During the Easter weekend around 90 players and parents went on our first of three Development Tours for the 2008/2009 season.

Three squads travelled to Holland to take part in a friendly on the Saturday and a tournament on the Sunday, which both took part either side of the city of Rotterdam.

The weekend started with an early start from the Trade Recruitment Stadium as we left for Dover at 4.30am. After a smooth Ferry crossing and drive north through France and Belgium into Holland, we arrived at Port Zelande Center Parcs Complex.

All players and parents had the rest of the day to enjoy themselves with fantastic weather and views to add to the superb facilities. (The picture below is the view from outside the Chalets)

We left Port Zelande on Saturday morning at 8am to travel an hour east to play against Olympia-Gouda, known for producing former Chelsea and Stoke City goalkeeper Ed de Goey.

Our U8 squad was coached by Jimmy Unwin and were Sam, Joseph, Mason, Finnian, Leighton, George, Alfie, Joseph and Connor (pictured below).

Our Under 8's squad was made up of U8's and three U7's which, due to the different European age banding, found a few of the lads playing some boys nearly two years older. They found it slightly difficult physically on a big pitch but some of the football played individually, with great tricks and free flowing football, was really pleasing to see. The lads finished the game with a penalty shoot-out for fun and this was a great way to end a great game! There are action shots below.

James Cutting was in charge of the Under 10's and contained Gurpal, Joshua, George, Freddie, David, Ryan, Jack, Oliver, Paolo and Scott in their squad. (pictured below)

Again, with our U10's being made up of U9's and U10's, they found themselves slightly overpowered against older and bigger boys but played some good attacking football and scored some great goals. The way the lads are taught to protect the ball and transfer the ball safe side away from the defenders, then use their skills to beat players, was apparent against more physically dominant players and was a great learning curve.

The Under 12's lined up with Becan, Benito, Ben, Henry, Matthew, Robert, Josh, Daniel, Luke, Aaron, Nick, Charlie, Ryan and Alex. They were under the tutelage of Nigel Hurrell. (pictured below)

The U8's and U10's played on a 3rd generation state of the art Astroturf while the U12's played on the first team pitch in front of a good crowd.

The lads played some fantastic football in a really competitive game and got the crowd off their seats at times with great pace to their play. After a great team move Luke from our Thetford Development Centre drilled the ball into the bottom corner across the goalkeeper to get the only goal of the game late on, and his goal was topped off with a Robbie Keane type celebration to entertain the crowd even more.

The lads and their families were then back at Center Parcs by 4pm in the afternoon to have the afternoon and evening at their leisure.

Sunday started with a 7.45am departure to the tournament hosted by FC Hekelingen where games kicked off at 10am.

All three squads made sure that they prepared for the game properly with their respective coaches and started the day really well. The U12's had a good mixture of exciting attacking play and assured defending.

The U10's seemed to have gained confidence from playing against tough opposition the previous day and showed some good passing moves, but more pleasingly had an added end product to coincide with their good play.

The U8's were showing what great technical ability they had and got a lot of attention from others for being 'very small but very skilful' (in the words of several Dutch neutrals). It was great to see the lads expressing themselves but also working hard for each other against some strong opponents.

Throughout the day there was a mixture of good and slightly disappointing results, but with regards to all player development this was hugely beneficial in experiencing how different nationalities play in different styles, foreign referees, big crowds and general football knowledge and practice. The lads will have learned loads and this trip will stand them in good stead for their next overseas tour.

After each team were presented with their trophy we headed back to Center Parcs to enjoy the rest of the day and relax around the chalets, arcades, swimming pool and golf course! From the number of boys that were overtaking the staff going around the 'rapids' at the swimming pool, it was easy to see this was their favourite post match activity!

All players and parents had the Bank Holiday Monday morning to relax before heading back to Cambridge, where we arrived at 10pm.

I would like to thank all parents and players for their fantastic conduct throughout the weekend whilst representing Cambridge United Youth Development and ensuring that everyone had a great weekend!

I would also like to thank Sports Travel International (STI) for organising the tour and look forward to going onto the next one during Whitsun Half Term.

Tom Pell
Football Development Officer

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