After everyone fueled up, we quickly grabbed our gear and headed off to the training pitch for the morning training session. Seeing 100 players make their way out to the fields surrounded by rolling hills was a fantastic sight. At the very top of the campus you can see the ocean. You couldn't ask for a better backdrop.
The field hockey players headed over to the turf field and were introduced to their coaches who are in charge of them for the next two weeks. Several of the coaches in attendance currently represent Team Great Britain and they showed off some skills for the players which were well received. The drills were and sharp and intense and they push the players abilities to the limit. The Seacoast United coaches (Sarah and Eli) were pleased that the teams overall fitness was worked on for almost two hours.
Just a hundred yards away the boys and girls soccer players were split up into various groups and the warm ups were underway. The rainy mist hung around throughout the training session but it made for perfect football conditions as the ball zipped around the pitch. After a few skill games the players finished off with some games.
The players wrapped up their morning sessions and headed back to the dinner hall for lunch. Once they finished, the majority of the soccer players made their way to the Players Lounge to continue working on their FIFA and ping-pong skills. Two o'clock came around quickly and the players were back out on the field with the rainy conditions taking a break. The afternoon sessions were a little lighter as attention turned to the competitive games taking place on Wednesday. The kids were focused but you could tell they couldn't wait to test their skills against some local opposition.
Soon dinner time rolled around the players scarfed down their food so they could be ready for their first scheduled evening activity. All of the players got together for some competitive sport relays indoors. Spirits were high as the kids worked hard to outdo one another. Once that wrapped up we made our way back to the dorm room with all eyes on tomorrow's important games.
