Category: Travel

It has been a busy and full on week here up and down the valley. I did a variety of jibs this week during the days, stacking firewood, patching up the field from the match on Saturday, shifting hundreds of pallets and clearing out piled up stuff behind the shop. The jobs kept us busy for sure, but its always nice to see visual results that we achieved something. The manual work is simply just all part of the grind.

On the field, we had some good training sessions, where I felt as though I had performed consistently. As always, I found time to do some extra ball work making sure I got in enough touches. Because I was on the bench for the first team last week, I was eligible to play for the reserves this week who played on Friday. It was a firey encounter and turned out to be men against boys. Unfortunately, our team had the boys. Although top of the league, the reserve team didn’t show enough fight and guts to grind out a result, so it was a lessoned learned for them. For me, although a lesser level, getting an extra 90 minutes on the field was great, as I was able to take away little things from the game regarding my mentality and attitude. A short sleep Friday night as a 5hr away trip began Saturday morning to Lerum. We got there 90 minutes before kick off so not much time to rest and rejuvenate before we were into our warm up. I backed up playing a full game the night before with another full game Saturday afternoon with the first team. It was a much more positive performance from the team, although a poor refereeing decision led Lerum to winning a penalty in the last few minutes. I was happy with my performance, and glad to be back at Center Back where I felt I was solid and reliable throughout the game. We then had to drive the 5hrs back to Sysslebäck. Long day! 

Sunday was a wonderful day to relax and recover. Had a great catch up with my parents over FaceTime, before I spent time rolling out, stretching and had a great chilly ice bath in the river. In the evening we got the fire pit cracking and chilled out. Another week beckons in the valley!

The week began with a fairly relaxed Monday. I got some individual technical work in the morning before we had team training in the afternoon. That evening we walked down the street to a nice little Italian restaurant for a team meal there. The lasagna was incredible!

Tuesday was game day #4 against FC Nordsjælland, another Danish SuperLiga team. We prepared for them as our toughest opponents of the trip and that served us really well. After a one hour drive we arrived to their facilities. Their main stadium was incredible and the surrounding training pitches went for miles and miles. The changing rooms and things below the stadium were very impressive, with a wall devoted to players who have played for them and represented national teams around the world. After the original excitement of playing a big time team, we got into game mode. We played on a training pitch, which was still very high quality! As has been the whole trip, I played the second half. The first half boys did well to keep the score at 0-0 after a few adjustments. In the second half we defended very well. We were under pressure for most of the game, but the defense stayed strong and we caught them on the counter a few times. The game finished 0-0, a very fair result and a huge surprise as we were not expected to compete with them. Personally, another good performance from me, so the consistency continues. As it turned out, the striker I was marking used to be at Manchester City, and one of their midfielders was on loan from them. So the team was full of quality, we just had more grit. It was a happy car ride home.

Wednesday was game day #5, and after a light walk and stretch in the morning, we headed south for Næstved. They are Division 2 in Denmark, so tier 3, however they weren’t to be taken lightly. Unfortunately the way we lined up and our mentality didn’t help. The first half team was a lot of guys that hadn’t gotten many minutes at all in the first 4 games, plus a couple guys from our second half team. So I started and got to captain the team. It wasn’t the proudest of displays, as the team lacked effort and courage. It was a tough first half and we had some opportunities, but we were just too poor and we went into the half 2-0 down. Coach complimented myself, the other center back and our goal keeper for keeping us in the game as things fell apart in front of us. The second half team put a little more pride in the performance and we came away from the game with only a 2-1 defeat. Another short journey home and time to relax and recover after a busy couple days with games.On Thursday, I woke up a year older. I am not the biggest fan of birthdays/celebrations so I kept it fairly quiet that it was my birthday. What I attempted to spread upon those wishing me a happy birthday was that it was a special day to remind myself of the fortunate life I have, the health and happiness that I have in my life that allows me to chase my dreams. Hopefully I made a couple people think with that one. The day turned out to be pretty much an off day for us as we only did a light morning walk and stretch before heading into Køge central for lunch with the whole team. We were given a little time to explore the town a little bit before we returned home. A big group of us had decided that we wanted to go watch Brøndby IF (Denmark) and VPS (Finland) in their round 2 Europa League Qualification game.
The game was about 40min away and it was a great atmosphere. The game was fairly one sided, but it was nice to watch a competitive game, although a little frustrating sitting their and thinking that we had played 3 teams of Brøndby IF’s level during the trip. Certainly something to strive for! So my birthday turned out to be a good one thats for sure, and a few more people picked up on it.

On Friday we were back into training to prepare for our next match against IFK Värnamo in Sweden. After a good day off, the boys were ready to get going again, so we had a good session in preparation. I was able to get some extra 1v1 defensive work in after training also which was great. Later that evening I was told by the agent to pack my bags up ready to leave after the game the next day, so that was exciting. And that was really all I got until I had a brief conversation after dinner with him. He outlined the possibilities of what might happen after the game and where I could go and things, so it was exciting that something might be happening. I wasn’t the only one confirmed to be going somewhere, as he requested that all players who were looking to sign bring their gear, just incase they got picked up from the game. So the rest of the night was spent doing last bits of laundry and packing up my things. I also managed to sneak in a little me time and drove off to the Køge beach just after sunset. It was nice to just relax and get some fresh air in my own personal space and reflect a little on the experience that had been so far!

