Back in the USA (with a lifetime full of memories)

Even the greatest trips have to end eventually and we are back on US soil after a truly mind blowing 10 days in England. From London to Liverpool we visited 9 top class stadiums :Wembley, the Emirates, White Hart Lane, Stamford Bridge, Loftus Road, Old Trafford, The Etihad, Goodison Park and of course Anfield.

We Saw 3 live matches (Spurs v Schalke, Manchester United v Valencia, and Arsenal versus Chelsea in the Community Shield)

Spent time in 4 different cities (London, Chester, Manchester, and Liverpool )

Practiced at 4 fantastic facilities including the wonderful St George's Park (home of english football and the week prior, FC Barcelona were there) 

Played a semi professional side, 

Met some amazing people!

Had 4 separate winners of the selfie challenge

We went to a uniquely English film, explored one of the biggest malls around and even went to the museum of football. 

It doesn't get much better than that. To conclude, I am turning the reigns over to the tour group to sum up in their own words what this experience meant to them. 

Scott Saucier (senior forward, Sport Management Major)

"Favorite part of the tour was the Wembley game and Arsenal winning!"

"To be able to be in a country that bleeds soccer (football) and be with your brothers who you've spent the past four years building such a great program with was an unreal experience and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Drew Vanasse (senior midfielder, Sport Management Major)

"favorite moment of the tour would be: all of the matches, seeing thousands of people chanting for their team."

"A once in a lifetime experience. Experienced a new culture with my teammates/ life long friends."

Drew Sommer (junior forward, Physical Education Major)

"My favorite moment... Definitely watching all the games and experience the atmosphere in each of the stadium/fans with the guys."

"I'm so happy I got to experience a trip of a lifetime with my closest friends, it is something I'll never forget."

Joey LaBella (junior midfielder, Recreation Management Major)

"Fav moment was at George's park for sure"

"Once in a lifetime experience"

Kevin Nowak (junior forward, Psychology Major) 

"Favorite part was touring around Big Ben / parliament building / buckingham palace"

"a face melting experience of learning and fun"

"Cheers!"

Tyler Allen (junior midfielder, Psychology Major)

"Favorite moment was playing at st. George's park!"

"Amazing team bonding experience "

Nick Kobel (sophomore defender, Sport Management Major)

"Favorite part was The Community Shield Game" 

"Once in a life time experience"

Aj Vico (sophomore defender, Criminal Justice Major)

"Favorite moment was the Community shield game"

"It was an amazing ten days filled with everlasting memories with my best friends."

Brian Betz (sophomore midfielder, Athletic Training Major) 

"favorite moment was probably the trainings playing 11v11 "

"springfield mens soccer conquered england"

Matt Dickmann (freshman forward, Criminal Justice Major)

"My favorite moment on the tour was the wedding photobomb.

And to sum up the trip in one sentence... The trip was a photo filled memory making experience with lots of soccer!"

Zach Richard (freshman goalkeeper, Psychology Major)

"Favorite moment was watching the games up so close. It was such a chance of a lifetime to sit that close to the players I've idolized my entire live in such the amazing atmosphere."

"One of the best trips I've ever been on, never a dull moment the entire trip, lots of laughs."

Zach Ferland (assistant coach)

"Favorite moment was having one last moment to share a good bye with the team on the field at st George's park"

"the best sport/cultural experience I have ever had"

Sam Streit (Athletic Trainer)

"Favorite moments were seeing all the boys faces light up in their respective favorite stadiums or seeing their favorite teams/players... And the last night for me was great being thanked and recognized by the staff and boys" 

"This trip was wonderful to experience football and England beautifully, and an opportunity to fall even more in love with this team"

Spirit (mascot)

"Favorite moment was the tour of Anfield"

"Learning how to and taking my own selfie at Old Trafford is an experience I'll never forget!"

Finally, we would like to reach out to thank all those who made this unbelievable tour possible. From our wonderful alumni, to the best groups of parents in college sports and of course Springfield College. Thank you all for the unforgettable memories! They will not soon be forgotten.

Day 10

The penultimate day of our trip was predictably memorable. The group started by having a guided tour of Old Trafford and Man United football club. As expected, many of the boys mouths were watering at the mere prospect of this opportunity and they certainly were not disappointed. This was followed by a little more shopping in Manchester city centre and finally a chance to visit United's cross town rivals, Manchester City and their Etihad Stadium.

