Dec. 21, 2007

First and foremost, best wishes to all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I hope the holiday season finds everyone in good health and good spirits.

We are very excited that our spring trip to Holland is shaping up rather well.
Our travel party is currently at 16 - that includes players, chaperones, coaches and others who want the soccer experience.

We recently met with our travel group and the interest and enthusiasm were well received. They are anxious to go and are looking forward to a great experience.

Please stay in touch and leave a message when you are able -- love to hear from you.

November 14, 2007

Hello

I received a price from Jan today for the proposed trip to Holland in the spring.

It will be a 9 days trip with 8 nights !!

With the departure from St. Louis on March 19 and arrival back in St Louis March 28 it is a 10 DAYS tour !!


Cost: US$ 850.00 for the package , everything is included !! except airfare !!

At the moment

US Airways US 725
Delta US 850

Based on 4 days with a guest family , and 4 days in Hotel Spijker (Nijmegen) with meals
All the other costs , transportation to and from airport , tickets , rental for fields
Guest – Coaches fees , so all - included US$ 850,00

SOCCER: CLASS 3 SECTIONALS
CBC rallies to defeat DeSmet; SLUH wins
By Joe Lyons
POST-DISPATCH
Friday, Nov. 09 2007

FENTON — For the second time in as many games, the CBC Cadets found themselves
trailing early in a state soccer playoff game. And, for the second time in as
many games, they rallied to victory.

"For years, I've been preaching the importance of that first goal because I
have the numbers to back it up,'' CBC coach Terry Michler said. "But I've also
found that the teams that can come back like this group has, that can fight the
way this team does, those teams tend to do pretty well at this point of the
season.''

In a Class 3 sectional match Thursday night at Anheuser-Busch Center, the
third-ranked Cadets spotted No. 4 DeSmet an early goal but came on strong from
there, coming away with a 3-1 victory.

In their district final last week, the Cadets were down 1-0 early but rallied
for a 3-2 overtime victory over Lafayette.

CBC (23-5-1) will meet second-ranked St. Louis University High (24-3-3) in the
quarterfinals Saturday at 8 p.m. SLUH eased by unranked Fort Zumwalt South 3-0
in the other Thursday sectional game.

SLUH has won two of three meetings with CBC this fall.

"These are the games you live for if you go to CBC or DeSmet or SLUH,'' Michler
said. "The atmosphere, the big crowd, this is what you play for.''

In Thursday's match, DeSmet (17-4-5) scored less than 5 minutes in. After a
strong run down the left side, Spartans standout Will Bruin delivered a pass to
fellow senior Jordan Beckles at the back post for the goal.

But DeSmet's lead lasted less than two minutes. In a scramble to gain
possession in the box, Spartans keeper Dan Billman tackled the Cadets' Jordan
Barnes. Brian Groark converted the penalty kick, evening the score at 1-1.

CBC took the lead with about 4 1/2 minutes to play in the half as Barnes won a
race to a loose ball at the top of the box and managed to chip the ball over
Billman and into the vacated net.

SOCCER
Cadets capture title in Class 3, District 5
By Joe Lyons
POST-DISPATCH
Thursday, Nov. 01 2007

MANCHESTER — CBC's Jordan Barnes figured it was only a matter of time. At least
that's what he kept telling himself.

"As long as we kept creating chances, I knew, sooner or later, we'd get one,"
Barnes said.

With about 4 minutes to play in the second 15-minute overtime period, Barnes
poked in a pass from Nick Sanchez, lifting the Cadets to a 3-2 victory over
Lafayette on Wednesday in the Class 3 District 5 championship game at Parkway
South.

CBC, ranked third among Post-Dispatch large schools, improved to 22-5-1 and
advances to sectional action Nov. 8 at Anheuser-Busch Center in Fenton.
Sixth-ranked Lafayette finished 19-5.

A year ago, the Lancers upset CBC for the district title, going on to a state
runner-up finish.

"I thought we deserved it, but in a game like this, you're just one play from
losing, too,'' CBC coach Terry Michler said.

On the deciding play, David Kemp passed to Sanchez, who spotted Barnes breaking
in from the right. It was Barnes' 22nd goal of the season.

Lafayette's Sean Butler got the Cadets' attention early, scoring on a 25-yard
rocket off the goal post. CBC junior Zach Hundelt answered, converting on a
pass from Barnes to make it 1-1. Midway through the half, Brian Groark put CBC
on top 2-1 with a free-kick blast off the cross bar and in.

But Butler responded with another long-range goal, tying the score at 2. CBC
had the better chances through the second half and overtime, but Lafayette
refused to go quietly.

"We did what we had to do to give ourselves a chance,'' Lafayette coach Tim
Walters said. "Our guys did what we asked them to do and they played hard.''

Tuesday, Oct. 23

Just received a nice email and photo from the vd Laan's about Jordie and Michelle.
It is very nice to receive this information and share it on the blog.
Please forward any information or photo(s) that you wpould like to share and I will post it.

thanks again, it's always great to hear from the dutchies.

Hello Terry,

Here is the team picture of Michelle and Jordie. I think you can find those 2 in the back line, isn’t it??
Jordie will take part of the National Skill Championship in Papendal(Arnhem) this Sunday. He must play against 17 other boys of 13 & 14 years old and the most important thing will be to make the most skills and moves. The final winner will travel to Manchester United for 2 days and participate at a training with Manchester United!! They are trying to let Cristiano Ronaldo take place at this training!!!

So cross your fingers at Sunday for Jordie(it’s also his birthday, so it would be a nice present!!) and let’s hope he will win….

