Last week saw the England U18 Schoolboy and U15 Schoolgirl squads make the trip to Eindhoven for their 4 day training camp, courtesy of ESFA travel providers, inspiresport.
Both teams had the opportunity to play two friendly matches during the trip and you can read match reports from the boys’ match v Utrecht U17s and girls’ match against Feyenoord U15s here.
Aside from two friendly matches, the teams experienced training sessions with PSV Eindhoven coaches at their De Herdgang training facility.
Having arrived in the Netherlands through Storm Dennis, the weather showed little signs of improvement across the continent with a mix of strong winds, rain and an icy feel to the temperature despite the sunshine making an appearance during the early morning practice sessions.
As well as the excellent sporting facilities available to both squads at the hotel, there was also an opportunity for a behind the scenes tour of the Phillips Stadium, home of PSV Eindhoven, with the girls also taking in a tour of the KNVB Campus after their game on Sunday afternoon. At the home of the Dutch National sides, the girls were given a look around the excellent facilities on hand for the cream of Dutch football as well as being given a few lessons in Dutch football history along the way.
All in all the trip once again provided the perfect opportunity for coaches and players to bond for their upcoming Centenary Shield and Bob Docherty Cup matches.
Over the next few days we’ll be posting interviews taken with U15 squad members, Niamh O’Neill and Leonie Telford and U18 players Kenny Bernal and Ross Johnstone – giving their thoughts on the benefits of the tour – look out for the links in the next few days.
Keep an eye out for even more videos from the Eindhoven experience ahead of upcoming friendly and competitive fixtures for both of the ESFA’s England squads this season.
The National Governing Body for Schools’ Football in England.