SCSA U15 GIRLS BLUE GOLD RUSH ENJOY TRIP TO ENGLAND

What do you get when you take 14 girls to England for a Soccer trip?  F-U-N 

The South Charlotte Soccer Association 15U Blue Gold Rush soccer team recently returned from a ten day trip to England for soccer matches and sightseeing.  Led by head coach Jimmy O’ Boyle, the group of girls and other family members embarked on the exciting trip overseas.  While soccer was the reason behind the trip, the group knew they were in for an experience of a lifetime away from the field as well.

The team played three matches against youth academy teams.  Unfortunately, those academies had received word ahead of time about the talent level on the Gold Rush team. Playing as a Division I team, the Gold Rush captured the Kepner Cup this season and were named state champions.  Once the academies heard about this, they were determined to not lose to the U15 team from America.  For games one and two, the Gold Rush looked across the field to find teams with 16 and 17 year old girls.  The Gold Rush gave it their best effort, but the age difference was too much to overcome. For the final game the Gold Rush lost a close match to a team in their age division.

It didn’t take long for the girls to forget about the soccer matches as they turned their attention to the historical sights of England.  The list of places visited included; Leeds Castle, Buckingham Palace, Harrod’s of London and Lilly Whites, the largest soccer store in the world.  Many members of the traveling party attended the Phantom of the Opera play. The group also spent time traveling through London on a double decker tour bus.

According to O’Boyle, one of the neatest experiences was staying at a hotel in Kent located beside the Brans Hatch Circuit Raceway.  The group was able to walk right out their door and watch motorcycles and cars racing on the famed circuit.

Another added attraction was the visit to Chelsea Stadium, home of the Chelsea Football Club.  The group received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Premier League Champions stadium.

“The trip exceeded all my expectations; our team had a great time,” said O’ Boyle. “We kept soccer low key and enjoyed the entire trip.  The hospitality we received from our competitors was great; they had dinners for us after the games and were very kind.  This was a super reward for our girls whoworked so hard this past soccer season.”

Meg and Annie Peer, twin players on the team had a super trip and came away with great memories.

"Not only did we have the opportunity to play skillful soccer games with both English girls AND boys, but we really enjoyed touring the Chelsea Football Club Stadium and having dinner in the Julian Zola Room."

These girls will remember the trip for the rest of their lives.  The South Charlotte Sports Reports sends out a good luck wish for the Gold Rush in the 2006-07 soccer season.