Players from Everest SC are preparing for a busy 10-day trip to England and Scotland. Boys’ team members from the ‘02 and ‘03 age groups will travel to Manchester, Liverpool, London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. A travel contingent of 46 people including players, coaches, parents, siblings, and even grandparents are making the trip. The group will depart Friday March 23 and return Sunday April 1. The teams will play 3 games against local competition. They will also be trained in practices by top youth coaches from England and Scotland including the famed Academy programs of Manchester United and Celtic FC. In addition they will attend two professional matches. The highlight will be going to the historic Wembley Stadium in London to watch England play Scotland.
One of the trip organizers, Everest ’02 coach, Mark Schwerdtfeger believes a trip such as this can have a huge impact on personal and player development. “This trip to England for the boys will be the trip of a lifetime,” said Coach Schwerdtfeger, “The experience, knowledge and friendships they will gain from this trip is invaluable. They are at the perfect age to absorb the cultural differences in soccer between America and Europe. They will come back from this tour different soccer players with a deeper understanding of the game and its history. The memories they make will be ones that last a lifetime.”
Joe Moening a member of the Everest ‘03’s can’t wait for the trip and the challenge of playing overseas. “I’m looking forward to the games and training and I’m really excited about seeing Italy play England at Wembley”, said Joe, “but I also want to see all the castles and other historic sites.”
In addition to Wembley Stadium, the boys will also visit some iconic soccer venues, including the Etihad, home of Manchester City, Old Trafford (Manchester United), Anfield (Liverpool) and Celtic Park (Celtic FC). In addition to the soccer portion, the trip will include plenty of educational and cultural visits. The tour is organized by GoPlay Sports Tours, https://www.acis.com/goplay. The tentative itinerary is:
Friday March 23
Depart Cleveland
Saturday March 24
Arrive Manchester
Visit Manchester City Academy/Etihad Stadium
Training Session with Manchester United academy coaches
Sunday March 25
Game 1 v Local Opposition- Liverpool
Visit the National Football Museum
Old Trafford Stadium Tour
Monday March 26
Anfield Stadium Tour
Beatles Black Cab Tour
Free time in Liverpool…visit the Docks, Cavern Club, etc.
Tuesday March 27
Travel to London
Training Session
INTERNATIONAL MATCH- England v Italy @ Wembley Stadium
Wednesday March 28
Guided Tour of London, free time in London
Game 2 v Local Opposition- London
Thursday March 29
Travel to Edinburgh
Training session with Hibernian Academy coaches
Tour Hibernian Stadium
Friday March 30
Game 3 v Local Opposition- Edinburgh
Visit Edinburgh, Guided Tour of the Old Town, the Royal Mile,
Edinburgh Castle
Saturday March 31
Depart for Glasgow
Training Session with Celtic FC Academy coaches
PRO MATCH- Celtic FC v Ross County @ Celtic Park
Sunday April 1
Depart to Glasgow Airport
Arrival in Cleveland