Michelle will leave to Valencia(Spain) at Saturday and will come back next Friday. It’s an exchange from the school.

Best regards, Anja vd Laan
Michelle Jordie

http://prepcasts.ezstream.net/play/index.cfm?fuseaction=embstay&id=69663

to view the full game CBC vs DeSmet (10-9-07). follow the link above.

Wednesday, Oct 10 --

SOCCER
Cadets hand Spartans first defeat
By Joe Lyons
POST-DISPATCH
Wednesday, Oct. 10 2007

TOWN AND COUNTRY — CBC's Derek Besant scored in the sixth round of penalty
kicks, lifting the host Cadets to a 3-2 victory over DeSmet in Metro Catholic
Conference soccer action Tuesday evening.

It was the first loss of the season for the Spartans (12-1-5, 1-1), who are
ranked No. 1 locally by the Post-Dispatch and nationally by the National Soccer
Coaches Association of America. CBC, ranked third among Post-Dispatch large
schools, is 17-3-1 and 2-0.

CBC outscored DeSmet 4-3 in penalty kicks. DeSmet keeper Dan Billman stopped
the first two CBC shooters, but the Cadets' Andrew Duncan responded, coming up
with saves against the Spartans' fourth and fifth shooters. DeSmet's shot in
the sixth round went wide.

Nick Sanchez, Jordan Barnes and Gino Valenti were CBC's other scorers in
penalty kicks; for DeSmet, Will Bruin, John Mathis and Justin Klenke were
successful.

The Spartans, who defeated CBC 2-0 in the CBC Tournament early this season,
grabbed the lead midway through the opening half Tuesday as Steve Seithel
intercepted a pass in the CBC backfield and scored on a 30-yard blast to the
far corner.

The Cadets pulled even later in the half as Barnes converted a through pass
from Charlie Backus. Barnes put CBC on top 2-1 with just under 16 minutes to
play as the Cadets took advantage of a turnover near midfield.

But DeSmet managed to pull even with less than 4 minutes to play in regulation
as Jordan Beckles scored after the Cadets were unable clear the ball from their
box.

DeSmet had the best chance in overtime. With about a minute left, Beckles
pushed a pass across the field to a wide-open Seithel, but Duncan stopped the
low shot.

CBC will travel to Jefferson City this weekend for the Art Firley Shootout.
DeSmet returns to action Saturday, hosting second-ranked St. Louis University
High at 2 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 30

Glad to report that we have already received ressponse for the spring trip to Holland. We have 10 responses wanting to know more informaation. Jan is currently in Canada on a soccer project for the next 2 weeks and after that he will put together a plan for the trip. Once I receive that, i will post the details on the blog.

Terry

Thursday, September 27, 2007 5:39 PM
Subject: Holland ?? anyone ??


Hello everyone !!



Jan has stopped in St Louis for a brief visit and we met to discuss a possible trip to Holland .

The dates are March 17 thru March 25, 2008.

The invitation is for boys born in ’94.

There is a tournament in Holland during that time and there will be training as well with Dutch players.

All of the particular details will be worked out shortly.

We are looking to bring 12 players from St. Louis to join with Dutch players and participate in the tournament.

If interested, please respond.



Terry Michler

Jan Pruijn

Rememeber Matt Clarkin from camp ---
here he is in action for CBC vs SLUH in the CYC Tournamnet Championship game.
Matt has done well so far this season playing on the varsity team.

Sunday, Sept. 23

Solid SLUH outlasts CBC in title game
By Joe Lyons
POST-DISPATCH
Sunday, Sep. 23 2007

FENTON — Jack Twellman saw the opening and took the shot. And what a shot it
was.

Twellman's 35-yard blast, into the upper-right corner of the net, highlighted a
solid effort as St. Louis University High knocked off CBC 2-0 on Saturday in
the title match of the 53rd annual CYC-Bob Guelker Memorial Soccer Tournament
at Anheuser-Busch Center.

SLUH, ranked fourth among Post-Dispatch large schools, improved to 12-1-1 and
avenged a 3-2 loss to the Cadets in defending their CYC-Guelker title.
Third-ranked CBC is 11-2-1.

Has Twellman ever hit a ball better? "Probably not," he said "I knew I hit it
well, but it's not like I was placing it. ... Coach tells us to aim for the
middle because the ball probably won't end up there anyway.''

The shot came with about 14 minutes to play and was the SLUH senior's second
goal of the match. In the first half, he converted a penalty kick to put the
Junior Billikens on top.

Friday, Sept. 21

Hello Terry,

We would like you to open the next webpage to see which title Michelle got from the soccer club JVCCuijk. She has been appointed to “ Talent of the year”.
Every year there is the election of the sportsman, sportswoman, sportsteam and the promise of the future. And the last year they made Michelle talent of the year; the most talented youth-player of the last year. Isn’t that wonderful?!
I will translate the article for you.

http://www.langsdemaas.nl/0001kort%20nieuws/berichtenxml/070917vanderlaan.html

JVC chooses Michelle van der Laan to Talent of the year
At the annual member meeting Michelle has been chosen to talent of the year.
The president of the club, Ingrid Kloosterman, took extended time to speech about Michelle. The title was handed over by Ellen van Eldik, the coach of the girlsteam from the KNVB, district under 17.
Michelle started to play soccer at the age of 8, but she also was a fanatic gymnast and she decided to proceed her gymnastic-career. So she stopped playing soccer. In 2004 she nevertheless choose to play soccer again and so she stopped with the gymnastic training and turned back to JVCCuijk.
The last season she was the only girl to play in a boysteam(C2) and she took part at the districtsselection girls under 15 KNVB. She even played with her mothers team and was an important player.
Michelle has played 2 selection games for the girlsteam district under 17 and is now waiting for the results of it.
She played them very well.

