July 6th/7th

The last day was nice. The weather was excellent. We let the boys sleep in to get ready for the Epic Travel we had before us (now we are home) on the 7th. Scrimmage in the morning vs. a mix of 16u Jadran and Golden State Club from Norcal. The 18u team has national championships in Zagreb this weekend so Coach Dino decided to give the boys the day off which I can respect. We then headed to another mall for some last minute shopping, then we headed to the beach where there was a million people, literally. It looked like the 4th of July on steroids. We had an evening scrimmage, said our goodbyes to all of our guests, and then prepared for the long journey.

The travel back went with out hick-ups, as we returned a full team safely to HB.

July 5th

Today was a long day but good. We had a good 4 quarter scrimmage vs. moranor which is the other split club. We did well considering there was one ref. We missed some shots, they missed some shots, but overall it was great training because we were playing 30m. We then went to a local mall to do a little shopping, then after we had lunch. After a short break we were off the Maritime Museum which was actually pretty cool chronicling the history of Croatian and Split Naval development. Lots of artifacts and information. The Museum used to be a fort which was created in the 16th century, and then modernized in the 1850s.

In the evening we did a 6x5 scrimmage vs. Jadaran 18u, and we did well on both O and D figuring out a few of their rotations, and getting some key field blocks from our bottom line defense.

July 4th

Happy fourth of july everyone, I hope you are all doing well, and having a safe holiday! We over here are lighting some fireworks, but it was more of us getting lit up today. We were able to go and scrimmage against another Split club who won the Winter Cup for the 18u Croatian League. The coach was a former member of the Croatian National Team, and he demanded results from his players and it showed with their structured ability to read and attack. Also, they were all 6'4 200 pounds. The starting line up would have been the staring defense for the HB Football team. One player was an 18u and he is 6'8. But it really did not matter because of our ability to move and force the bigger players to play defense.

After scrimmage we climbed the Tower, and then had some time to shop around and the kids bought a ton of little gifts and trinkets.

After the Tower we scrimmaged again, and we looked a little out of it until the end. We definitely have a lot to work on. The best part about this training is that it is making us ready for JO's (potentially playing 3 games a day!). This type of heat with training, resting, will prepare us perfectly for that environment.

Check out these pictures!!!!

July 3rd

We woke from the communist hotel and went to the grocery store real quick. Then following the boys played a little concrete soccer. Then we went to the National Championships for 16u. It was pretty cool the way they had another 50m pool right by the ocean and there was a little restaurant right on the side. there was also another little mini soccer court, but this time grass. Kids were able to buy some Turbo gear while we were there. We then came back to our original hotel and shot for a bit. Then we headed off to the city of Trogir, which was very beautiful. Following this, a scrimmage vs. a Norcal team called Golden State, and then dinner. A little bit laid back of a day, but the 4th is supposed to be pretty busy. I hope everyone else is doing well, and have a safe and happy fourth of july.

July 2nd Part II

Today was great. We went to Krka National Park and Forrest, and it is one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen in my entire life. Just look at the pictures. The guys really enjoyed the visit after the scrimmage. Croatia continues to unveil itself as one of the most beautiful countries I know. We are currently staying in the most communist hotel I could have ever imagined. I recently spoke with the head coach of Mladost (sp?) a croatian club playing in the youth championship tomorrow July 3rd. He said they are all like this, and I like this experience because the kids get to see what they really have compared to other nations and kids.

Jul2nd Part I

We did a little beach activity besides weight training to warm-up and get loose. I will post some pictures pretty soon. Then we scrimmaged and actually did very well, even though their best player was out, or they were just missing their shots today. After lunch, we are head to Krka National Park. If you can, google image the location, its supposed to be amazing!!!

I will post something later today!

July 1??

Today's training got better after a few hundred yards of butterfly. Then we did alot better communicating. After the scrimmage we went to the beach and hung around for a bit, came home rested, and then did an all 6x5 scrimmage which was good for us to what weaknesses we have in our man down defense. However, these shooters here are a million times better than the ones we see in the states, by far. Here are a few pictures from the beach.