Toddy Goes Stateside

What started off as a pipe-dream last winter, finally became reality this week when Chris Todd, the outstanding find of last season, flew into Philadelphia Airport.

Day 3: Monday 25th June 2001

My day started at 7:20 this morning, with breakfast at 8, and at the camp at 8:30.

We started with a meeting of the coaches, who proved to be a hard-working lot. It felt strange to be boss of four coaches, but I got used to it. I actually liked being the gaffer. : - )

After our meeting, I met with the campers for the first time. I was quite nervous speaking to almost 70 people, all waiting for me to say the words that would satisfy their long-standing wish to get on with this camp.

I explained the important elements of camp procedure, and set out the goals of the camp, and then we got to work.

Our day started with testing to see what level they were at and what skills they had. Clearly, they had room for football improvement. By the end of the day, they picked up everything very quickly because they WANT to be taught.

Working with the girls was a revelation for me. I had come here convinced that football was just not for girls, but now I think it's not so bad. These Mifflinburg girls have a LOT more athletic ability than I had expected. They listen very well and catch on straightaway. They do chatter a lot, but they listen carefully when we get down to work.

The weather today was very hot, but not humid. We got lots of fluid all day long. Laura, our Trainer (physio), made sure of that.

We had ice water, Gatorade, fruit, and the "water horse," and they all helped. The "water horse" is something new for me. A long metal horse held a hose attached to a running tap. Water fountained out of holes about a foot apart. Some of the kids used the water horse for more than drinking, as it was so hot. By the end of the week, I'll try it, too, and let it soak me with cold water.

In the afternoon, all the teaching and drilling was on shooting. Again, they showed me lots of room for improvement, but as the day went on, I could see it everywhere.

It was great to see that the first day went well. I had been a bit worried and nervous when the day started. I wondered whether the kids would learn and enjoy the work. I think they did.

I'm sorry, Gary, that there are no photos of the camp, but we were that busy! Tomorrow, I'll send some photos of the participants.

When the camp day was done, I was still not. After the kids had gone and we had cleaned up the pitch, it was my turn and I did MY training. And when I was done, I WAS DONE! I couldn't wait to get back "home" for a shower, but first I enjoyed a few peaceful minutes sitting in the cool shade on the front porch, feeling the breeze, and listening to the quiet sounds of Vicksburg.

Gary, that shower not only felt good, it really was well-needed :-)

Later, on the way to Tony's for supper, I drove on American streets and roads for the first time. I forgot only once which side of the road to drive on. I'll never forget the look on that lady's face when I turned a corner and ended up on HER side of the road. I was very lucky that we were in a car park and travelling at a slow speed. So this tour was not just for the kids to learn. I learned from THIS experience.

For supper, I had an American "cook-out." Sausage, barbequed chicken, and cheeseburgers grilled on a charcoal grill, corn on the cob, and salad. My contribution to the meal was to "husk" the corn, which means removing all the outer leaves. Hard work, but work that paid off. I never had fresh "corn on the cob" before, and I really liked it. Eating it is just a matter of getting'stuck in!

Immediately after supper, it was back to work, continuing with the planning.

After a while, we took a break for watermelon. It was sweet and delicious. If you're wondering, it was a "small" one.

I never had a clue how much hard work it is planning training for 67 kids.

Tomorrow, we're going to stress team play, concentrating on positioning. I plan to finish with a full-size controlled game for 20 or 30 minutes.

I'm looking forward to seeing those bright and eager young faces in the morning.

I'm getting messages that my family are enjoying reading these diary entries - so hello to all of you, I'm having a fantastic time. Besides, this saves me having to send a postcard ;-)

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