Best regards to all of you!!
Michelle, Anja and the rest of the family

Tuesday, sept. 18

News from Holland (email from Thea and pictures of Jip)

Hello Terry,



All is well here.

Thank you for keeping the blog up to date. We still check it regularly. It is nice to read how every one is doing.

We still talk about St. Louis a lot. And of course we always talk about soccer.

I think Jip has learned a lot from you, about soccer, about friendship and about life.

Good luck to you and greetings to everyone.





From Thea, Tony Jip and Max

thea.sonnemans@chello.nl

Monday, Sept. 17



Hi Terry

Just want to say hello to everybody.

The soccer season has not been started very good for us
We lost the first 2 matches, but last Saturday we won our first game.
The new team must get more a “real” team and this takes time.

I send a picture from our team C1 “v.v. De Bataven” Gendt.
You can follow our results and program on http://www.debataven.nl/batavenc1

Tim and I received a invitation from the KNVB to play
the 2 selection games on 27 September and 2 October….wish us good luck :)

We will inform you about the results.

Greetings to all

Daan Basten

Sunday, Sept. 16
Big win for CBC soccer --
article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

SOCCER
CBC scores two late goals to upset No. 1 Chaminade
By Joe Lyons
POST-DISPATCH
Sunday, Sep. 16 2007

CREVE COEUR — As Chaminade soccer coach Mike Gauvain pointed out, the Red
Devils got what they deserved Saturday afternoon.

"You have to play the full 80 minutes, and we didn't do that,'' Gauvain said
after visiting CBC struck for two late goals for a 2-1 victory in the Metro
Catholic Conference opener for both squads. "We spent the last 10 minutes
trying to protect a 1-0 lead, and CBC took advantage. Somehow, some way, they
managed to put a couple of balls into the net.''

Chaminade, ranked No. 1 among Post-Dispatch large schools, also entered the
match ranked No. 1 nationally by the National Soccer Coaches Association of
America and by Student Sports.

CBC, 8-1 and ranked third among area teams, was a goal down with about 4
minutes to play when senior captain Dan Olwig scored off a corner kick. Less
than two minutes later, the Cadets' Nick Sanchez notched the game winner.

"I got into the box, cut the ball back on the defender and hit it as hard as I
could,'' Sanchez, a junior, said.

The shot hit a Chaminade player, went high in the air and then off the post
before crossing the goal line.

"It feels incredible,'' Sanchez said. "We didn't play our game in the first
half, but I thought we worked harder and played better after halftime.''

Chaminade (7-1) controlled play early, taking the lead on a goal in the final
minute of the opening half. The Red Devils' Ryan Bauer dribbled to the end line
before delivering the ball into the box for senior Peter Hyde, who scored with
a low shot.

CBC coach Terry Michler called it an improbable victory.

"We cheated ourselves by letting them control the first half,'' he said. "But
we kept ourselves in the game and managed to pull it out.''

Both teams will compete next week in the 53rd annual CYC/Bob Guelker Memorial
Tournament at Anheuser-Busch Center in Fenton, with a rematch possible in
Friday's semifinals.

Wed - Sept 12
an email from Michelle

Hello Terry!

This is Michelle, how are you doing? I’m fine. I really loved the time in America. I want to come back next year, but I’ve seen that it’s not possible, because next year it is for children between ’94 and ’95. That’s not so nice for me.
Like Irene said, we all are going to school now, it is the normal life again, but we will NEVER forget the time in America. I still have the wonderful pictures from America, and they are between my bed. Every evening I look at them, and then I think of you all guys. It was a very nice time, I would love it to come back one time, or maybe twice! Haha, and then the families. Were we stayed. I will thank all of them, that we could stay with them. I guess the other 11 Dutchies loved it there. I still miss you all, maybe the camp can be in Holland in 2009. That would be great!!
The competition from our own team has begun already, we won one game with 5-0, and we lost one game with 2-1. That’s not so good, but the first half we were worse. The second we were better, but they didn’t gave it away. I have also played a selection game for the Girls team under 17 for my district. I played very well, but I still have to play one more. But when I play the same as before, and how I played in America, I think I will be in the district-team under 17.
When we have a training with our own team, sometimes I put the clothes from America on; Orange, blue, white, or white, blue, orange: DUTCH TOUCH. 

After we came back from America, me and my family, (Jordie also) went to Italy. It was nice wetter, and we just played soccer, and swim. Here (ITEM) a picture from me and my brothers, (from left to right; Julian, Me, Jordie and Jannick) at the swimming pool. Can you please thank Tim Tettambel? My brother and I stayed with him, we liked it very much,

Thank you, thank you, thank you,

Xxxxx Michelle, and greetz from Jordie and my mum and dad.

Hello Terry,
A little note from Holland, last Saturday I was at Harry's house. Theo and his wife were also there. We had a fine evening and talked a lot of our stay with you.
We all did enjoy it very much.
Terry could you put the picture on the blog site for me, it do not work by me.
And will you also put on the following text.

Dear everyone,
Back in Holland we miss you all, we like to come back to you next year, if it is possible.
We all had a wonderful time with you and we loved the weather, here in Holland it rains a lot and it is only 16 degrees Celsius. Cold and wet.
All the children are now at school and have to go back to the normal life, but they will not forget the wonderful time in America.
Thank you for every thing.
Many greetings from Theo and Harry and from me (see the picture).

