The weeks are becoming more familiar, the town is more familiar and the results are more familiar too. It was another very productive week for me. Consistent training each day, and most often twice a day too. The gym has been serving me well, and the weather dried up a bit which allowed me to get out on the field and do some ball work, which is always needed. I have been able to attend yoga classes twice a week and they have been great for recovery but also general flexibility and well-being. I can feel progress each session and there are some areas that I hope to continue to work on and progress for my own benefit.
We also got a few hours of work training in at the bar which was nice to get that ball rolling. And on Wednesday, I headed into town to view the annual light and lantern festival. The streets were filled with thousands of people and various groups from the community, mostly school children, paraded down with hand crafted lanterns. There were some very im
pressive ones. And what could be said to be the highlight of the night was when all the Christmas street lights were finally turned on in Truro. The town just lit up, and now whenever you’re in town after dark, there are always lights hanging across the streets and down the buildings.
It was another week of lots of media, with the story of two kiwis traveling thousands of miles to live in a caravan and play non-league football hitting the headlines. The story was featured on BBC Sport and The Sun also picked it up. Lots of exposure which is just what we want in our quest to hopefully be seen by the important people and we can progress in the English ranks. The links are on my press page. With this increase in press, I have become more active on twitter. Feel free to follow my account as the journey continues. And to top it all off, we were invited into BBC Cornwall Radio studios on Friday to be on air for 20 minutes. Zane, myself and Peter, the clubs chairman, were there and had an enjoyable time. The link to the radio interview is here, and the start time of our time on air is at 2.07.03
Our team trainings have continued to develop and become more structured and purposeful. There is an increased intensity at training and a desire to achieve which is great. And on top of this, both nights I was able to stay behind and do extra work to continue my learning and development. Rory had watched me closely in the game last Saturday and had a few key points of feedback to share. I was then able to review on the film to understand each situation better and on Thursday night we practiced the areas needing improvement. The process was very good, and to be able to receive immediate feedback from both Rory and Hodgey was very helpful. Every little bit of improvement is so key to my development, which will hopefully allow me to continue to rise through the ranks.
Our game this weekend was the third round qualifier for the FA Trophy, which is a cup for Non-league teams. We played against Frome Town, who a few of my friends that I have made in football have played for previously, so a familiar team name at least. They are in the league below us, but were a decent side. The score didn’t fully reflect the game too much, as we just took our chances and they didn’t, however they didn’t have too many decent chances. We were clinical and won 6-1, which could have been more. Very disappointed to have conceded the one goal, as a clean sheet is always nice, but the back line once again was very solid. We are becoming more comfortable with each other and the roles we play which is important to allow for the trust to develop between each other. As always, there is room to improve. In terms of my individual performance, I was much happier with how I played this week compared to last week. I was able to apply some of my learnings in certain areas of my game and that made me more solid and effective. A positive performance for sure.
As always, my Sunday morning run took me on a little adventure, this time along a long single lane country road past many paddocks and farms. Home is never too far away! The rest of Sunday wasn’t anything special with more recovery and rolling out and a fair bit of relaxing too!
great for the body and just what was needed after a long week of training.
ll ever be any consistency to it as winter progresses. I wouldn’t mind a little more sunshine, even if the air is crisp.
as a good feeling to have as we embarked on our long journey home. Personally, it was another game of learning, continuing to understand my new position and using my judgement on the field in certain situations. At times, I struggled, but now that I am aware of most of it, I can look back at the video and really see how my performance was. The game just showed what a team that fights together till the end can really do, and it took all of us to make sure we took those 3 points home.
A lot can change in a week. Finally based in Truro, I was able to find my way around, do some errands and just get a feel of the city. It is a lovely wee town and will certainly be a nice place to wander round and spend time. During the day, Zane and I went across to the club to see one of the groundsman, Ron. We had a good chat with him and then spent the evening at his place for dinner with him and his wife. A lovely home cooked meal is always a treat, and some great conversation and stories.
h it as we brought home 3 valuable points with us. Whitehawk’s pitch was unbelievable. It was on the biggest slope ever and I’m not sure how that is up to FA standards, and of course it was freezing and raining and windy, so a top result in those conditions. It certainly made for a happier bus ride home, and I finally had to sing a song as my team initiation. A trusty song that everyone knows, Your Beautiful by James Blunt was my choice and it got the boys going!
