VA ODP Girls, Day 3 and 4: I can now speak 3 languages in a day

Practice time?

Day 3 - After two pretty frantic days the 99 and 01 girls were able to use Sunday as a rest and recovery day. It started with a light recovery and tactical walk through session in the morning. The sessions allowed the girls to physically recover and gave the coaches time to prepare for the game to come on Day 4. The most unique part of the practice, except for the amazing singing from the 2001 girls, was the backdrop of the Pyrenee mountains. After practice both girl's teams left in good spirits and in better physical condition than when they arrived.

The highlight of the day though came with our trip to Collioure. Picture the most beautiful place you have ever seen and I'd be surprised if you have seen a place like this. Collioure was rich in beauty and had tremendous character along with a wealth of history. The girls were able to walk around the small town and enjoy what it had to offer. The day ended with a walk around the historic sites and then dinner at the hotel. 

VA ODP Boys, Day 3: Game Time

VA ODP vs Giron

The two boys teams, after a long lay in, traveled to the 2nd largest city in Catalonia, to play the club team of Giron. This was the group's first game and were chomping at the bit to get started and out of the gate. 

The 01's took the field first and put on a magnificent display as they struck the ball around with precision and guile and racked up an 8-0 victory. The team played very well in their first match and found the weaknesses in the Spanish defense time and time again.

VA ODP Girls: 3 Flights, 4 Goals, and the tales of two cities!

Perpignan

No one said it was going to be easy, but the experiences for the 2001 and 1999 girls have been ones they will remember for many more days to come. One of the major themes within VA ODP is that our players focus on the things they can control so that they can deal with any situation that is thrown at them and they certainly have done that over the past 2 days. Both groups have went through travel difficulties but have stuck together to provide the foundations of great team unity. Whether it was flight changes like the 2001 Girls experienced or power outages in Amsterdam for the 1999 girls, they both arrived in Perpignan (France) in good spirits.

As the 1999 girls arrived in Barcelona on Friday they were able to visit the home of FC Barcelona, the Nou Camp. What an experience for them all to taste the home of one of the most history rich clubs in Spain and world soccer. The grand size and character of the stadium is something that words cannot describe so I will not waste your time trying and leave the pictures posted to tell a thousand words. After the tour we got on the bus and travelled to Perpignan, France. Once we arrived we were treated to a wonderful dinner at the hotel and then the girls were ready for bed. In the early hours of the morning on Saturday the 2001 Girls would arrive at the hotel.

VA ODP Boys: Day 1 and Day 2

Day 1:

Both boys ODP teams, upon arriving in the sun drenched city of Barcelona, embarked immediately on a 2 hour tour of the famous stadium of Barcelona FC-Camp Nou. 

Home of FC Barcelona-Camp Nou

They visited the press room, locker rooms, and team bench where Messi, Neymar and Iniesta call their home. After a brief bus tour of the city the teams headed north, ate a hearty meal and checked into the team hotel in the French city of Perpignan. The teams, after a long day of travel, were very tired and poured themselves willing into their beds for a much needed good night sleep.

Day 2:

The two boys teams, after a sound and fitful sleep, powered down the exquisitely and meticulously  French prepared breakfast and headed out to their first training session. At the Perpignan football centre they took to turbine (field) número  3 to run off the jet lag, and reacquaint themselves with their teammates-all with the snow capped Pyrenees looming in the background.

Virginia ODP Spain/France 2015 Itinerary

Day 1 Thu. 26	Group 1: Departure from Washington Dulles airport on flight KL652 to Amsterdam at 07:00pm. Group 2: Same outbound as above Group 3: Departure from Reagan Washington National airport on flight DL151 to Atlanta at 01:30pm. Arrival in Atalanta at 03:34pm. Fligh KL624 from Atlanta to Amsterdam at 04:35pm.
Day 2 Fri. 27	Perpignan Hotel Ibis and Hotel Adagio	Group 1 and 2: Arrival in Amsterdam at 07:30am. Flight KL1671 from Amsterdam to Barcelona at 10:20am. Arrival in Barcelona at 12:30pm. Group 3: Arrival in Amsterdam at 05:45am. Flight KL 1665 from Amsterdam to Barcelona at 08:05am. Arrival in Barcelona at 10:15am. Sightseeing in Barcelona Transfer to Perpignan in the evening

Virginia ODP Belgium/Holland 2014

Relive the memories of last year's adventure.
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