We have well and truly arrived and settled into life here in Denmark. Although sleeping can still be a challenge, for the most part we are all rested and acclimatized. The weather has been pretty good so far. No humidity or extreme temperatures, but when the sun is out, it is absolutely lovely. We didn’t have long to prepare for our first game, with Monday being our only full day of training and preparation. Our session on Monday was good as we worked on our system again for both sets of 11. For most of the trip, the team is split into two 11’s that each play a half, so it is important that both groups understand the system and how we will play.

Tuesday was Game Day #1 which was exciting as we would finally be getting to put all that we have practiced and worked on into a game against the competition we have been preparing for. As Bridges is a religious organization, we shared some morning prayers after breakfast before we packed up and got on the road for SønderjyskE. It wasn’t too bad of a drive, about 3hrs through the beautiful Danish countryside. Not too many hills but lots of green paddocks and nice old brick houses. We crossed a couple bridges (ironic huh), that were pretty incredible. Storebæltsforbindelsen was the the most impressive one spanning 6.7km, with great views out across the Great Belt Straight. After arriving at the wrong facility, we eventually found the Football arena and stadium. The facilities were top notch and so was the surface. We played on a practice field in front of a fairly intrigued crowd of approximately 300. As their season is only 2 weeks away, fans were getting a good look at their new team as well as some new signings. It was an exciting opportunity, especially as SønderjyskE had reached the third stage of Europa League Qualifying last season. We were ready and came out in our high press which rattled them and didn’t make them feel too comfortable, and it paid off. We scored within the first 10min of the game and we were all quite surprised too be honest. They never fully took control of the game, although they had the better of the possession, it didn’t have too much purpose or direction. Later in the first half they equalized. The second half was my opportunity to show my ability and get into the game. After the first couple minutes of nerves and a few misconnected long balls, I settled in well and felt pretty comfortable, although the challenge was always there. We continued to compete well and took the lead again early in the second half off a corner. However, in the last 10 the lads began to fatigue a little and concentration on our system lacked a little and we conceded late in the game. 2-2 was a fair result for our first game that we expected to be a complete rout. A great start to give us credibility for the trip. We shared a great meal with their team after the game before we got back on the road and headed for home.

Wednesday was game day #2. I was up early to go for a walk and stretch to just loosen up after the game and travel from the day before. After breakfast we did something similar with the team with a bit of jogging and things. A big lunch before all we had to do was walk across from the gymnasium/hall we are staying in to the stadium, all 200m away. After the result of our first game, obviously the word had gotten out to not take us lightly and HB Køge was well prepared for us. Although they are a division down from our first opponents, SønderjyskE, they were certainly out to compete and challenge us, which they did. The field was a little bigger than our first game, so our high press game was more difficult to implement. However, defensively we stayed compact and didn’t allow too many clear cut chances, unfortunately conceding two penalties to lose 2-0. We had a couple chances, but the score was a fair reflection of the game. Similar to the first game, I played the second half. I was fairly pleased with my performance overall, but as the competitor I am, I have high standards for myself and there are always pieces of my performance I wasn’t happy with. Just gives me things to work on, and that is what this experience is about, to improve me as a player as well as hopefully gaining an opportunity to trial or sign with a team. It was wonderful that we had no travel to do after the game so it allowed us to just relax and recover for the rest of the day.

Thursday and Friday were both training days to prepare for our next match. The facility here is incredible, with numerous training fields, a turf field, and small sided turf fields enclosed with walls so the opportunities are endless to get some work in. These days were also a good chance to catch up on a little rest, get the laundry done and all those things.

Saturday rolled around for Game day #3. Today we were playing FC Helsingør. They were promoted from the Danish First Division to the Danish Superliga at the end of last season, and so our game was one of their last pre-season games before they begin playing in the Superliga for the first time. They were the most disciplined team we have played so far. They were very tidy and moved the ball well and we struggled with their movement and ball speed in the first half being down 2-0. The second half was a lot more solid defensively and organized after clearer instruction was given on individual responsibilities. I had the opportunity to showcase my ability in the second half and I was very pleased with my play. I felt I was able to read the game pretty well and cut out a lot of their opportunities coming forward. Unfortunately we conceded on the last kick of the game so the final score was 3-0. I have been happy that I am improving each game and keeping consistency in my play, which is crucial in my position. Only a short 60min drive home before we had a relaxing evening.

Sunday we were back on the training pitch, recovery from the game the day before, but also beginning to prepare for our game this coming Tuesday against what will be the toughest team we play, FC Nordsjælland. It was the nicest day weather wise we have had since we have been here, with lots of sun and blue sky and warm temperatures. And we got to enjoy the sun as we watched our hosts, FC Køge play a friendly against Superliga team, Odense (OB). It was nice to sit back and watch some high level football, and after competing against teams at that level, it was great to view it from a different perspective. The rest of Sunday was relaxing as we prepared for another big week of the tour!