Greg Brick, Director of Coaching for Orlando City Youth Soccer, will be checking in regularly from England as the OCYS group tours, trainings, and plays against some of England’s best youth teams.  Here’s today’s update...

Day 1: Arrival

The Orlando City Youth arrived in Stoke City today to prepare for 9 days of soccer. The groups arrived at the Holiday Inn Stoke on Trent at about 3 PM and had 1 hour to prepare for their first training session at the Stoke Academy.

Upon arrival at Clayton Wood(Stoke's Training Ground), our young players received a tour of the facility and a discussion with some of their Staff. Key points discussed included dedication and hard work while focusing on proper training methods. All three Orlando City Youth Teams were integrated into Stoke City's Academy players and trained by Stoke City's Academy Staff. The youth sessions were attended by Stoke's First Team Coach, Tony Pulis, First Team Player, Salif Diao and our very own Phil Rawlins, who made the trip to support his youth players.

"The focus of the trip is player development and total soccer education. Spending time with Stoke City today was the beginning of great week. We are very thankful for the opportunity", stated Orlando City Youth Soccer Executive Director Brian Pederson.

A series of technical exercises geared towards technique and speed of play were reinforced with a series of small sided games. The day ended with a dinner back at the hotel, with an anticipation of big second day where the boys will play the famous Everton Academy.

The 2012 OCYS England Trip:
Day 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Liverpool & Everton Academy
Day 3 - Stoke City & Newcastle Town
Day 4 - Stoke City vs. Wolves at the Brittania
Day 5 - Man U vs. QPR at Old Trafford
Day 6 - The Dome