Arrival In Leverkusen

Welcome to Leverkusen, home of Bayern Leverkusen

On Friday, I arrived in Leverkusen via train around 1pm and made the short walk from the train station to check-in at the hotel for the U.S. Soccer International Coaching Workshop of Germany and the Netherlands.  Participants slowly began trickling in to the hotel as their flights arrived in Germany.  At 3pm we had the first meeting of the event.  The instructors and program director led a short lecture that included an overview of the program.  As well as meals and travel arrangements over the course of the next week.  Their are 24 participants in the workshop with varying soccer experience, ranging from the past president of the US Soccer Federation (Dr. Bob Contiguglia, 1998-2006) to high school and youth coaches.  Although the workshop primarily consists of Americans several other countries/federations are represented, these include Ireland, Venezuela, and Ghana.

After a the intro meeting most of the coaches grabbed their boots and we headed off to the Bayer Leverkusen youth training grounds.  A couple lightning flashes and a quick cloudburst merely served as a delay to the proceedings.  Once the storms passed and quick warm-up, a nice kick around began on the turf training pitch at the beautiful Leverkusen facility as the sun peeked out for the later afternoon match.  It was very cool to be playing a pick up game at one of the training facilities of the top teams in Germany.  One of many unique experiences that I'm sure will be part of the week.  Fitness was a bit of an issue as the game began to slow down after the first half hour and jet lag slowly exacted its revenge on some of the players.

Leverkusen Youth Training Facility, Facing South

Coaches Gear Up for the Kick Around

Post Pick-Up Game Debriefing

Post match the group headed back to the hotel to grab showers and dinner before trying to wage another battle against jet lag by turning in early.  On Saturday we are headed to Koln to see a Bundesliga match between Leverkusen and FC Koln.  There are only about 12 kilometers (7 miles) that separate the townss so it is a pretty big rivalry match.  With a win Leverkusen can secure a spot in the next year's Champion's League.  FC Cologne currently sits 15th out of 18 teams and is in desperate need of a win to stay in the German top division next year.  There is plenty of stake for both teams.  I will be sure to add a match recap tomorrow.

Here's a quick overview of the schedule for the next week

Fri, April 29th: Check-In, Workshop Intro

Sat, April 30th: Presentation at FC Cologne, FC Cologne v Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Sun, May 1st: Dutch First Division Match; PSV Eindhoven v Vitesse

Mon, May 2nd: Presentation by the German Federation at Hennef

Tues, May 3rd: Observe Leverkusen 1st team training and Youth Presentations

Wed, May 4th: Visit to the Dutch Federation in Zeist and Evening in Amsterdam

Thu, May 5th: Training Observation at Ajax and tour of Amsterdam

Fri, May 6th: Depart Amsterdam

That is all for today.

GO HORNETS!!!