Irene

Sunday, Sept. 9

We finally got some rain !!!!!!!
and the temperatures dropped -- hurrah !!
It looks like we will have nice weather for awhile now --

My team is now 5-1-0 and won a Tournamnet Championship this past week.
We played our 3 big rivals and had 2 wins and 1 loss, but manged to win the tournament with the best record.

This week we have another 3 games with a big game on Saturday.
The team is playing well and should have a successful season.

I hope everyone is enjoying success with your team and your personal performance.

Feel free to leave comments.
Still waiting to see Ajax on Tv --

Terry

Sunday, Sept 2

Daniella

thanks for the comments.
I am sure that Tom will do well with NEC and it is a great opportunity for him to express himself and to develop his talents.
Please keep me posted on his season.

Ajax has lost some key players, but I'm sure they will do well.
I am looking forward to watching them when they appear on TV in the US on Setanta Sports.

My team finished the first week with 3 wins and now we must get ready for a tough 3 game week against 3 of our biggest rivals. Hopefully, at the end of this week, I can report more good news from my team.

Jan is planning to return the US in late September and will stop in St Louis for 2 days. We have a game when he will be here, so he will be able top see us play.

Good luck with school, NEC and the travel.

Stay in touch

Terry

8-30-07
Thursday

I am happy to report that my season with CBC High School opened with a 3-0 win on Monday (8-27). This weekend, (8-30,9-1) we play out of town teams from Indiana and Wisconsin. Then the following week we host our Tournament - the 30 something year of it -- feauturing the best teams in the area.

The heat may be starting to break, but we still desperately need rain.

I watched the Eredivisie game of PSV - NEC on Setatnta Sports -- big win for PSV.
Hopefully, soon Ajax will be featured.

I recently went to the NEC website and saw Stefan and Tom Menting listed with the
C-2 team. I will follow that team this year.

Please send indo on what you and your team is doing.
Love to hear from everyone when you get a chance.

terry

Sunday, aug 19

Hello here a mail from Srefan Reynders.
How are you??
Everything allright with you all?
Iäm doing great with NEC.
I want to come next year to St Louis,it was great in St Louis.
I"ll send you some pictures from me from NEC and with a player from Vitesse.
Bye,greetings from Stefan

I am trying to download some pictures, when I figure it out, they will be here.
Hopefully soon !!!

Terry

Wednesday, Aug 15

Just received a translation of an article from an interview with Jordie and Michelle vd Laan that appeared in a dutch paper.
It is so nice to hear such positive responses to our camp experience this summer.

I will attach the translation:

Eat lots of hotdogs
During the last week of July 2 Soccertalents from Cuijk took place at the International Soccerweek at the CBC HighSchool in St. Louis, USA. Michelle(15) and Jordie(13) van der Laan found out what it looked like to live like a real professional soccerplayer in a strange country.
Michelle and Jordie will be playing in the C1 selection of JVC Cuijk next year. They also play for the districtsselection of the KNVB in their own age-category. And besides the soccergames they get coursetraining by Theo Joosten 1 time a week.
“Because of these coursetraining it all began”, Michelle says, aiming at the trip to the USA. “Theo Joosten maintains narrow contacts with Jan Pruijn, soccertrainer and initiator of the CBC Dutch Touch Soccercamp”, completes Jordie. Also by their many presences and commitment, their talent was revealed and so brother and sister received an invitation to take part at the trainingperiod in St. Louis.
With a group of another 10 kids from the environment of Nijmegen, Michelle and Jordie set of to the airport at Dusseldorf and went to America.
All the children were categorized in American host familys. Daily they went to the Highschool campus, to train or play soccermatches several times a day at the art grass with a group of 80 soccertalents.
“Meanwhile we had lunch or diner and we could eat as much hotdogs as we want”, Jordie says so. Furthermore on the program were a reading, a soccer movie, an excursion, a barbeque and a swimmingparty at the swimmingpool. “With a gymnastic jump I won the diving contest”, Michelle lets know with her 6 years of gymnastic background.
“But the most beautiful thing was to be between al the Americans in such a great and strange country, with the different language, and see how life goes there”, Michelle says. Jordie agrees with his sister. “It’s also a good thing to be at your own feet and to make your own decisions”, they both continue. “And we have met so many new people, like Sara and Austin…”
“What kept me up, was that technically the Dutchies were more improved than the Americans, but fysically they were stronger than us…”, decides Michelle, while they both were lying down more and more as a result of the jetlag…


Thanks to the family vd Laan for sending this to me.
Stay in touch

Terry

Tuesday, Aug 14

Hope all is well and that the new seasons are starting for everyone.
I have heard from a number of the families and the players are busy training with their teams. The season is also starting here in the States, so the local players are also trianing and prpeparing for games.

Please keep this blog open with responses and comments and information.

Jordie and Michelle are doing an article for their newspaper and will send me a translation and I will then post it here.

I am starting week 2 training my team and the training is improving, even though the weather is still brutally hot.

Anxious for the Eredivisie to begin -- I get a weekly game on Setanta.

Keep us posted on what's going on

best of luck to all

Terry

Sunday, Aug 12

The heat continues to be the topic in St Louis -- today the temperature is currently (3:00pm) at 102 f -- no relief in sight as the forecast for next week is similar to last week.

We will temperatures around 100, with no chance of rain.
The heat certainly affects the training as we must modify our training schedule and the performance of the players is also affected.

I received a response last week from Theo Bastan, Daan's dad and I will attach it below. Congratulations and best of luck to Daan and Tim.