The city of Manchester is also home to the National Museum of Football. It was an extremely unique experience. For those who used to watch the cult classic puppet show 'Special 1 TV', the iconic José Mourinho puppet could be found there amongst other intriguing things. As England is also the birthplace of football, there was a fascinating timeline detailing the origins of the sport 150 years ago to its modern day.

This concluded our northern venture and it was time once again to head south. Instead of going straight back to London it was instead finally the chance to visit St George's Park, home of the Football Association and the English national team's training facility. 

You could watch a thousand videos on this complex and still not fail to be blown away by the impressive nature of it. It is truly football heaven. The main centre is linked with the Hilton Hotel where we were staying. Recent visitors to the complex for training include FC Barçelona and Porto. 

We were given a brilliant tour of the facility in which we were shown every nook and cranny in the place. The highlights include the England training pitch which is an identical replica of the Wembley pitch in every facet. It's dimensions are the game, it's grass is the same length, and if it rains in London they water the park here. Just mind blowing. And if that wasn't enough they have yet another 3G turf replica next to it indoors which is where we were able to practice following the tour.

What a practice it was. At night under the lights, the intensity was amplified even further by the occasion. 11 v 11, 6 v 6.... You name it. We played where England play. Once in a lifetime experience. 

The night ended with a truly world class dinner at the hotel restaurant. Our equally world class tour guides Andrew and Will finished proceedings by handing some very well thought out awards to the team both good and bad! The hosts had a surprise themselves from us as we invited them to be permanent members of the Springfield College family.

Unfortunately tomorrow is time to go home. All this will not be forgotten in a hurry! As Coach Siebert will say to everyone he meets now.... "Cheers mate!"

Day 9

It is just perplexing to think how fast our time in England has gone. It only feels like yesterday that we stepped onto the plane at Logan airport and yet we only a few days from being back. However, we are determine to savour every moment and there's pretty much nothing we'd change so far!

We started training a little later this morning to save some energy to fully make the most of the fun packed last 2 days! The extra rest certainly invigorated the team into an even better session so the results were already there to see.

The rest of the day was spent shopping in the gargantuan Trafford Centre shopping complex, one of the biggest in the United Kingdom. The boys are certainly used to big shopping malls as traditionally the U.S has some of the biggest around but they were still fairly impressed especially with the vast and impressive food court! It was a great chance for the guys to pick up some souvenir presents for family and friends back home.

At night we took a lovely river tour on the way to the movie theatre. While there, we were able to watch a fantastic British comedy that will not even be released in the States. 

Tomorrow should be another fantastic day as we conclude the Manchester segment of our trip by touring Old Trafford and visiting the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City. Following that we depart for St George's Park, the training facility of the England national team to conclude our journey. What a way to end!

Day 8

"The city of Liverpool, home of the Beatles, Albert Dock, and the two best teams in the world: Liverpool FC and Liverpool reserves!"

All joking aside, following another cracking early training session, we visited Liverpool this afternoon in more very enjoyable sunny weather and stopped to see firstly Goodison Park, home of the blue side of the city's club, Everton. We then ventured across Stanley park to Anfield, the home of Liverpool Football Club. The rivalry between these close neighbors certainly is up there with our previous experience of Arsenal and Spurs. Many would argue that the rivalry is even more intense given their proximity and the close knit nature of the city.

Following the stadium trips we headed on down to the Liverpool docks to do a touch of sightseeing. Liverpool was the European city of culture as recently as 2008 so expectedly there were many intriguing landmarks to see as the guys took in some fresh Irish Sea air.

This evening was many of the groups long awaited chance to see a live game at Old Trafford as Manchester United concluded their pre season schedule against perennial Champions League participants, Valencia of Spain. I must admit (reluctantly) that the stadium is certainly one of the more famous venues in world football. It has been host to countless massive games over the years including a champions league final. It is the biggest club stadium in Britain, capable of accommodating well over 75.000 supporters. The traditions however remain the same. Some of the greats to have pulled on the famous red jersey include Bobby Charlton, George Best, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Tonight the current squad still boasts some serious star power including Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Juan Mata. Our short walk to the stadium from the hotel allowed us to soak in the pre game atmosphere and sample some traditional footy grub. 

