Colchester Athletic U13’s Blues – Tour of Holland
From the moment of conception to the morning of departure – the time had flown by.
The bag packing, the race night, the sponsored walk and all the hard work put in to raising money for this trip and suddenly here we are, very early clambering onto the coach. Our driver, Peter, was fantastic and supported the boys throughout.
After a slight delay in Clacton (not mentioning any names as we were all too excited to worry) we were onto the ferry. Some people just crashed out, the boys played man hunt, and then there were the card sharks. Wow a card school that lasted the full 6 hours – proper male bonding!!
Then back to the coach and onto our destination, where we met a true legend – HENK – our camp Commandant, who instructed us on camp rules and regulations. He informed us of how we would be shot on site if weren’t “NISHH”, one, two, three chances all out. The very best site induction Paul has ever had – Brilliant!!!!!
Saturday – day off and the Mum’s went to some dodgy areas of Amsterdam, while the more sensible ones went for a tour of the Ajax Stadium – a great day out.
Bed early as tomorrow all the hard work starts – the reason we are here.
The weather was awful, heavy rain through the night and into the morning. As we travelled down towards Rotterdam we discussed what to do in the event of a cancellation but when we arrived our fears were eased – the pitches looked fine.
The facilities were brilliant, we were shown to our personal changing room, so no need for our own portable HQ transported all the way from John’s house.
We had an Olympic style parade around the pitch to line up in front of a packed grandstand for the National Anthems - Germany, England then the Dutch.
SGO Bremen V Col Ath 0-2
Col Ath v Sc’t Zand 3-0
Haaglandia v Col Ath 0-0
Col Ath v Hekelingen 3-0
Final Col Ath 4-0
The next day’s tournament, again the hospitality was brilliant along with the facilities. The competition was a lot stiffer and this time it all came down to the last match, with us needing to win and the opposition only needing a draw. It seemed like one game too many, the boys were shattered from a long weekend of football and a tough day. It was so hard to get the boys fired up but for Gary and Tony back home and coming all this way!!
It was about to get even tougher but the commitment and courage was fantastic.
The game went on and on and time seemed to be slipping away but with only 2 mins on the clock the breakthrough came – a free kick out on the left wing. Cailan delivered a magnificent cross and who was on the end of it LEE – Man of the Match, Man of the Tournament – Man of the Moment!! What a vital goal – Lee smashed it in from close range – very very well done Lee.
The packed stand erupted and yes they really were packed and we were supported by our new found Dutch friends – it was amazing and difficult to put into words.
Rijmond Hoogvlist Sport v Col Ath 1-1
Zestienhoven v Col Ath 0-1
SV Erasmus v Col Ath 0-0
SCO 63 v Col Ath 0-1
This will always be one of those moments you had to be there – the whole tour from start to finish.
I can’t thank the boys enough for their attitude, commitment and above all their behaviour, which was impeccable.
Just imagine taking 14 x 13 year old boys abroad, it could go pear-shaped very rapidly but I can’t praise them enough. I have had the best weekend ever – two tournaments two big gold trophies.
European Champions – much deserved!!!
Ryan Tyler
Cailan Jye
Alex Liam
Nidal Aidan
Lewis Lee
Jamie James
Dominic
Last but not least our new star who scored an absolute screaming header – Josh – welcome.
For the boys, well they will remember this for all time, what a great team building event and all the families who supported us throughout – thank you.
Who fancies Spain next year?
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