WHITTIER COLLEGE TRAVELS TO ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND WITH EXCEL INTERNATIONAL SPORTS
From March 13-March 22, 2015, the Whittier College Women's Soccer team spent the week in the United Kingdom playing soccer, touring, but above all making memories that will last a lifetime. The Poets started the week in Manchester, England residing in the Willowbank hotel close to the prestigious Manchester University. The first day began with the team immediately becoming immersed in the culture England had to offer. The morning entailed a training session where the Poets had their first exposure to the cold British elements. From there the team traveled to Liverpool where they watched Everton FC face off against Newcastle United of the Barclay's Premier League. The team was introduced to a passion for the game of soccer that they had never seen before and it immediately rubbed off on each and every member of the team. Scarves were bought, flags were waved, and smiles all around meant that the team was truly in paradise. The team witnessed Everton FC and United States international Tim Howard overcome the Magpies 3-0. Needless to say, it was a good day. The second day encapsulated more sightseeing in the city of Liverpool and the team's first international game. The team spent the first part of the day seeing the Liverpool Cathedral and the grand architecture this building had to offer. The cathedral is the longest one in the world at 160 yards and ranked fifth in terms of the world's largest. From there the Poets trekked down to the Albert Docks of Liverpool where not even a downpour of rain could keep their spirits down. Touring The Beatles museum, seizing opportunities to shop, and taking in the sites of Liverpool introduced aspects of life that the Poets had never seen before. Later that evening the team played their first game of the trip against Mossley Hill Athletic. The game was even and the Poets performed well applying pressure and getting significant looks at goal. However three late goals in the second half for Mossley Hill eventually led to the Poets defeat 3-0. Despite this first loss the Poets were not even close to being broken!
The next day entailed a trip to Old Trafford, which is the home to the greatest football club in the world: Manchester United. The Poets took in the environment with awe as the 70,000 seated stadium and the rich history of the club enthralled any viewer that laid eyes on it. Standing in the locker room, getting to sit where some of the world's best players sit and discuss tactics, and walking out onto the pitch truly left the Poets with an even deeper love for the game. Later that evening the team played its second international friendly against Chorley Ladies FC. The Poets started off with the lead in the game but found themselves 4-2 down at halftime. However the Poets would not lay down as they fought their way through an intense game that was back and forth and the game ended in a 5-5 draw. The next day the Poets left Manchester and traveled to Scotland, where they stayed in Bridge of Allen, a small town just outside of the city of Stirling. That afternoon the Poets took a 20-minute walk through the alluring countryside towards Stirling University, where the team trained for the afternoon. The following day entailed visiting the capital of Scotland: Edinburgh. There the team walked through Edinburgh Castle, which had centuries of history for the team to witness in roughly three hours’ time. The castle was built raised above the surrounding land, as tall as the mountains surrounding the area. The castle used to be home to the royal family but it is now mostly used as a tourist attraction and a reminder of the rich Scottish heritage in the city. The main road leading up to the castle is known as the Royal Mile. The second part of the daily visit entailed walking through the shops, observing street performers dressed as William Wallace, and seeing the grand architecture of buildings that are centuries old. Later that evening the team faced their third opponent, Falkirk Ladies FC, at Stirling University. The first half was very even as the score at half was 0-0. Right at the start of the half the Poets scored the first goal of the match through quick passing combinations as the Poets charged up the field with Sofia Garcia getting the finishing touch off of a lovely cross. Falkirk fought back and eventually took a 2-1 lead. Striker Madison Shipherd found a way to level things up moments later. In the last minute of the game, a Falkirk striker broke through the back line and was taken down in the penalty box. The penalty was taken and after the goal the final whistle blew. The Poets fell 3-2. The next day the Poets spent the day in Glasgow taking in the sites.
That night they played against FC Kilmarnock Ladies, a professional team in Scotland. It was Poetic justice that the last game of the trip the Poets won 5-1. An impressive team performance encapsulated quick passing, impressive movement off the ball, and a stalwart effort. In addition, senior striker Shipherd had a world-class performance scoring 4 of the Poets 5 goals. Senior defender Rachel Inouye scored the fifth goal off of a corner kick from sophomore Kristina Velasco, concluding her career in a Poet uniform. The performance defined not only an impressive victory, but how the team came even closer together over a week of exceptional bonding that most programs do not get to ever take part in. After the game, the players and staff of FC Kilmarnock put together a social where coaches, players, and staff got to interact with each other like never before. The icing on the cake occurred the next day when the Whittier Women's Soccer team ventured out to Celtic Park, to see the Celtic FC take on Dundee United of the Scottish Premier League. The match resulted in a 3-0 victory for Celtic FC and on the bus ride back to the hotel there were only smiles, laughter, and discussions that will never be forgotten.
At the airport the team said goodbye not only to the United Kingdom, but also to a new friend, mentor, and new member of the Poet family, Scott Carslaw. Scott was the Poets tour manager for the entire week. He was immediately welcomed to the team as one of their own. The team had realized that this trip was not only a trip to play soccer, but a trip that created memories that will never be forgotten and a bond that will never be broken. The group cannot wait for the fall where they can use these new experiences to take on the fierce competition that the SCIAC conference has to offer.
“Our trip to the UK was beyond better than anything I expected. Working with Excel Sports was a blessing, in that all details for our trip were completely organized & fit the needs of our soccer program. Competing in four quality games, attending 2 professional matches and exploring as much of history & modern life in the UK was exactly what we asked for. Excel Sports delivered in every aspect. Upon returning to the hotel after each day, I would ask the team, “How was your day?” And each day the same response, “BEST DAY EVER!” This was a trip that everyone, both players and staff, will remember for a life time. Thank you! Monica Gerardo, Head Women’s Soccer Coach
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