A nice surprise, however I know that I am only just getting settled and there is lots of improvement and development still need for me to get to where I want to be. Nonetheless, the recognition of a good performance is always nice. It was just lovely to return to what I can call home now after the game and relax and recover!
ded by cameras, so a little difficult to use them. The trail I continued to run was lovely and a nice little discovery. The rest of my afternoon was casual with a bit of shopping and then Zane and I headed down to the Primary School park to pass a ball around and just shake the legs out. I cooked the first full meal in our new home, which was spaghetti bolognese. Turned out great. And sadly, the Quinnipiac Men’s Soccer team season came to an end today as they lost in the final of their conference championship. A great season but just couldn’t get over the hurdle.
ately lost 4-2. It was another long journey home and I made sure I stretched at each stop we made just to ensure my recovery was on track after playing my first full game in about 2 months. It was great to get going, and hopefully we can build on the performance as a team and begin to turn the results around. On Sunday, Zane and I packed up our stuff and headed to the train station to head to Truro. We were finally in the town that we would be settling, so that was a nice feeling. We got a good recovery training session in that evening and we were ready for the next week.
This week went by in very similar fashion to the others. I was able to train everyday, whether it was with the team or on my own. The weather wasn’t the best however fresh air was always lovely. I picked up a few little projects to work on this week which kept me occupied and filled my time which was nice. I was also able to continue reading my book, which has been very relevant to the experience I am having.
My week began as my recent weeks all had. Nothing too exciting really. I walked to the park in which I do my training at and got a good session in; ball work, fitness, and speed work. In the afternoon I did some errands before I walked to the oceanside to watch the sunset. It was lovely.
ome. By the time I get back to Truro, the train service no longer runs so I have to take the bus, which goes each hour. Of course I arrived at the bus station 15min after the bus left so I had to wait 45min for the next one. I take my foam roller so I use this time to stretch and roll out. Not a bad time filler at all, and great for my body!
Thursday was a lovely sunny day and so I took my book(kindle) and headed for the oceanside. Usually when the days have been lovely, there is always a breeze at the beach, but for the last few days there haven’t and I have been able to comfortably sit there in the clothes I dressed in. I ran a couple errands later in the day, before I set off on my trip for training again. Trainings have been changed to earlier, well at least a little bit earlier so when I returned from training I managed to catch the earlier bus which meant I got back to Falmouth before midnight….bonus!
On Sunday, I carried on my tradition of the last 3 weeks of going for a run. I scouted out a new path to take for this one which took me all along the coast. It was very windy and the weather wasn’t great, and I was hoping that would decline the number of people on the track. It did not, so I was consistently ducking and weaving and saying “coming through on your right”, which 90% of people then decided to move to the right…Language barriers huh….Oh well, it was a lovely long run to get my mind clear again. 8miles/13km in just under an hour isn’t too bad at all! My afternoon consisted of watching the Blackcaps and then Manchester United. Both very disappointing results. Onward! Hopefully next week there is more action in various areas of my life.
Well my week kicked off with a crazy experience. Toby had gotten a call earlier in the morning asking if he would like to deliver a boat, via the English Channel from Falmouth to Brixham. He came and asked me and while I pondered it, he went a checked the winds. The next thing we know we are loading ourselves onto Fabienne, our home for the next 16+ hours. The wind wasn’t helping us at all so we motor-sailed the w
hole way. Because of this, it took a lot longer than expected. We passed the time by reliving many high school memories, sharing our experiences we had had in the last few years, and a nice guitar session. It certainly was a long trip, however the sunset was amazing and it was a great experience to spend with Toby. We arrived into Brixham around 4.30am. Slept from 5-6.30am and then we were picked up and headed home by car. I still had sea legs a little but I survived.