Saturday dawned and everything was ready to go. But the focus was solely on the game because my game performance could have determined a move elsewhere to what was looking likely. Our 6th game was against IFK Värnamo who play in the second tier in Sweden. They were another very strong team, and a little different tactically to teams we had played previously on the trip. We started a little shaky, before settling into the game and hitting them on a few counter attacks. We held out well until half time and you could tell they were a little frustrated. The second half was once again my chance to continue the defensive effort and see out the game, and we did exactly that. We held very firm not allowing too many clear cut chances. We were able to finally convert on a counter attack and managed to sneak out a 1-0 win for our first win of the trip and a second clean sheet for the boys. It was a great result. After the game, our agent confirmed the number of players and who specifically they were that would be leaving after the game, and it was confirmed for me. This was exciting news but it really was the whole purpose of this trip, to get an opportunity somewhere, so a relief that it had paid off. After the game I had a nice chat with Tyler Lissette who is a Kiwi playing for Värnamo. We seem to end up everywhere in this world so it sure is nice to catch up with another Kiwi whenever given the chance. Once we finished our post match meal, I said my goodbyes to the team and got in the car with 4 others who were also going to trials. Grant, and Myself are headed to Nördvarmlands FF which is a division two team in Sweden, with Matt joining us to head on trial with the teams reserve team. Abbai and Isaac were heading to a division 3 team in Sweden.  We headed to Gothenburg Train Station, where we spent the night, as our trains weren’t leaving until the next morning. After going from bench, to floor, to seat, to corner, we eventually settled in for the night and attempted to get some sleep. As it was a Saturday night, the station was busy until about 4am. That was when I finally fell asleep.

As Sunday rolled around with people streaming back into the station, we were counting down the hours till our new journey would begin. Numerous games of cards, a bit of reading and trying to find alternative ways to go to the toilet as the ones in the station cost money, we got on our first train and began the journey north. First it was to Kil, and after a 2hr lay over in Kil, where we spent most of the time trying to throw a paper ball into a rubbish bin from 20yds away, we were on our way further north to Torsby. The weather was quite grey as low cloud and rain was around, but the countryside we travelled through was lovely. Nice forests, big lakes and flowing rivers. After a little wait at the station, we were picked up by two of the guys on the team, one whom was a part of the Bridges tour last year. We then had another 45-60min car ride further north to where we would be settling in. A quick stop to meet the Sporting Director for the club and get groceries before finally arriving at the team apartments. It had been one hell of a journey, with maybe a total of 3hrs of sleep in the tank, but we made it, and it sure did feel like home. The forest covered hills, the river rolling alongside the towns, and just the sheer greenness of everything, it is very similar to various parts on New Zealand. Although we are somewhat in the middle of nowhere in Sweden, I am very pleased to be in a place with this much nature. After we settled into the apartment, we went out for a nice jog and stretch along the river, and I was very satisfied with life. I thought to myself, ‘if this is what everything over the last few months has built up to, I am happy with it.’ Playing football in a beautiful part of the world, can’t complain. The work begins tomorrow when we have our first training/trial session. We shall see, by the end of next week things could once again, be very different, as you have seen from last week to this week.

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!

In our final week of training, things really started to become real. It had become only a matter of days before all the work that had been put in over the last 4 months would finally be going towards something. We continued to work on tactical aspects of our game and the way we would play in order for us to compete against some top level competition. As you can imagine, the week flew by and soon enough we were on our way. It wasn’t before we cleaned up the apartment and took the van to get cleaned. We also attempted to finish as much of the food we had bought so it wouldn’t go to waste. This made for some great meals!

For all of those who have not been following along as closely, for the next 24 days, I will be playing with a team (Bridges FC) of players some of whom are pursuing professional contracts. We will play 9 games during this period of time where we will have many scouts from around Scandinavia come and watch. For most of the guys, the hope is to perform well enough to gain interest from teams we play against, or these scouts that come to watch. At any stage during the trip, players could leave the group to go on trial or sign with a team here. Our games will be in Denmark and Sweden. There are a number of players on the team who are still eligible for College Soccer in the USA so they are here for the experience and exposure for future opportunity. Our first game is on Tuesday July 4th against Sønderjyske. This will be followed by a game on Wednesday July 5th against our hosts,  HB Køge. Hopefully for regular game updates, you can follow our teams twitter,

