As I wait at SFO for my flight to Amsterdam, it’s amazing to think it is already the end of November. It’s amazing how fast the year has gone by. Just yesterday, I was applying sunscreen, drinking a ton of water, and wearing shorts. However, as the cold weather, wind, and rain approach, I know it is time for the European Coaches Tour.  Andrew Ziemer and Frans Hoek organize the trip for coaches from across the United States to eat, breath, and live soccer for two amazing weeks in Europe. We visit a bunch of clubs (from amateur to top professional), to listen to lectures, ask questions, watch trainings, and watch games. In the past couple of years we have been to: Barcelona FC, Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord, Chelsea, Club Brugge, Dortmond, and a bunch of smaller clubs.
 

   This year is especially exciting for me. I am leaving a week before everyone and staying a week longer. I have the unique opportunity to go to PSV Eindhoven and follow Pepijn Linders around to trainings and games. Thanks to Andrew Ziemer and SCA’s cooperation with Frans Hoek, I had the opportunity to meet and become friends with Pepijn. He has had a huge influence on my coaching and I’m super excited to go observe him in his environment.
In a week, I will meet up with Andrew and the other coaches to start the tour. This year the tour is in Holland and Spain. When most the coaches fly home from Spain, I will be flying to London. I will meet with Pepijn’s mentor Ricardo Moniz, whom is the skills coach at Tottenham.

    This trip for me is about learning, reflecting, analyzing, relaxing, and having fun. It feels good to leave my worries behind and for one month live in the Mecca of Futbol. I’ll keep everyone updated on my travels!