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 4: Tuesday 26th June 2001

At camp this morning, the emphasis was on teamwork skills for defenders, midfielders, and strikers, and in the afternoon, we had two practice games -- one for girls and one for boys -- to let them use those skills in a game situation.

They were taught position skills for the 4-4-2, and they took to it well, although none of them had ever been taught it before. By the end of the day, most of the kids understood the basics of it and showed it in our two practice games.

Of course, the range of ability here is just as wide as it would be anywhere. Let me tell you some of the brightest spots.

We had a group of 4 boys who played the back four well, and a group of 4 girls who sussed it out equally well. I also found two defenders (one boy and one girl) and one striker with good ability. The two defenders were tough and physical and had football skills that stood out. With coaching, they will all show good improvement.

What was interesting was the girl had not considered herself a defender before today, but success was changing her mind about it.

And one of the girls proved herself to be a brave keeper.

You know, Gary, if you put certain of these girls on the pitch at home, they would shock some of the younger schoolboys.

Another thing that impressed me was the dedication. Imagine my surprise when 4 or 5 of the kids stayed behind when the rest went to lunch, and worked a bit on their own.

And after the camp was finished for the day -- and it was a day much hotter than yesterday was -- one boy and one girl went to opposite goals and practised shooting. The girl was mad because she couldn't get power and lift into her shot. I watched her technique, made a small change -- just moving her line -- and she put her next shot into the top corner.

It continues to amaze me how they listen and learn. I say it once and they have it. And remember it! Some of the things I said to them on Monday they could repeat word for word today. I'm sure they'll do it on Friday as well.

While we were on the lunch break, a couple of the boys tried to return the favour and teach me about American football. I'm ashamed to report that I didn't make as much progress as the kids did with real football.

We use the "Health Room" as a dining area for the kids who don't go home to eat. In the room was a large-screen TV playing the Wycombe-Leicester "thriller," with American commentary. Which I found very strange.

After camp was over and we had cleaned everything up, it was back to training for me in the Weight Room. The room is similar to the one at the Vetch under the East Bank. But it's much harder when you're knackered!

While I was there, the High School Boys Coach came in and we chatted about football and weight training. He's obviously a lover of football -- passionate and dedicated. He's a tower of help in the camp.

I had a bit of good luck when we got back to the Inn. Tony and I were sitting behind the house on the little stone patio in the shade of a large tree. Out of the sky came a good luck present from a bird somewhere high up in the tree -- directly onto my right boot! "What was that?" I yelled. We both had a good laugh when I figured it out, and we went on working on this letter. A few minutes later, I received a present on my LEFT boot!

I told Tony that with this kind of luck, I'll soon be scoring goals with BOTH feet!
Perhaps you can bring some home for the other players Toddy? ;-)

After another well-deserved, and much needed, shower, I worked on detailed plans for tomorrow.

Gary, I told you in an earlier letter that this was going to be an experience in food. For supper today, I went to a "Drive In" restaurant. I don't know quite how to describe it. It's small and out in the country. You park your car, get out, and order your food through a small window, then either take it home, eat it in the car, or eat it on the picnic benches outside. We settled for the picnic benches in the shade in the end.

I tried my first "iced tea" -- cold tea served with ice - didn't like it. And I had my first "cheese steak hoagie." It's very much like a kebab. I loved that.

I'm off to do some shopping at the nearest mall. I must get some presents. This week is going so quickly that if I don't do it now, the time will be gone.

Now that's a sad thought.

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