Parents, Fans, Supporters,
Our fourth full day was relatively eventful, filled with cultural education, domination at Czech Idol Face-Off and a great training session.
This morning, the boys partook in a Czeck Easter Tradition: the weaving of six twigs to make a sort of Super Switch. The boys were less interested in the weaving, or the colorful ribbons tied to the top of the Super Switch, but more with the tradition of swatting the women on the backside with the resulting switch. Some called it a flogging, but we feel that is a bit too harsh (although relatively apt description), as every man and son we saw was equiped with the Super Switch to bestow a year's worth of good luck with every swat. Once the boys got the Switch woven, they eagerly anticipated the arrival of the girl's bus, but fell victim to shyness and just witnessed the traditionally dressed local Czech men chase around the female coaches, administrators and VYSA President, who promptly comondeered a Switch and returned the beating to the previous owner's ears. Proper politics (and a small VYSA branded gift) quickly returned order and a new cultural understanding to the situation, complete with traditional Czech music and song. After the culutural education, the players set up soccer tennis and other games for themselves as The Compound staff prepared a delicious lunch of chicken, saurkraut and potato.
After lunch the boys met with Dr. Dan The Mental Man about concentration skills. We then left for training back at FC Slovacko, where we worked on finishing and ended up with a spirited 7v7 game. In the finishing part, David Galdo hit a picture-perfect bicycle kick that quickly brought a rukus heard at the clubhouse half a mile away!
After training, we returned to The Compound for a simple dinner similar to fried rice or jumbalaya. Once refueled with carbs, the boys prepared for the Czech Idol Face Off against the girls. Once the girls were properly thrashed, they were sent home. We then watched a local movie projected on the wall outside then turned in for the night.
Tomorrow we will play our first game against FC Brno, the same pro team we watched play a few night's ago. The boys have a great group spirit and are ready to play. We leave early to tour local caves, eat lunch, then off to the game. Rumors abound about the girls practicing their songs for a rematch. Because Czech Idol is an ongoing competition, individual results must be kept secret to ensure the integrity of the Competition. Photos should be posted soon!
Many boys are naturally suffering from home sickness, but seem to be doing very well, with most thriving in the situation. The ongoing individual and team maturation is a priveledge to witness and be a part of. As parents, you should all be proud of the class exhibited by your son.
We all look forward to the game tomorrow, where the next blog entry will focus much more on soccer and less on floggings!
Until Tomorrow.......