Daan and Tim got a telephone call from the KNVB coach that they have been selected for the inter-regional soccer team under 14 years from the KNVB.
Evenso they have to play very good
in the next cupgames, because there will be scouts from the proffesional clubs to look at them.

So a busy and exiting time is coming up.

We also wish Stefan and Tom Menting good luck as they have started training with NEC.

Please keep us posted on their progress as well as anyone else who continues to follow this blog.

Terry

Thursday, Aug 9


This is a translation of an article written by daan and Tim for their Gemeente Nieuws about the camp experience. Thanks to Theo Bastan for sending this to us:

In the week of the 30th of July Tim Buurman and Daan Basten, who both play in the C1 team
of the Bataven and who both are national Dutch voetballers (under 13, eastern region) came
back from an unforgetable journey which they made to St Louis MO, America. Organisator
Jan Pruijn (old player from the Bataven) invited both lads with ten other Dutch players in the
age catergorie of 13 to 15 years to join him in the “CBC Dutch Touch” International Soccer
Camp in St Louis.
Since Febuary there had been several meetings giving everybody the chance to get to know
each other and to recieve information about this special journey.
On the 20th of July the day had finaly come and a group of twelve soccer players and three
trainers took off for a ten day trip from Dusseldorf airport heading for the USA.
They flew via Detroit to St Louis where they recieved a warm welcome from Jan Pruijn and
all the guest families. Tim and Daan were staying with Nancy and Joe Robinson and their six
children, who were all very exited about having the “Dutchies”
The first day the boys stayed at home, rested and tried to aclimatise to what in their eyes was
“The Big America”, everything was bigger, the house the car and even the televisions were
bigger than at home!
On Sunday July 22nd the soccer began at last with a four versus four tournament.
This all took place at CBC High School in St. Louis where Tim Tettambel, Terry Michler
with their staff and with the Duch trainers Jan Pruijn, Harry Jansen and Theo Derks, and
about seventy players were about to start on this great soccer happening. With the
temperature well up in the 30’s and with a high humitity it took some getting used to for the
Dutchies. In the evening the boys were all collected by their guest parents and enjoyed a well
earned rest.
On Monday 23rd of July the routine of the football camp began as it would for the rest of the
week. After pancakes at home for breakfast, they would be taken to Highschool for training
and then a four against four game, lunch at school, more training and then eight against eight,
diner and then in the evening eleven against eleven games. The teams were often mixed and
the language wasn’t a barrier when it came down to playing soccer together.
It was tough and very tireing for the boys having to play in such extreem temperatures, and by
wednesday they were pleased to have the day off, and visited the Arch, sailed on the
Missisippi completing their day with a barbeque with water melon and a nice cold dive in the
swimming pool.
Thursday was the day that the Dutch players were to give a demonstation training, under the
leidership of Jan Pruijn and watched by the sixty American players.
Friday was the last day, they played some soccer and in the evening they watched a real
American baseball game in a big stadium.
Tim and Daan had a great time with their American family, in the evenings they would play
baseball, soccer and basketball with the children and neighbourhood childen, after which they
would sit on the veranda and teach them Dutch words.
Their Guest family were as a real “Guest” family and everyday there would be e-mail contact
with Holland, the boys were espiecally well looked after with much warmth and care.
All in all it was an experience that Tim and Daan never will forget, and their contact with
America is one for always and who knows one day they may return.

thanks

terry

As we swelter in the St louis heat (heat index over 100 f)and the forecast for the temperature to be 102f the next few days, it's time to think of better things.

the 2008 version of the cbc- dutch touch International Camp will be held the week of July 20-25 at CBC. We have confirmed the dates with the school and are good to go.

We expect a lot of interest as this year was very successful and generated a lot of interest. We will accept players born '94 and '95 and those who attended this summer will have first chance to attend.

Rain would be nice, but does not seem possible. So it is more of the same.
due to the excessive heat, our training schedule has been modified and we get much less done. Everyone has the same problem and in time the heat will decrease and we can get on with things as usual.

Will trade sun for rain for a few days --

Terry

Sunday, Aug 5

Glad to report that Harry and Theo are safely home, without any delays !!
I already miss their constant barrage of humor and the quick one-line responses.
Not only were they very good with the soccer, they were a blast to be around.
Theo has groups from Kenya coming into Holland Tuesday for soccer games, so not time to relax.

Today, I am watching the Charity Shield game - Man U vs Chelsea -- both teams are playing for keeps and seem to be in mid-season form. Next week the Premiership starts and the rest of Europe will be starting soon also. Plenty of great soccer to watch and enjoy.

Our weather here is going to be very hot and dry for the next week. We will have temperatures in the 100s f with heat index above that. It will be very uncomfortable and I can already foresee some training cancelled due to the excessive heat.

Hope everyone is back to their normal routines and looking forward to their own club seasons. Please keep us posted on what you are doing as I will keep this blog open for as long as possible.

Enjoy

Terry

Saturday, Aug. 4

Well, it is officially over now that the last of the dutchies (Harry and Theo) have left and yes, it does seem like the storm has lifted. It was such an emotionally charged experience that the letdown hits hard. It has taken a few days to get back to normal, but it has also been a time to plan for next summer as well.

The reaction that we have received from the locals and the dutchies has been very positive and that makes us want to do even better next year. We have set the week of July 20-25 for the 2008 camp at CBC. I already have heard from people wanting to register NOW for the camp.

Great news from Tim about rcovering Jip's camera from the Hilton Hotel. The pictures will be a lasting memory with every picture there is a story. It was very nice of Tim to put the pictures from the host families and Irene together on the memory stick for everyone.