Once again we were treated to spectacular seats only 4 rows from the Old Trafford pitch. United dominated early proceedings but it wasn't til early in the second half that Darren Fletcher gave the Red Devils the lead. Many of us missed the goal as the crowd acknowledged star man van Persie as he took his seat just a few rows behind us. The goal seemed to galvanize the Spaniards as they enjoyed easily their best spell of the game which culminated in a stunning equalizer with about 20 minutes to go. 

It was at this point that van Gaal introduced giant Belgian international Marouane Fellaini to the fray. At first, it seemed that Fellaini and his Afro were just a simple source of entertainment as his every touch was cheered relentlessly. However, as the game seemed destined for a draw, the ball was launched towards Fellaini and following an aerial battle, the big man tapped into an empty net and euphoria ensued. 

It turned out to be the last kick of the game. We were fortunate enough to see yet another highly entertaining game and the guys had the time of their lives. Can't do any better than that. Finally, today's winner of the selfie challenge was first time snapper, our very own mascot Spirit at the game!

Day 7

Following a Sunday night arrival in Manchester, the boys were extremely excited to explore another part of this intriguing island. Once again, our hotel was with minutes of a massive soccer landmark, on this occasion it is Manchester United's world renowned Old Trafford stadium. Coach Siebert and a few of the players found out en route to our hotel that northern accents are just slightly different than in London. This occurred following an amusing encounter with a Manchester City fan on his way back from the community shield. They all needed confirmation he was in fact speaking English! 

However, despite warnings about persistent northern rain, we had a beautiful morning for training at the ground of a lower level English side. We were followed by a Dutch academy team so it was fantastic to be once again in such a professional environment. 

This afternoon we ventured to the city of Chester, which is about 30 miles from Manchester. We enjoyed a lovely little walking tour through the narrow and haunting medieval architecture of the city. Following that, we had some free time to roam the city centre and sample some traditional English grub. Once again, the weather gods shined down favourably on us!

The day was concluded with our first ever international match against a highly competitive semi professional team. This team included a few ex professionals. It was an extremely tight game and once again a unbelievable experience for the guys. They all officially now have international experience under their belts!

The fun continues tomorrow as we head to the city of Liverpool during the day to visit the greatest team in the world, Liverpool Football Club, and that other club in the city, Everton ;). Before at night we'll be watching Louis van Gaal's first home fixture as Man united boss against Valencia. I still ask myself every night. Is this real???

Day 6

Today was the day most of the group had been relishing. The FA Cup champions Arsenal versus the Premiership champions Manchester City at Wembley stadium. 

However, before the big show we had our own highly enjoyable practice in the warm yet drizzly English weather. We had a 6 v 6 tournament which was even more fun than normal due to the slickness of the playing surface. It got the competitive juices flowing aptly before watching some of the worlds finest in the afternoon. 

The trip to Wembley was almost too easy given how close our hotel was to the stadium. Despite the early morning rain, as if by magic, the sun appeared right as the match kicked off to set the scene for a picturesque afternoon. 

Both sides fielded strong starting eleven's, determined to pick up the first piece of silverware this season. For Arsenal fans it was the first official opportunity to get a glimpse of 35 million former Barcelona man, Alexis 'Electric' Sanchez. He did not disappoint providing a few moments of genuine excitement in his 45 minute cameo. 

We were sitting in the Manchester City section of the crowd and admittedly the atmosphere was pretty special at both ends. The seats we had gave us an up close look of players most had only ever seen on tv being only a few rows from the front. Access such as this does not happen every day.

The early exchanges were fairly even before Arsenal's Spanish winger Santi Cazorla created some space on the edge of the box before firing a left footed drive in the far past a despairing City keeper. It wasn't long after that they doubled their lead after a blistering counter attack started by the aforementioned Sanchez was finished expertly by welsh wizard Aaron Ramsey breaking through from midfield. 

City were in dire straits at half time and threw on World Cup and European Championship winner David Silva in an effort to turn the tide. Despite some typically industrious play from the Spanish maestro, it was Arsenal who extended their lead through a long range bullet from substitute Olivier Giroud. Despite more persistent City pressure, they just could not break through and Arsenal were deserving victors.

Following the overwhelming success of yesterday's selfie challenge we had to have another.  Nick Kobel orchestrated the winning effort by getting the whole team in right at the moment Arsenal collected their prize in the background. You just can't make these things up!

What a fantastic way to finish our stay in London. Now onto Manchester!