Virginia ODP Paris/Bordeaux 2018

Bright sunshine greeted our squads as we prepared for a day in Paris and matches vs. Paris FC. In the morning, the 04s did some regen and goal setting, the 02s a light practice on the hotel field. Notre Dame, the Eiffel tower and some local haunts in the Spanish corridor for lunch. You could feel the history as we made our way around, making deals for souvenirs and asking questions about those who built these magnificent wonders of the world. To be honest, bartering for a deal is a Worldwide social artform and all of us will be taking lessons from the 02 Asst. Coach Jamil, his ability to peacefully negotiate secured many a deal. 04s started slowly vs Paris FC, possession was equal and a set piece goal had us up 1 nil at half-time. Some tactical adjustments in the midfield and a great player response to the ask, a goal with 10 minutes left secured a strong 2nd half with a 2 nil win. Rain! Down pour and non-stop rain for the 02s as they battled a strong home team. This open gam...

The 2004 and 2003 boys, after enjoying much sought after sleep, awoke to the springtime Parisian rain. Thus, a meeting inside with coaching staff and Dr. Dan was the order of the morning, rather than an on-field session. The weather, however, didn’t dampen the day as the group set off to see the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. After lunch downtown, both teams then drove to their first match against Paris FC. The 04s took the field first and after some opening jitters and fatigue, managed to right the ship and accord themselves well against the young hometown professionals and play to a 1-1 draw.   The 03s then took the field to delight of the crowd and after scoring one in the first half and one in the second, hung on for the 2-0 victory. Both teams, buoyed by their respective efforts returned to the hotel late to find a high quality meal laid out by chef LaPorte and his fine kitchen crew. No injuries to report and the teams are quickly acclim...

One may see that name and ask, why are we talking about philosophy on this trip? The history of the area, the brilliant minds that helped shaped many ideas...all wrong assumptions. A rainy morning greeted our weary group as we had our first foray into the breakfast buffet, our host hotel really is equipped for athletic teams. Great variety of food, even a gluten free area! Both teams then met with Dr. Dano on "being the boss of yourself." To Paris we go... A walking tour of the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe, lots of picture opportunities were not dampened by the European rain. The 2004G kicked off an evening game against a well organized French U16 team from VGA Saint-Maur. Their #5, reminded the coaching staff of that famous Brazilian player, Dr. Socrates (RIP)! She just gently glided through midfield with possession to lead her team that featured a number of nationally identified players. A 3 nil loss and a shared post game snack with our hosts f...

All the romance of reaching France was washed away, then renewed in a busy travel day for our 4 teams as they crossed the Atlantic to be welcomed in our new home for this adventure. The 2004 Girls set out first and landed just after midnight VA time (6:30AM French time).   We were greeted by our hosts and set off to visit Paris as our sister and brother teams were set to arrive later that day.  A drizzly day and DC traffic welcomed us as we ended up doing a bus tour of the major Parisean haunts and yes, a short visit to a local mall. Within 30 minutes of reaching our home away from home in Lisses, our siblings arrived. Talk about timing of that back post run.. All 4 teams moved in, ate and then....off to the fields for a regeneration session and a laugh as coaches tried with deep passion to fruitlessly roll back the years on the pitch. Day 2 is a busy day - featuring sightseeing and our first games on this tour. Have we told you about the quality of f...

Matches have been set for the 2018 International Tour in Paris & Bordeaux, France These are subject to change! Day 3 Wednesday March 28       Girls vs VGA Saint Maur           2004 at 6:00 pm           2002 at 7:20 pm                 Stade Fernand Sastre:  50 avenue de Raspail,  94100 St Maur  ***********      Boys vs Paris FC           2004 at 5:15 pm           2003 at 6:45 pm                 Stade Déjerine:  36 rue des Docteurs Dejerine,  75020 Paris (Porte Montreuil) Day 4 Thursday March 29      Girls vs Paris FC           2004 at 6:00 pm           2002 at 7:20 pm                 Stade Desroys du Roure:  2 ...

The ODP International Tour in the Spring of 2017 was to Dresden & Berlin, Germany! The 2001 Girls, 2002 Boys, 2003 Boys and 2003 Girls toured Germany, with quality matches built into the adventure. Check out last year's BLOG !