Football club VV Smitshoek JO13 training camp
Both in January and in June/July we regularly arrange training camps for both professional football clubs and amateur football clubs. This time, we're highlighting an amateur club, as this time it involved a somewhat more unusual trip, namely with the Under-13 squad (JO13 boys).
With a total of 16 children and 15 supervisors, we went on a training camp, with the goal of becoming an even better team! But mainly, of course, to have a good time together as well.
Permission had to be requested from school, as the flight from Amsterdam to Alicante was scheduled to depart at 12.30 PM on Friday. Most schools are accommodating in this regard, thankfully so on this occasion as well. At 10 AM, we gathered at the Smitshoek football club in Barendrecht, and judging by all the happy faces, the boys were eager. There was a little nervousness here and there (some had never flown before), but overall, lots of fun together!
Football club training camp | Off to the airport
Around 10.45 am we checked in at the airport. Lots of faffing about with passports and boarding passes and what you did and didn't have to show...! Everyone was busy with all sorts of things in their own way.
With the guidance of goMICE and a number of volunteers (including some parents), we were able to keep everything running smoothly. Soon we were on board Transavia and ready for take-off!
The flight went smoothly, but the atmosphere was already great. Once we arrived at Alicante airport, the beautiful weather greeted us. We had told the boys they would be staying in dormitories, much like at camp with year 6. So, a bit basic and bare.
What they didn't know was that they would end up at a 4-star resort as a surprise! Most of the bedrooms had their own private rooftop pool. The public pool was as big as half a football pitch! And they would absolutely not believe that the resort was by the sea and that the food (in buffet form, approximately 40 metres in total) would be fantastic!
Football club training camp | A superb 4-star resort
Arriving there, after a bus journey of about an hour, the boys were falling over themselves with surprise, but it was particularly goosebump-inducing when the men drifted off to their rooms. Everywhere we heard shouts and cries of amazement. Everywhere they were all very impressed, and the trip (or rather, the ‘brutal training camp’) couldn't have gone any better!
Right then, the lads weren't there to holiday, but to improve their game and as a team. So, quick smart, training kits on and off to the beach. It was very hot, so we at goMICE made sure there was plenty to drink. We also provided some tasty refreshments to keep salt and fluid levels up at least.
Training on Alicante beach
Together with the 2 trainers, training was conducted hard in the sand, but the male volunteers also showed their best side. After 1.5 hours of football and a lot of fun, it was time to cool down. All the boys enjoyed the relatively wild sea. Of course, we from goMICE kept a close eye on the boys, so that no one wandered off or went too far into the sea.
Upon returning, it was time for some games around the pool and the delicious dinner. In their own separate area, the men were able to tuck into the fantastic buffet. So much choice, for dinner, breakfast, and lunches alike. It was going to be enjoyable for everyone, with the highlight being an ice cream machine where everyone could make their own ice creams!
Football club training camp | An organised practice match
Of course, we organised a practice match. It was played the next day against a local football club (UD Oliva). The match was even announced and there was also a changing room in the name of VV Smitshoek Reserved.
The opponent was (too) physically strong, so unfortunately it was a lost match, but don't be sad, it was an unforgettable experience for everyone!
The goMICE team quickly bought some ice creams and with them, the sorrow of the loss and the heat were quickly forgotten.
The rest of the day was filled with a visit to the beach, the swimming pool, and a football quiz. The next day, it was already time to check out. Most of the lads didn't feel like leaving, and neither did we, really. There was such a relaxed atmosphere, and everyone was having a good time. With great difficulty, we managed to get everyone back on the bus.
A successful training camp in Alicante
We were pleased to see the boys, trainers and volunteers sitting in their seats. We at goMICE were also pleased; what a fantastic group of boys this was. So disciplined, so friendly and so happy! Once we arrived at Schiphol Airport, we learned that the boys' mothers had organised a welcoming committee and had set up marquees at the club entrance. Fries and snacks had been bought, and soft drinks, beer and wine were available. The trainers were given extra recognition, and we at goMICE received flowers and thanks!
Together with them, we raised a toast to the trainers, the lads, and a fantastic training camp. As I said goodbye to the lads, I only saw smiling faces, and they all gave me a “fist bump” as a farewell (because shaking hands isn't cool in their opinion, and I'm happy to adapt, of course).
I don't want to withhold one quote from you, because it's simply too good: Madam, look at the lovely curly head, do you manage everything at home so well and are you always so pleasant too? I say: Uhhh, yes, I try to be. He says: Then I'll have to think about whether I can perhaps come and live with you, if you'd like that, of course? Unfortunately, I don't blush as I used to, but this time I did! Lovely, isn't it?!