GRACIES HA TOTS
Sunday, 20 August 2006
PRINCETON, New Jersey_ It started as an idea, born from a little kick around I had with my cousin's son, Axel. After all the phone calls, all the organizing, all the talk, all the nerves, and all the uncertainty, the I Barcelona Summer Training Camp became a reality. 15 boys, 1 girl, and 3 adults, all on a soccer trip of a lifetime from 31 July to 14 August.
I wish I could say that this entire project was all my idea, and that I did everything. But the organization of this trip required a herculean effort, much greater than I anticipated, and certainly far more complicated than anything I could have handled on my own. There were so many people involved who made this a reality, I think it only appropriate to mention them. To one degree or another, they are the people who made this work. Without them, each one of the players who signed up for the trip would never have made it to places like Cantonigros, Barcelona, or Castelldefels.
The idea began in a small conference room in Plainsboro, New Jersey. At the table, Jorge Roman, Director of Coaching of LSTS FC, Alan Ehrenworth, Jay and Katie Willoughby. From those initial discussions about this idea of having a camp overseas, the ball started rolling. Jorge, Alan, Jay and Katie actually pushed that ball. Without them, the idea would have remained just that.
It is difficult, if not downright impossible organizing an overseas trip without someone on the other side of the ocean offering a helping a hand. Fortunately for me, I had the help of my cousin, Alex Busquets. Without his knowledge and effort, much of the organization of the trip, from the hotel, to the restaurants and the bus trips, would have been a nightmare. He was there in Barcelona to greet us, and he helped sort out a few administrative mess'. Considering it only cost me two bags of peanut M&M's, it was 5 Star Service. Gracies per tot, Alex.
I should also thank my Aunt Rosa Maria and Uncle Josep Maria Busquets for their guidance, their pool and a place sleep. Gracies. As if they needed more to worry about, they also organize the International Music Festival in Cantonigros.
Then there were the details. The travel bags, the first week's training gear, and the countless emails going back and forth sounding off on different ideas, concerns, or simply looking for some added perspective. Her advice, support and her help with the uniforms was invaluable. If it weren't for Eileen Greb, most, if not all of that would have gone by the road side. She was a cheerleader when I needed it, a critic when it was required, and an employee I don't have. Her confidence in this trip was so high, she sent her two kids, Dan and Laura. It's time to triple her salary.
And then there were Jordi and Laura Domenec of the Hostal Cabreres. Their patience in working with me in organizing this trip, their enthusiasm, and their understanding of the feeding needs of teenagers, made the first week far exceed my expectations. This goes without mentioning Ana, Jordi's sister, and their parents, who made our stay less like being in a hotel, and more like being at home.
If it were not for everyone at Can Punti, we would have had to survive on potato chips for lunch
Thanks also goes to Dolores and Manel Colom, of Can Colom, the butcher shop next door to the hostal. Their hospitality throughout the week, and the nice evening the day before we left for Barcelona, with a healthy sampling of their homemade meats and cold cuts, was a wonderful way to end our stay. For some of us, those memories are still fresh since we managed to sneak a few "fuets" in our luggage.
And where would we have trained had it not been for Ramon, who assisted in the logistics and the grounds keeping of the field at UE Cantonigros, our training site for the first week. It was immaculate, and his care for the field would make any soccer player proud. His was truly a labor of love, and we were the benficiaries.
Also, to my Tietas, who were wonderfuls hostess' to Laura, the only girl on the expedition, and for their support throughtout the two weeks. I think each of us managed to also get a gift from them.
A special thanks goes to the staff (Samuel, Luis, Fernando et al) at the Hotel Balmoral, our headquarters during our stay in Barcelona. They made our stay very easy, including being quiet during our naps in the lobby. Their quick make of a "cortado" helped get some of us (me!) through long days.
A special nod also goes to the crew's of Nordic Air, who used the Balmoral as their residence while not flying. Despite me blowing their CIA cover, they provided, unintentionally and unknowingly, a few hours of laughter as I worked to unravel their super secret CIA missions in the Catalan capital. Brian still can't answer who the man was in the shorts, always with a cigarette and a cup of coffee, and suspiciously greeting every Nordic Air crew member who entered the building.
Thanks has to go out again to Jay and Katie, and Frank and Deanna Mangone. They were the adults we needed.... and a source for a couple of great meals.
Marc, Joanna and the rest of the staff at the Restaurant El Mussol. For the food, the friendship, and the patience to work with 16 fickle teenagers. They were sources of information, including helping us find our roof top futsal court.
Thanks to Xavi Comerma, Vicenc Rosales, and Joshua Thomson of FC Barcelona. They helped make the dream of sixteen soccer players a reality, and who had the patience to work with me on a host of issues. Also, thanks to Miquel Puig who made the camp what it is, and for providing us with some valuable information on how we can make the experience better.
On the field, Jordi Perez, Ruben Della, and Inaki Andreu made this stage well worth the effort. Their knowledge and energy was infectious. Their kindness and support to the players, and their push to get them to succeed, made training with them an experience we will not forget anytime soon.
I also have to thank Jorge Roman. His work and support throughout the planning, and the two weeks was critical to the success of this trip.
To Brian Trusdell, AP Reporter extraoirdinaire. His updates on the website were an integral part of why this trip worked so well. Lord knows what he would have rather of been doing, catching more bull fights perhaps, but his timely updates, as one parent described it, were very "Mom reassuring." He also filled in as an adult when called upon. When you earn the nickname "B-Rock", you are definately worth your weigth in salt. His support throughout the two weeks, and his friendship through the years have been invaluable. Hopefully this experience ranks as high as his 40 days covering the World Cup.
To the brave 16 players, who ventured far from home, who climbed Cabrera, walked the streets of Barcelona, and had their fill of potatos, I tip my hat to you. Each one of you have the skill to become great soccer players. More importantly, each of you have poise, maturity and personality to become great people. I count myself fortunate having spent two weeks with you. For my part, I hope it was worth it. I'll hope to see you on the field again soon.
To my wife, Heidi, and my two boys, Zachary and Marc. Without them this would not have been possible. It was their strength and their love that made this possible.
And finally, to the parents (and a grandparent) of the sixteen players. There is no greater vote of confidence than someone entrusting you with their child. And in this case, 16 children. I will forever be grateful for that trust, and honored that I got to share two weeks with their kids. You can all be proud of the men (and woman) they are becoming. Aside from talented players, they are the type of kids I hope my two boys grow up to be.
Any successes of this trip are all due to the people I have mentioned above.... and a few that I am sure I have left out. Without them, my ideas of a total soccer and cultural experience would have gone by the wayside. My thanks goes out to all of you for making it a reality.
Again, thank you for all of your support. Gracies per tot.
Yours in the Game.
E3 Sports
P.S. Stay tuned for details for the II Barcelona Summer Training Camp.
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