Saturday was the day, as we all arrived at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport for our 10pm flight to Copenhagen. A comparatively short flight compared to usual for me being only 7hrs, however it really messed with timing as we had dinner at 12am and then the lights were only off for 3hrs before we were up again for breakfast, and then landed just before 1pm. Once we landed our group grew by an additional 5 members as we met other guys who would be joining us on the trip. As everyone waited, I was one of the dedicated van drivers and so we headed off to get the rental vans. Of course my one would be manual, and having only ever driven a manual on the other side of the road, I was worried about the unnatural gear changing with the right hand. It didn’t turn out to be a problem, but figuring out how to get it into reverse was. I got there eventually, and we piled up the vans and off we went through the countryside of Denmark to HB Køge, our accommodation for the next 24 days. Thankfully it wasn’t a long drive and we arrived safely and got ourselves situated in he gymnasium. Our mattresses are big gym mats which aren’t bad at all to be fair. The key now was stay awake until it was time for sleep so that I could get my body clock sorted, so I headed out with a couple others to do a massive grocery shop for dinner and food for a couple days. Feeding 30 isn’t easy, but we won’t go starving, thats for sure. Once we returned, we went for a nice light jog and stretch on some of the practice fields behind the stadium. The facilities are brilliant with lots of fields, and all grass. It was great to get the legs going thats for sure. A nice big team dinner before a tactics session where most of the lads were battling to stay awake before it was time to hit the hay. Daylight hours are from 4am till about 11pm, so that will certainly take some getting used to.

For all updates, this is where you’ll want to come. Depending on how things go, I may increase the amount of posts I do just to fit in everything that is going on! And don’t worry, by next post I will have taken many photos!

Well summer has truly arrived and the temperatures were soaring and our skin was burning. It was another ‘game week’ and our trainings focused on preparation for a trip to St. Louis to play against St. Louis FC who play in the USL, America’s Second Tier of competition. During the week, Coach had settled on a new formation that he felt would beneficial and successful with the personnel that we have. Sessions were intense, and Coach continued to challenge us all to be better. On Thursday we headed to St. Louis, a place I am very familiar with, with various family members living in and around the city, so The Arch was a welcome sight as we crossed the bridge.

We played on Friday morning at 11am, and the temperature on the turf was already pushing the 90s Fahrenheit. We were certainly tested again, but a bit more organized this time. Defensively our shape worked well and as a group defended a lot better than against Louisville City FC, however that didn’t stop us conceding some poor goals from a lack in concentration. This is crucial at the higher level and some are still learning the importance of this and many other aspects of the game. Although it wasn’t the result we wanted, it was progress and that is what Coach had asked for. I was also fortunate to see some family after the game which is always special.

Our Saturday afternoon was spent helping out a donor to the organization, packing up boxes and shifting furniture from a garden show. Wasn’t how we expected to spend our Saturday afternoon but for us to just give a little of our time to people who have assisted in the opportunities we are getting, it is the least we can do. Saturday also marked two weeks until we depart. Time sure is ticking by and soon enough, we will be on a plane!

We had finally reached a week where we would be playing a game. All our training was in preparation for it. Training intensity once again rose to ensure that we were as prepared, physically and tactically to play against USL team Louisville City FC. And on Wednesday night, after our second training of the day, we finally hit the road. It was a late night arrival for us into Columbus, IN. Thursday morning we were back on the road to finish off the trip to Louisville. We arrived and we given the opportunity to use their locker for preparation. It was as professional as you can get and really set the tone for what was to come in the next few hours. Once we were dressed and coach had given his pre match talk, we headed to their training field where we were to play. Their training pitch was it great condition, and a little damp from the recent rain. The game was an eye opening experience for many of the lads on our team as they had not faced this high level competition before. Louisville was very slick, especially because they are mid season, and we are only beginning to really prepare as a team. It was a game where we didn’t have the ball too often, however we did not embarrass ourselves, losing only 3-0. Results aren’t the current focus as we continue to prepare for Europe, but for me, individual performance is very important. I was fairly happy with my performance, however a few small adjustments need to be made going forward to continue to build my game. I’m looking forward to more high level competition to allow me to test myself again.

This trip had put most of our schedules off, as we were returning it felt like a Sunday evening, however it was only Thursday. Friday we were given off to recover, however we still had therapy and chiropractor in the morning which was perfect for the day after a game. Friday evening, myself and 3 others took a trip into Chicago. As it turned out, BROODS were playing in The House of Blues. I went to high school with Georgia and Caleb, who make up BROODS and I was very good friends with them. So I had sent Caleb a message earlier in the week and he was able to get us in on the guest list. When we arrived, we were given our tickets and a special pass for Box 130. As it turned out, Box 130 was a private box on the second floor behind the curtain directly above the stage. So we could see out into the crowd and directly down on stage. It didn’t take long after they were on stage for Caleb to shoot a smirk up my way, and the more focused Georgia took a little more time but she sent a smile up a few times. They continue to do amazing things with their music, but they are still the same friends I went to high school with, not letting the fame influence them. After the show, Caleb came down to our box and invited us up to their green room where we hung out for an hour or so. It was great to just catch up with them, share stories from high school, but also hear stories from their journey, the various concerts the had played and the places they went. I’m sure it wont be long until I am in the same city as them to watch another concert!

Saturday we were back in training and because of the teams lack of fitness compared to Louisville City FC, we were on the track at Wheaton College doing fitness. Fitness is crucial to compete at the professional level and it may take a little longer for some for that to sink in. It was also a holiday weekend and our apartment complex finally opened the pool, so it has been nice to relax by it, but also use it for recovery after training. Next week will be a very intense week as the preparation continues and it marks 5 weeks till Europe!!