I would like to say that getting 100 people through security is a task in itself but the young players did a commendable job. Once everyone got through the waiting game began as we waited for our turn to board the plane. We were fortunate enough to fly over in style with Virgin Atlantic who were nothing short of fantastic.
England was a welcome sigh and we were greeted with typical summer conditions, wet and windy. The players did well to get through customs, etc. and before we knew it, our bags were collected and we were on the buses en route to Lancing College.
The pictures make the college look like Hogwarts and if you didn't know any better, you thought you were on the set for the next film. As soon as we got off the bus, we went straight to the cafeteria for some food before checking out our room assignments. The players quickly changed and then we made our way to a short assembly before heading out to the fields.
The windy wet weather did its best to dampen the mood but the players could hardly contain themselves as they trained for almost two hours with some of the academy coaches from Brighton and Hove Albion. After some light-hearted sessions the players made their way back to the dorms.
We enjoyed some downtime prior to dinner as the jet lag started to play its part. All of the players enjoyed a lovely dinner together in a grand hall which would befit a medieval castle. Once finished, the soccer players headed over to the players loungers to catch up on some FIFA and table tennis (ping-pong) whilst the field hockey players reflected on a great first day abroad.
We are back at it again tomorrow morning at 7:00 am so stay tuned!
