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So… Here we are again!
The opposition: Broadneck (won the league). The temp 75 degrees. The time: 6:30. The pitch: fancy turf + they had a speaker who introduced all the girls by number and then announced that we would sing happy birthday to Lynchy and Emily S who turned 15 yesterday. – HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLS!
Everyone arrived with lots of stories of how they spent the weekend. It is so fantastic to be on the tour hearing how the girls are having an amazing time off the field as well as on the field.
We heard that Broadneck were going to be the best team we were going to play. We started the first half and our instructions were to start strong. We had several opportunities on goal and could not put any of them away even though the goalie was only about 4 foot tall. It was frustrating to see the ball go up and down the field and each team lose possession but we could see why this team had been the champions as now we had met a team who were as fast as us and who could transition as well as us. I secretly think they had been eyeing us up in previous matches!
We started well with a goal from Jenni. They countered with another. We fought for the centre draw and it was not a given that it would go our way. Hayley did a cracking run to goal to score our second and this was followed by another individual goal by Dori. They had a time out and were worried. Our advice to our girls was play the ball around the goal. If the shot is not on- do not shoot! Keep possession and play like we know how. They scored a goal from a loose pass. 3-2. Hayley got one back and they scored again assisted by Jenni. Dori scored a good team goal helped by Fiona, Erin, Sarah C and Zoe. They got one back and right on the stroke of half time they were pressuring the goal, meg made an excellent save and we managed to run the clock down so the half time score was 6-4. The Defence had to work so hard in this half that everyone was exhausted. Everyone mentioned in the last report had a part to play in us keeping the Broadneck team out and away from the goal.
HALF TIME
The second half commenced and Jenni scored another (2 crucial goals at the start of each half!). They got 2 back. 7-6. This was going to be a close match. Ellie G then looked as if she was going to pass on the 8 and instead took her player and had a great shot on goal. I was jumping up and down as eventually Ellie had gotten that well deserved goal! They scored again and then another leveling things up for the first time in the match. 8-8. It was Ellie G who came to the rescue again after a lovely bit of attacking play to put us in the lead again. This was followed by 2 from Charl. We had 4 minutes to play and the Broadneck team decided to put on the floodlights. This left a period of about 5 minutes where our girls were cooling down. No excuses but our Defence was tested to the max. They were winning every centre. Every time we got possession they won it back again. They were fast and they were accurate, Mary made 3 good saves in this period. We got the ball down to our attacking end and our girls could not find the back of the net no matter how hard we tried. Excellent shots were made by Keely and Katy but again the goalie saved these too. I could not decide whether the goalie was great, our shooting was poor or the occasion was getting to the girls with the tight score. They scored one. They scored another and then they scored another tying the game at 11-11. One of their best players got possession and was heading straight to goal. She was checked by Lauren and then we got the ball and ran the length of the field. There were seconds left on the clock but we could not get a shot on goal. The whistle blew and the final score was 11-11.
I cannot help feeling that we should have won this one. I ask myself what we did wrong. The answer is nothing. We played like a team, attacked like a team and our girls did everything a coach would expect from a group of exceptional girls such as these Metros. Maybe we lacked some fighting spirit? Maybe we were unlucky? Whatever the reason I think these girls can only develop after such a hard fought match as this.
So… I now have to pick a player of the match. Well I am not going to pick 1. I am going to pick 4. First Dori. I know I gave it to her last match for being steady and just all round great to have in the team but today she was exceptional. Every time she had the ball she looked dangerous. She was played out of position for some of the game in D and also was strong. The second in Lauren. There were several comments on how fantastic a defender she was. Her checking as always was second to none and she showed fighting spirit when we were in the midst of losing the game. The third is Ellie G. I do not know whether it was her dad watching from the sideline that spurred her on but she is definitely playing lacrosse beyond her years. She listens to instruction well and kept us in the game when we were tied at 8-8. The last but no means least is Hayley. Hayley’s work rate today was more than we could have expected. She was all over the field pressuring the ball and assisting her team mates for the double. Her vision in midfield is excellent and she picks ground balls up and moves the ball on very intelligently and the 2 goals she scored were just a bonus.