Tuesday we were recovering from the extensive trip, as we hung out at the flat and napped for a lot of the day. We headed down to the local pub to watch the England WC qualifier, however it was nothing special and we headed home at half time. I set an alarm for 12.45am so I could wake up and watch the All Whites vs USA. It was worth waking up for, but would have been even better if we had pulled off the win.
Later that afternoon, Toby and I also went down to the local park to kick a ball around, and even though it was all for a bit of fun, I would still focus on the little things, like first touch, and technique. Later we went out to Pendennis Point. It is a favorite spot of Toby’s and I can see why. We hung out there for a bit and just watched as the waves crashed in.
Today was game day again, and I wasn’t sure whether I would be playing or not. I had to take the train from Falmouth to Truro, and Of course the 20min walk from the flat to the Train Station it poured with rain, so I got drenched! Oh well. Eventually got to the ground and by the time we went out to warm up, it was sunny. Strange weather but Ill take it. I was on the bench once again. And once again it was a disappointing game to watch from the sides not being able to influence it. We lost 3-0. So not the greatest few games, but onwards to the next one. I came home and watched the Quinnipiac boys beat Monmouth for the first time in I think 12 years, and QU currently sits top of the table, so it is great for them that they are doing so well. I also managed a lengthy catch up with Mum and Dad which is always nice!
Monday dawned a beautiful day and we were up and out early to go for a sail. Toby’s jobs have all been with sailing, either a deck hand or a first mate on many sail boats. He does his job very well and knows his stuff. So this morning he took myself, his dad Tony and his uncle Gary all out. Gary knows how to sail so at least he wasn’t alone, and I still remembered many of the sailing skills I learned in Outward Bound. We had a wonderful few hours out on the water. Once we came in, Tony drove Toby and I up to Truro, where Toby was picking up a rental car for the week. While we were there, we went for a little tiki tour around Truro and stopped by at the Football Club. While we were at the club, I called the Secretary to see if he was in but he wasn’t. However, he had great news for me. All my papers had come back, including my reacquisition to amateur status. So now I just have to sign the contract with the club and Ill be away. That was an incredible feeling as it has been a journey and at times I thought that moment may not come! And it was nice to share the jubilation with a friend too. Toby and I then drove back to Falmouth and he took me on a tiki tour of Falmouth. Seeing lots of the town and the
surrounding areas. Many lookouts across the water, which was just wonderful. All I need is some ocean and blue sky and I am happy.
Wednesday was another good day. I dressed appropriately to go read on the pier and had a nice time out there, also just observing the surroundings and the boats that would come and go. Toby and I went and had another kick around in a local park which was nice. I have still been able to get my extra training in but just having Toby allows me to do some other things. That evening I have a few phone interviews regarding my signing, one for 
On Friday we woke up and went on an adventure. We headed down the coast through many small seaside towns and down very narrow roads and ended up at Lizard Point. We wandered along the coastal track on the cliffs above the water and took in the view. It was lovely and the coastline is a nice change. There was a life boat station there and so it was cool to see that and read about what they do and see photos of the life boat and its entry into the water from the shed. 
We then stopped off at what is considered to be a famous pasty shop, Anns Pasties, and I had my first Pasty. It was very nice and didn’t disappoint. For those wondering what it is, it is a pastry folded like a calzone and inside the one I got, it had steak, potatoes, leak and onions. We ate them in a park looking across to the ocean and then we went and sat on swings and had some childhood fun while we reminisced on high school and all the kiwi traditions that we have done in our travels. We then hit the road and stopped at a local Cider shop that also had all sorts of arts and crafts and things. We got a very educational tasting experience on the local Ciders. Some were good, and some were very different, but it was interesting to learn about them nonetheless. Finally we headed on home.
