We're here and ready to play! After a last minute replacement for a passport complication – congratulations to third year Modern Apprentice Mat Hunter for stepping in at the 11th hour to come out with the tour party – all the boys have made it across the Atlantic safe and sound and been delivered into the hands of their host families. This is a major part of the experience for the boys and they’ve all commented on how friendly and hospitable the Texan families are. Unsurprisingly a lot of the boys have gone a bit shy, but we all know that won’t last.
Today saw the lads take on the Dallas Texans Reds in a light practice session to get a taste of the conditions – always windy, always hot – and to shake off the jet lag. Spirits are good, and captain James Golding set the tone with a rousing team speech as the players met to decide their own code of conduct for behaviour during the tournament. Coach Dan Thomas is playing his cards close to his chest with regard to who plays in the opening game and the boys are all keen to impress in practice.
Tomorrow is the big opening ceremony and the even bigger opening game against Solar SC who finished finalists in the group last year. The result will set the tone for the whole group, so everyone is understandably excited and a bit jittery the night before.
Elsewhere in the tournament the big noise is all about the opening game in the Super League between the Mexican National U21s and the US National U21s in advance of next year’s FIFA U20 World Cup, and we're hoping to get a chance to take the boys to watch the game at the main stadium.
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