Day 7: April 25

It's a sad day here in Holland: our last day of soccer! Following breakfast, we left the quaint hostel in Valkensvaard for the bustle of Amsterdam.

 ...but not before we left our mark!

We went straight to the Ajax training facility, which the group had visited this past Saturday for the Aegon Future Cup. To our surprise, we were greeted by one of Ajax's senior youth specialists, Eddie van Schaick. Eddie was familiar with our club, having briefly observed our teams training at the Ajax facility last year. This year, however, he ran the session himself.

Despite tired legs, our boys showed good composure and insight, letting the ball do the work in true Dutch fashion. Some technical passing work (Coach Sam's bread and butter), followed by tactical build-up play prepared the boys perfectly for their final match tonight in Almere.

 The boys being put through their paces at Ajax, with the Amsterdam Arena in the background.

 The squad following training with Ajax Coach Eddie van Schaick.

 Brain trust.

Gifts were exchanged, and 20% off coupons distributed, leading to another trip to the Ajax fan shop. We then returned to our same hostel in Zeeburg, a borough of Amsterdam, where the group had team lunch and relaxed before our final match.

 The boys playing a one touch game they developed in the park outside the hostel in Zeeburg. Games like this have been their definition of "rest".

 As promised, the bus driver brought his beaver to the game. It yodeled.

 Our hosts made us feel at home hoisting the colors.

 The boys preparing for the game in Waterwijk .

 

  Another international incident. With soda and fries.

                                                  Last lengthy pose-down of the trip.

A tired first half left our boys in the hole 1-0, with the best bit of play coming just before the half time whistle. After the break, the visitors managed to find enough fuel for a final thirty minutes of play. Some intricate passing work created a few good opportunities but in the end it wasn't enough and the fresh legs from Waterwijk ran out as 4-1 winners. This was not enough to overshadow the warm reception from the largest soccer club in the Netherlands and the friendly interaction between the boys over french fries and soda.

I know Bill Pelkey, I've climbed Maklu with Bill Pelkey - that's not Bill Pelkey.