It was finally game day, and I was finally able to play. I had a relaxed morning and was well fed before I headed to Treyvew Rd, home of Truro City White Tigers! Still without any team gear, but I was part of the team nonetheless. The squad was stretched a little thin this week, but we still fielded a good side. I was on the bench. It was great to finally go through all the preparation and team talks and warming up with the team finally. The sun was out and it wasn’t a bad day at all. Well it wasn’t bad until we conceded after 3 minutes, and then conceded again twice in the first half. 3-0 down at half time wasn’t what was planned. I stayed out and warmed up during half time. I would look on from the bench as two more goals would be conceded before the manager called me over, gave me a few instructions, sent me to warm up, and then on I went. I played defensive midfield, just shielding the back four. I did the job asked of me, and I was comfortable in possession. Not much of an influence I can make at 5-0 down. It wasn’t the greatest game to debut, however now that its out of the way, it is onward and upward from here. Many fans were left disappointed today, but next week we will do what we can to change that! After the post match formalities, Toby and I headed back to Falmouth and found a pub that was showing the All Blacks. We got to see the last 15min in which they piled on about 25 points to blow away the Springboks and set a record! We watched a bit of the English Football game after that before finally heading home. I was able to facetime my parents and fill them in on all the events that had occurred today and throughout the week. It is always a highlight each week to catch up with them and fill them in! Technology has made the last 5 years a lot easier being away from home. I stayed up to watch the All Whites face Mexico. It was a great performance and a completely different approach by the NZ team for the first time in a long time. Promising signs.
On Monday, I continued my individual training, utilizing the various accessories that the turf field had to offer. Big tires to pass against and give an uneven return which kept me on my toes, walls to juggle a ball against, and corner walls to pass, return, open out and pass to the other side. I just have to find ways to train various aspects of my game and also get as many touches in as possible each day. I feel like I have been achieving that. Today was also the exciting day that I would get to pick up my visa. It is pretty much like an ID card and it has all the details on there. What it didn’t have however, was a National Insurance Number, which I thought would come with it due to something I applied for during the visa process. So I got on the phone and began the process of applying for a National Insurance Number. One more box to tick off.
So Thursday morning after I ate breakfast, I carried all my bags across town to the Grosvenor Hotel. I stored my bags there for the day and went off on my merry way. I read my book in about 5 different spots today, and managed to finish it. A very compelling book, and certainly very relatable to the process I am currently going through. I’m pretty sure I could define myself as “gritty” for going through all of this. I also managed to wander a few streets and find a few interesting places and little gardens around the place. A worthwhile afternoon before I checked into the hotel and got settled. It was certainly an upgrade from the hostel. I headed out to a nice Italian place for dinner before Rory picked me up for training once again. Training followed similar suit to Tuesday night.
Friday dawned a lovely day and after I had a big breakfast at the hotel, I managed to chat to my parents for about an hour. Our weekly catch ups are always nice and sometimes just enough encouragement to keep me going. Once breakfast had settled, I ran across town and over the bridge to Plymstock. I had had something delivered to Rory’s, however no one was home so they left it at the local post office. So I ran with my backpack to the post office, picked up my package and ran back to the hotel. A good morning run and the best part of it all, I have picked up my new boots. I packed up my football bag and then headed out hoping to find a closer park, but what I found was a large fenced in field, which was locked. So I continued on to my usual field and gave the new boots a good run around on the grass. After I did what I could on the grass, I switched boots and went onto the turf and got more touches in. After a while I called it a day and packed up my stuff and headed back to the hotel. I refreshed and then headed out to a waterfront restaurant for lunch and to read. 
The problem with not being at the hostel is that I cannot make or store my food anymore, so I have had to eat out meals. I make sure that I get bang for my buck though and stay awhile! For dinner, I decided to try the Australian bar, Walkabout. I had walked passed it many of times as I headed into town from the hostel so it was about time. Plus at 8pm there was Friday Night Football in the Premier League. I started with an Old Mout Cider which was wonderful and then had a burger, which I was unfortunately let down by. Oh well. I stayed the length of the game which was good, and then headed on out as the crowds headed on in for their Friday night fun.