On March 8th, our CRYSC International group of 71 travelers embarked on a trip of a lifetime to immerse themselves in the place where soccer, or “football”, was born. Their journey began with a direct flight into London where they would meet their WorldStrides Tour Directors, Freddy and Jesus, and serve as their home city for the next four nights.
The Journey Begins to the Birthplace of Football
Upon arrival, there was no rest for the weary as they had their first of two included Barclays Premier League matches to attend! They loaded the bus and headed to Selhurst Park to witness a clash between Crystal Palace and Luton Town, take in the excitement of the match day environment, and enjoy some traditional English stadium fare such as meat pies, sausages, and chips.
The following day, they dove into British history with a visit to the iconic Tower of London, where centuries of royal drama unfolded within its ancient walls. Some visitors were led around the grounds by the “beefeaters”, traditional Tower of London guards, who provide a comical but insightful glimpse into British history. Following this enriching experience, they headed to London Stadium to witness the excitement of an English Premier League match between West Ham and Burnley, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of top-tier football. Later that evening, the boys got their feet on the ball with a training session led by our dedicated CRYSC staff to prepare for the friendlies ahead.
“Hallowed” Ground of English Football & Friendly Matches in London
The football journey continued in London with a tour of the legendary Wembley Stadium. Wembley Stadium stands as a testament to the rich history and enduring legacy of English football. Originally built in 1923, the stadium has played host to countless historic moments, including England’s 1966 FIFA World Cup victory. Over the decades, Wembley has become synonymous with sporting greatness, serving as the iconic backdrop for memorable matches, legendary performances, and the collective dreams of football fans worldwide. Following their inspiring tour, the group transferred to Salt Hill Park to face off against Future Pro FC in a wet, but exciting friendly match. Amidst the cheers of CRYSC supporters, the boys showcased our skills and passion for the game and made collective memories with their peers from across the pond.
The final full day in London integrated more sightseeing with another opportunity for friendly competition. The group enjoyed a leisurely walking tour of London’s famous landmarks, including Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, taking in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture along the way. After taking in the sights, they had planned for a friendly against the hosts, Evergreen FC, but due to the heavy rain, the group was told the pitch was unplayable. However, WorldStrides Tour Director Jesus came to the rescue to arrange a thrilling and enjoyable 7v7 tournament with another local team to cap off the day. The CRYSC coaching staff described that opportunity as “incredible” as it allowed our players to mix together and bring their love for the game to a new and different format in a beautiful soccer venue provided by Powerleague Slough.
On to Manchester & Bonus Football!
Next, the travelers bussed northwest to Manchester, a hub of English football, to take in a new perspective, new adventures, and more soccer! One highlight for the players in Manchester was the coaching clinic led by Ray Hall, a seasoned Senior FA Coach and former Academy Director with Everton FC. Ray was pivotal in identifying and mentoring a player who later developed into an English football icon, Wayne Rooney. Under Hall’s guidance, the boys were put through some valuable training, received a new perspective from a veteran coach, and heard some of Coach Hall’s stories about his experience in the top levels of the sport. Big thanks to Ray for his time and expertise!
Coming off a great training session with the pro coach, the players were ready to take on their final friendly match opponent of Mossley Hill the next day. We were welcomed with warm hospitality, but also tough competition on the field. The games were close and the teams were challenged to put forth all they had learned through the week, creating a great finale on the pitch! For some, the timing of our day allowed them to independently purchase tickets to the Europa League Quarterfinal match between Liverpool FC and Sparta Praha at Anfield which ended in a 6-1 win for the home side! This day was filled with plenty of action, on and off the field.
On the final full day of the trip, the group (or at least the Man U fans!) had an unforgettable experience as they took a memorable tour of Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United. Led by knowledgeable guides, they learned about the stadium’s rich history and significance, discovering the historic moments that have unfolded within its walls. Walking through the locker rooms, running out of the tunnel onto the pitch, and seeing the jerseys of the iconic players that have stepped foot on the grounds left the players and families with great memories of their time in the “Theatre of Dreams”.
A Bond Beyond Borders
As our time in England came to an end, the memories we made remained vivid. From exciting matches to cultural outings to the buzz of Premier League action, each moment strengthened the connections among players, families, and coaches. As we said goodbye to England, we felt grateful for the unforgettable experiences we shared. Even though our trip is over, the lessons we learned and the friendships we formed will stay with us.
To the Rapids 12U boys and their families, thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey. The entire group was a pleasure to travel with, and our staff can’t wait to see you all again on the fields this spring & summer. Stay tuned for more adventures from CRYSC International!
CRYSC international tours are a great way for players to experience soccer through the lens of a different culture. From playing local competitions, experiencing different environments, and seeing new sights, there’s so much to be gained from expanding one’s horizon and taking your game abroad. Visit the CRYSC international page for more information.