It rained and stormed briefly last night -- finally !!
However, it is going to be a very hot week with the temperatures up to 98 f, that plus the humidity will make it very uncomfortable. We were lucky with the weather for our week, even though it was hot, it could have been even hotter.

I am anxiously awaiting the beginning of the European soccer season as I am able to watch many of the Leagues -- English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, German.
Maybe someday we will see some of the dutchies in the Eredivisie.

Have a nice day, enjoy the weekend

Terry

Friday, Aug 3

Today we take Harry and Theo to the airport for their return trip home.
What a pleasure it was to spend 2 weeks with them, to learn from them and to enjoy their company. They could do comedy as 2 man act -- they are funny and play off of each other very well.
I thoroughly enjoyed talking soccer with them and sharing information. Watching them work with the young boys and mostly girls in the 2nd week was very interesting. They have the ability to relate to players at whatever level they may be and their patience and willingness to help them improve was truly outstanding.

I would love to welcome them back anytime in the future and I will pass this along to Jan as well.

I wish them a good, safe flight home and thank them sincerely for their time spent in St Louis, and for the new friendship that we created. Once again, I am fortunate to have met new dutch soccer friends and expanded my knowledge as a coach.

I learned something everyday from Jan, Harry and Theo and I thank them for that.

Terry

Thursday, Aug 2, 2:00 pm

Just read a nice response from the Robinson's about the wonderful experience they enjoyed in hosting Daan and Tim.
I can say without any question of a doubt, that this was the biggest win-win situation that any of us have ever experienced.
I read the nice, grateful comments of the Dutch parents, and I read the appreciative st Louis parents and I have spoken with the players enough to know, that everyone had the time of their lives and we will always remember this as a special event in our lives.

Let's hope that we can continue to communicate and exchange mail and share stories even if we are far apart in distance. I want to know how the dutchies are doing and I will be interested to hear from them during their season to know how it is going.
We can also share our stories with them and keep this linof communication open for ................... !!!!!

Thanks to Daan's family for telling me they will translate their story of the trip and we will share it will friends here.

Tim is putting together a 'story book' of the trip, so please send your story(stories) so that we can all enjoy them.

Tim was telling me last night that when his dutchies arrived, they were going to go a coffee house and talk -- the dutchies looked very suspicious of Tim because in Holland, the coffee house is a place to buy and smoke marijuana and hashish, where here it really is a coffee shop to drink voffee and to talk.

that's the first shared story -- let's hear some more !!!

Go Ajax -- hup holland !!!!

Terry

Thursday, Aug 2

Just read a nice response from Daan's family saying how much Daan enjoyed his time in the States and his host family. Als it was mentioned that Daan and tim will write an article for their soccer club magazine about their trip to the States --I would like an English version of that , if possible.

we are already having people in St Louis asking about can they sign up now for the camp next summer -- it is the talk of the town !!!

It is still sunny and very hot here and we need some rain !!

I start team training on Monday, Aug.6 for my CBC High School team and that season goes through the end of November.

I just spoke with Jan and he is relaxing on holiday with his family at the beach.

Harry and Theo have their last training session today and then they are off tomorrow to return home. I have really enjoyed them and learned a lot fromm them.

thanks again

Terry

Hello everyone

by now everyone has settled back home and it is business as usual.

I will keep this blog open for a period of time to allow for messages back and forth.
Feel free to use this as I will check it and post messages regularly for awhile.

I would like to know how everyone is doing now that you are all home.

friday, harry and theo also go home -- then we will have no dutchies until next summer --

Go Ajax !!! maybe that will get a reaction or 2 --

hup holland


Terry

Tuesday, July 31

We are glad to report that all the dutchies have made it home safely and that Northwest Airlines is still cancelling flights.

The weather in St Louis is just like last week, sunny and hot and dry !!!!
I hope that in Holland the weather is n ice for everyone.
The last of the dutchies to arrive home will need some time to rest up from the tiring ordeal of 2 days of delays at the airport.

Harry and Theo are busy training teams in the evening at CBC from 5:30 pm until 8:30 pm and today they also had a 9:30 to 11:30 am session as well.

bye for now

Terry

Monday, july 30 10:20 pm Str Louis (5:20 am Amsterdam)

30 minutes from now the plane shouild be landing and the dutchies will all be home, back with their families. The long ordeal of getting home is all but over, and now the stories of the trip will begin to be told.

Best of luck to all and thanks

terry

Monday, July 30 6:00 pm

No news from Jan --
that means the dutchies are getting closer to home by the minute --
good for them and their families.

I can imagine how excited all of you will be when that plane touches down in Amsterdam and the drive home home will be full of stories.

Thanks again -- it was a great experience shared by all

Terry

1:29 pm Monday , july 30

from Jan in Detroit

terry,

flight is still on time ,boarding 03.15 , and departure
04.10 !!

If you don't get a call from me , then everything is on
schedule and ON TIME !!!

Regards Jan from DTW

Monday, July 30 -- 11:00 am

There are NOW no more dutchies in St. Louis !!!!!!

they have arrived in Detroit --
I will attach Jan's email to me:

Hello terry ,

we just arrived in detroit !!
boys and girl are behaving well !!

flight is still on the schedule and on time !!!

so hopefully we will arrive in amsterdam on scheduled
arrival time 05.55 AM

pass this email on to Tim as well

enjoy the day , and I'll keep you updated !!

Jan


good news for all

Terry

Sunday, July 29, 11:40 pm

just got home after spending time with the dutchies at the Hilton Hotel and having a late dinner with them. They were all in good spirtits after play time at CBC and a swim in the Hotel pool.

