Hawaii – Day 1

Its Tuesday the 20th November (Still) and the high school football team have finally arrived in Hawaii. The journey was eventful, having had to return to YIS as one of the suitcases refused to join us and needed a second attempt to board the bus to Narita. The flight was smooth, unless you listen to Mayson, who told us it was the worst turbulence he had ever experienced in his many years of flying, and even woke him from his much needed sleep. The food on Delta 638 wasn’t up to much but the choice of movies unlimited. After arriving at Honolulu International Airport, we queued for the much talked about immigration process. Would they or wouldn’t they let the boys into the US without interrogation. The answer was a resounding No! What seemed like the Spanish Inquisition seemed to take ages. Mr Kew was asked to explain his life story, and Khaled, continued a family tradition, of being made to fill in many extra forms because he has a Kuwaity Diplomatic passport!

Eventually we boarded the American style school bus to Waikiki beach and the Aqua Surf Hotel. On first impressions the boys were impressed by their accommodation, however, this wore off when we were promptly told we would have to wait until 2pm to get our rooms. Its Ok Captain Derek said, “we can have a practice!” Well we decided not to practice (surprise surprise and headed off to the Waikiki strip for some long awaited American Cuisine. Taco Bell, McDonalds and KFC, you name it, Waikiki is not short of culinary options). When the rooms were finally allocated, the boys managed to get some sleep (some more than others…we had 4 members of the team sleeping through their alarm clocks- Where are mums when you need them?), then we headed off to the park for a training session.

The session was great. For 2 and a half hours, the boys worked on fitness, ball control, adjusting to the Hawaiian conditions, game tactics and had a game. The boys are looking good apart from the worrying fact that an ageing coach can still dribble around the team and find the top corner with his shots. As we left the pitch reassuring words were offered to Nick Johnston that, "At least you won't be facing Mr Noon tomorrow!" Ater the practice we had a short team meeting to talk tactics and motivation for tomorrow. Then it was off to the beach to hit the surf…well a little swim was just what the doctor ordered after an action packed 20th November.

Tomorrow sees us face Baldwin (apparently a rather, rather strong team) at 4pm. The morning’s agenda is more swimming and team bonding!