This week was a tough week mentally to keep going, to keep training, to stay motivated, to know that there will be an end outcome. But it is the possibilities of outcomes that do keep me going. Not knowing what opportunities may arise in the future is something that makes me work harder and train better so that I can take advantage of whatever opportunities do come.

The weather got cold during the week and both team training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday were below zero sessions. Certainly fresh air for sure. Although the temperatures were cold, the trainings were productive and I continued to receive feedback from the coaches and my list of areas of improvement keeps growing, but now I am aware of these areas, I am more prepared in games and feel as though my consistency is there and I’m developing in the areas that I need to.

With the weather being colder, it meant that the skies were clearer and I was able to witness some great sunsets from the caravan park. And yes, the sun sets at 4.20pm currently. And with clear sunsets, came starry nights, which are always lovely to see. Reminds me a bit of home for sure.

My good deed of the week was when I was returning from a training session at the local park, a guy was trying to roll start his friends car. I offered a hand and after a few attempts, we got it going, and I kept going on my merry way 🙂

On Friday, thanks to our teams Goalkeeper coach who works at the local high school, Truro and Penwith College, had organized for us to meet with the sports department and football coaches. The intention for the meeting was for us to be able to use the schools turf field as it is a nice surface, and as winter sets in, the local park isn’t going to be sustainable. Zane had been sick all week, so I headed along myself. I had great conversation with the coaching staff at the school and was able to watch one of their sessions. The schools top team is associated with Chelsea FC’s Foundation, and so all their gear is Chelsea, and they get to go up and train 4 times a year at Chelsea’s grounds, along with many other perks. Anyway, the coaches offered for us to train with the team, even coach some sessions for the team, and just share our knowledge with the group. One of the things that I will be offering to them is my knowledge on the USA University System as the coaches want to open the players eyes to that route. And Truro College is a top academic institution, so there would be great opportunities for their players to get into some great Universities in the USA. All positive stuff and a great opportunity and organization to be involved with.

 

Saturday was game day. We played Bishops Stortford, bottom of the league. We were unbeaten in 4. Confidence was high, but as a team, we did not perform. We made some crucial mistakes that cost us the game unfortunately. Losing 2-1. Individually, I felt as though pieces are coming together in my game as I continued to focussed on developing the certain areas that need work in my game. I have continued to develop a better understanding of the position I am playing, but also the function of our backline. So it was just another learning experience, individually and for the team. Onwards to next weeks FA Trophy first round game against Forest Green Rovers.

My Sunday run took me down new country roads and along some lovely farms. Just great to see the countryside a bit, all the while I am recovering and getting my legs back from the game the night before. During the afternoon I got out the cooking items and cooked up some Banana Chocolate Chip Bread. The first one was good, but the second came out even better. So a nice treat for throughout the week.