Jan is holding up quite well as he is doubling up as a travel agent and trying to find flights that will get them home as soon as possible.
Let's hope for the best tomorrow and that they get on their morning flight.

time to go to bed and get some rest --

terry

Sunday, July 29 - 7 pm

another day of disappointment for the remaining 6 dutchies and Jan --
Northwest airline failed to confirm the tickets they gave them and when they showed up on Sunday to fly home, they did not have tickets !!!

Again, after trying everyway possible, they were forced again to stay over in St Louis at the Hilton Hotel near the airport.

We took the group back to CBC to play soccer and basketball in the gym and just to let them play -- they seem ok now, but were obviously disappointed.

The plan now is to leave St Louis Monday at 8:30 am and arrive Amsterdam on Tuesday at 5:55 am -- let's hope that this plan works .

Glad to hear that the first group of dutchies are safely home, and resting up I would imagine.

stay in touch

Terry

Saturday, July 28, 8:50 pm

wow, what a day !!!!!

Northwest cancelled the flight @ 3:30 pm St Louis and then the scramble for other flights began.

After a long and hectic ordeal at the airport, 6 of the boys and Irene finally boarded a plane for Minneapolis and then to Amsterdam -- arrival 12:40 pm.
On board was: Tom Stuve, Rody, Tim Buurman, Maarten, Jeroen Meyers, Tom Menting and Irene.

The rest of the group will be staying over at Tim Tettambel's house (one of the guest families) and Jan one more night at Hotel Terry !!
The flight arrangements are departure at 5 pm to Detroit and then on to Amsterdam - arrival 11:40 am.

Jan was outstanding with his patience and determination to get everyone home as soon as possible. Therfe were many "close calls", but in the end it was 6 going home and 6 staying another day. The players were beautiful throughout the entire ordeal and took each announcement in stride. They wanted to go home, but did not mind staying over 1 more day.

Please respond as you hear from your children and as they arrive back home.

I will keep this blog active for a while so we can continue to communicate. I know the players will be emailing each other as the new friendships blossom.

I would also like to stay in touch with them for awhile to know how the experience was for them.

more tomorrow as we try again to get everyone home.

Terry

Friday, July 27

We had a great weather day today with cloud cover and a breeze.
The morning session was a demo by the dutchies and then a 6 a side game vs '94 dutchies and '94 St Louis ( dutchies win 3-1). Then we trained the players for 90 min and had a lunch break and returned for a shortened afternoon session. We a penalty kick shootout contest and then Holland vs St Louis with the entire dutch group vs the older players in the camp ('92,'93) --(3-0 st Louis).

We then concluded the camp with everyone wishing each other well and we gave the dutchies a group photo and camp photo to take home.

Tonight the dutchoies enjoy crdinal baseball game and tomorrow to the airport for the flight home.

Thank you again for the opportunity to work with the yoing dutchies on the pitch.

Hope they travel well and return safely.

Please stay in touch and encourage the players to continue to email their new friends. Several of the girls in camp said already they want to return to Holland for camp next year 9New boyfriends??).

bye

tm

Thursday, July 26, 7:30 pm

The last full day of camp was especially challenging following the late night swim party, but the players responded fairly well.

We finally were able to post more pictures and hope that everyone enjoys them.
As the week is winding down, it will seem difficult to say goodbye to so many new friends, but it was a great experience for all.

The competition is still good and the teams are mixed with dutchies and locals --many new friends for both groups.

Friday is a shortened day of camp, followed by the ball game at night and then saturday its a trip to the airport to bid farewell.

Thank you very much for allowing your children to participate in camp, and for our young players to expand the soccer experience and their view of the world. We very much enjoyed having them here.

We would like to think that the week went very well, and we are looking for ways to make it better in the future.

Hopefully, you received an email from me with 2 sets of pictures -- sightseeing and football.

good bye

tm

Photobucket Album

Pictures - Finally!!!

Good Thursday Morning,

The children were extremely tired this morning, but still found the strength to make it to camp!

We now have capabilities to load additional pictures... enjoy!!

Late, late Wednesday, July 25 (11:20 pm)

We just returned from the swim party and the kids had a blast !!
We had the pool to ourselves, all the slides, tunnels, diving boards and everything else.

The dutchies spent the day on riverboat ride and then on land for a shopping spree.
When we met back up, I asked what they had bought for me, they all said nothing !
I said maybe they just forgot ???

The 4v4 was very good and Michelle drew a crowd as she was dazzzling the place with moves and goals. She also won the 'unofficial" diving contest at the pool, without much real competition except many, may very poor dives that must have hurt when they hit the water.

Steef ate the most watermelon of all, everytime I saw him, he had a piece and they were always getting bigger. Tim and Kip were wearing new baseball caps from the shopping spree and I think scored the most goals on the night.

Thursday will the last full day of camp with Friday ending at 2:30 and then off to the St Louis Cardinals baseball game that night.

By now the camp is buzzing with new friendships. It has been a great week for everyone and the level of soccer has been good and the competition very keen.

More later and hopefullyt that will include many, many photos.

tm

Wednesday, July 25

we posted 1 picture of Jeroen Meyers and Tim Buurman in the background. We have many more photos to download from a camera onto this site and that will be done tomorrow.

today the dutchies spent the day away from the camp and the locals trained in the morning with the afternoon off. Another sunny day and I hear the rain has stopped in Holland --yeah !!

I wore the KNVB hat yesterday and no one had a problem with it.

