it was interesting for the boys to try and converse with Fred while trying to make him welcome.

The lesson from the 1st match of the tournament for the younger group, who for some were playing two years down from their opponents, would be for the need to compete. And the second half display within the game demonstrated that if you compete you can achieve a great deal. The team for all their effort, skill along with looking small and cute!!?? Also became crowd favourites among the neutrals and they received a warm ovation following the game.

Following a restful afternoon the older boys played a friendly in the evening, which helped them to find their legs after the travelling day on the Sunday and two games in the day. Tuesday would see them have a day of training before having two games on the Wednesday.

Tuesday for the younger players was again match day with two games in the group. The first game saw the boys start slowly which reiterated the need to compete, with the second half showing a far more complete performance with the group competing along with playing with better discipline regards to their team shape. The second game of the day was more consistent with both team shape and work rate at the required level.

Wednesday saw the older group return to action with two matches that would be supported by the younger players. Two vastly improved displays meant the boys were playing closer to their potential, with good team shape, work rate and skill. The 1hour 15-minute journey home gave the boys a chance to work on their football chants, which was helped by our friends from MNN Advanced Soccer. The boys returned in time for the England game, which preceded another four-course meal. The coaches were now using meals for the added advantage to getting to know selected boys better, with two players invited to dine with the Bosses. These meeting became an excellent source of communication in having some informal chats with the boys, and finding out about the boy behind the player.

Thursday saw the boys have a delayed start to the day, with the bus having a few technical problems before us departing for two friendly matches at a five star golf resort.

The younger boys continued their ongoing progress with a fine display, scoring a number of goals which was defined by a rehearsed free kick in which the ball was flicked up to be volleyed into the top corner. The older group followed this with a fine display. Showing a great attitude and work rate they were able to overcome their opponents with some fine goals and individual skill.

With all the boys in high spirits we moved onto Milan and the visit of the San Siro. The message left ringing in the boy’s ears as they entered the stadium was if you work hard enough, have real dedication and skill it is possible to play at such a wonderful venue. In glorious autumn sunshine the boys really enjoyed their visit and following a look round the museum we headed back to base camp. Following an accident on the motorway the journey was very long, although with the right encouragement it is amazing how long children are prepared to sing for.

Friday was departure day and the coaches carried out individual meetings before the whole party returned to their professional dress and the journey home.

FDS would like to thank the parents for their continued support; we appreciate your quick good byes at the airport. It helped the boys settle down quickly into tour life. The tournament organisers: Everything was spot on with regards to our hotel and transport, which helped us to concentrate on the football. Finally the players have shown even in a week following the tour that the learning aspect of tours cannot be matched. Long may they continue to compete and work hard in sessions and matches if they do FDS will go from strength to strength and so will the boys prospects of achieving their potential.