Awoken by the multiple cellular phone alarms to an array of varied chimes and tunes, those not yet turned off or reset from Saturday morning’s departure schedule between 4:30- 5:00am. Totally confusing our “farm alarm” posse of about twelve led by three proud roosters, wondering which new electronic birds were in the hen house. Morning had broken, and our squad was up soon after for 7am training of stretching, ball work and drills.
The tight 70-minute session was upbeat, perspiration flowed freely as the exercises intensified. Hitting the high point, it ended sweetly as a quick debriefing closed the session. Breakfast was an edited version, as the bus arrived on time for the formal meet and greet function with all teams and sponsors at the famous 7 miles beach. It was good as the boys mingled, exchange names and experiences, while making acquaintances.
Light food and refreshments were served and speeches made before souvenir gift bags were given. Coach Vin Blaine did TV interviews with Noel Walker and Ronaldo Robinson, a technical meeting was called as Manager, Juliet Alvaranga, went with Vin. Back at the farm, squad lunch was delivered a little late as we hustled to get to see the opening day 3 games at the Truman Bodden Stadium.
The bus was early but transported us to the wrong stadium venue, forcing us to now get there late along with heavy and persistent rain with lightening; The game was postponed to protect the youngsters until the showers subsided. The encounter ended 0-0 between two clubs in our zone, REV Soccer of Minnesota, USA and Sunset Academy of the Cayman Islands. We left at halftime of game 2, with Academy SC of Cayman leading USA-based IFFDB 2-0;
Cavalier SC played in the third game, against UK’s Gillingham FC.
Dinner and a cooling down process ended the quiet night as we get ready for our match day tomorrow against Rev Soccer. The game will be played at 6:30pm and will be streamed live at http://caymanyouthcup.ky/watch.