Maybe tomorrow I wear the Holland hat- sorry I don't have Vitesse or PSV or the Feyenoord.

we caught up with the dutchies this evening at 5:30 pm for 4v4 play in the neighborhood on grass field, BBQ, watermelon and then to a swim party.

tomorrow, thursday a full day of training.

enjoy the photo of Jeroen and Tim with plenty more to come manana.

bye

TM

Test Picture...

Hopefully more to come today.

Tuesday, july 24

Just finished the morning session under clear skies and a warm sun.
The session started with Jan setting up an activity with the 12 Dutch players while the local players watched as the Dutch players showed the proper way to progress through an activity.
I requested this from Jan as I think it ois very important for our young players to see how earlier, proper training affect performance during a training session. The locals then went into groups and repeated the activites and we finished the morningwith 4v4 games.

The afternoon was hot and the beginning was very sluggish, until the 8v8 games and then eveyone found some energy. The games are very competitive and the players play to win the matches.

In the evening, the sun was down and the temperature cooled a bit and the 11v11 games were very spirited. We divide the camp into 2 divisions, each with 3 teams and the winningf team played the next game and the losing team rested. it was down to the last kick in some of the matches and the spirit was very high.

At the end of the day, we complimented the players for the morning and evenig sessions and said that the afternoon was some good and some bad.

The food has been very good and lots of it. No complaints !!!!
In the interval between sessions, we have done some teambuilding activities and watched some highlights of the goals from WC '06 Germany and a tape on juggling tricks.

On Wednesday, we take a little break in the schedule, much neede as the players are starting to tire, for the dutchies to spend time with the host families and do some sightseeing i n and around St. Louis. The local players will train in the mornig as usual and then have the afternoon off.
The entire camp will meet at a neighborhood school and play 4v4 on a grass field, have BBQ and watermelon, and then enjoy a cool, relaxing time at a local swim park -- they will definitely enjoy that !!!

We are trying hard to post some pictures of the camp, and hopefully that will done when you read this post.

For those of you who have made comments, I brought the dutchies in to read them ooff my laptop.

More tomorrow

TM

Monday, July 23

First official day of camp,was absolutley great !!!
The weather was nice, perfect for the camp photo.
We started the day with all the campers dressed in orange, navy and orange and the coaches in light blue, navy and navy, making for a pretty picture.
We will have the pictures available on Friday for the kids begore the close of camp.
We took a photo of the dutch players and the dutch coaches and each of them will receive a copy from the camp.

The training was good and the games competitive. The teams were mixed today and the locals and dutchies mixed and started building relationships as teammates.

The afternoon sun was warm and the tempo slowed considerably during the training phase.
The competition of 8v8 generated more interest and enthusiasm and the energy level increased considerably.

The lunch and dinner breaks were well received and the fresh strawberries were a big hit with the dutchies. Everyone was very well behaved and the day went without any incidents.

The evening games of 11 v11 were played at an increased level, just from yesterday.
There were many positive comments about the level of play and the competition to be in top group continues to build.
The coaches evaluate the players adter each session and plan the next day based on the player's performance. The general opinion is that the level overall is good.

I wear an Ajax cap during the day against the sun and that was cheered by some of the dutchies and others chanted other clubs, so it was a bit of fun.

I think the first day has set us up for a great week as the players are competing every time against good players.

I will check and see if we can post pictures on this site.

Glad to see your comments and I will contuinue to post a daily report.
As I spoke with the dutch players, they said they were emailing home with their own camp report.
TM

Sunday, July 22

We finally kicked off the camp on a beautiful day !!
Nice temperature and clear skies and a lot of enthusiasm.
Today we participated in the International 4 v 4 festival and played games against camp team and other teams of ethnic origin. As expected, there were some interesting and exciting games.

In the opening game of the day, the Dutch team of 4, jumped out to a 3-0 advantage over a top group of local players only to give up 4 goals to lose 4-3. The other Dutch team also lost its opening game to another group of local players. In the next game for the Dutch teams, the intensity increased and it was all to play for. The day ended with the Dutch teams winning a few more than losing, so all in all, it was a good day for all.

Following the games, everyone went in ti the theater to hear a moving speech from Gilbert Tuhabonye, a genocide survivor and an Olympic marathon hopeful from Burubdi, in Africa. His mesage was one of hope and forgiveness.

Monday will be the first official day of training with 3 sessions during the day and evening.
The weather is expected to be comfortable and the players seem anxious for more.

It was a long day for the staff as well with registration, games, speech and review and evaluation. we are looking forward to another competitive and challenging day on Monday.

As one of the responses said, 'it will be dutch soccer experience versus American spirit of competition.' We saw a lot of that today. The Dutch players seem to be adjusting rather well to the new surroundings.

TM

Saturday, July 21

Some of the group went to a neighborhood baseball game played by 1 of the children of a host family -- fun in the park !!!

Others spent time at the St. Louis Zoo and in the evening a BBQ was held at one of the host families.

The nice thing is that the host families all live very, very close to each other, so common activities are easy to organize.

TM

As Saturday, July 21, draws to a close, we eagerly await the start of the camp on Sunday. Today, Saturday, we spent the day getting the field set up for the 4 a side Festival.
We have 6 fields, each to be played in a certain way, that should be challenging and entertaining.
The Camp will be divided into 12 teams for the 4 a side, each team with extra players and each team will play 4 games. The weather will be clear and comfortable, with temperature in mid 80s.

TM

Welcome to the cbc-dutchtouch blog

This will be the official communication center for the International Camp .
We will post daily information.
The weather forecast is very favorable for the weekend and the early part of the week, with temperatuires in the 80s -- and clear and sunny.

We have over 70 players signed up for the camp and the quality level should be very good.
The excitement is building and Sunday cannot arrive soon enough.

TM