Ok… another report done. Hershey Park tomorrow awaits and then the Friendship game on Wednesday. The Metros team have only won this once in 14 years. I for one think we have a great chance so watch this space. As usual pictures from the game are on the photos page.
Laura.
Hello from Annapolis!
The time 6:30 pm. The team St Mary’s. The venue: very fancy turf field. The temp: 80 degrees and nice!
We were now lucky to have Paul and Cath Bibby with us. And of Course the lovely Carina who received a very warm welcome from all the girls.
Everyone arrived and to our surprise some of the girls had actually complied with our rules which we had made pre game (no eating after 3pm. Have a rest before the game. Drink lots of water the night before and the day of the game and generally look after yourself). This is a real indication of how much these girls really want to win and play well.
  Our short team talk before the game was simple. Start strong and we can carry on from there. So the game started and did we start strong?… The answer was no. They scored twice. We put Liv Wimpenny in centre who took the ball, ran the length of the pitch and scored. 1-2. The Defence yet again was being pressured with Mary in the goal not needing the make a save. Lauren, Suzie and Sarah B were all excellent at keeping the other side out. Charl scored a great individual goal after than and then a great team goal which went from Hayley to Emily Carlson to Emily S who then did a neat flick to Charl again to score our 4th. 3-2. The girls on both teams were being run ragged as it seemed as soon as any team got possession they lost it again (thank god for having 12 subs!) Finally another team goal scored by Zoe Jones and helped by her fellow Mellor team mate Erin Parker. 4-2. They had a time out. We had scored 4 on the trot and were pleased with how we were playing and urged the girls to carry on what they were doing.
  We started again and they came back with 2 goals to level things up. 4-4. On the stroke of half time the attack consisting of Sarah C, Fiona Emily Kealey, Charl, Lauren Rousseau (yes Lauren sneaked up there!) and Ellie worked together around the goal to assist Charl who drove round the goal and scored our fifth. It should be said thought that the excellent positioning of the attack was superb to create an isolation allowing the goal to come from behind. 5-4.
HALF TIME
So second half saw Meg in goal.
The only real instruction we gave our girls at half time was to start strong. If we do that then we have a good chance of keeping up the momentum and carrying on. Our girls listened and a team goal including Katy, Fiona, Hayley and Erin and scored by Dori was the best start we could have hoped for.
  Charl got another one and a couple of excellent looking passes from Emily Kealey to unnamed attack players in front of goal were dropped so we could have been in the lead by many more. 7-4. They got one back and had another time out. We were not going to let them score 2 in a row again like they did in the first half and just asked our Defence to carry on doing what they were doing but tighter and stronger than before. Charl scored 2 more – her speed was too much even for their best player who was tracking her down the pitch. 9-5. We were playing so well and our girls were transitioning from Defence so fast they could not keep up with us. Dori scored another excellent goal and we had many opportunities. Ellie G could not find the back of the net but her excellent play drew 3 fouls in the ‘fan’ and we were awarded 3 free positions. Liv W scored a good goal when we had a settled attack and the final goal was scored by Jenni with another drive round from the back of the goal.
Only one goal was scored in the second half by St Mary’s and this was not without trying. Meg did not have to make any saves as the Defence was excellent. They supported the ball well, they double teamed, slid when they needed to and their checking was superb. I would like to detail to defence individually as they did an excellent job. Lauren, Suzie, Lizzy, Ellie C, Lynchy Sarah B, gerogia, Sarah H and Charl. Also, their goalie was exceptional. I think every attack player had a shot at goal and had the goalie been weaker our score would have been double!
As you know I like to give player(s) of the match. I have found this game a lot harder than most to call. Obviously if we go on goals and all round team performance I have to give it to Charlotte Lytollis. Her game has developed so much since I saw her at County and North level last year. I would like to give the next player of the match to Dori. Dori has been a solid player throughout the 4 games we have played over here. She is consistent and has an excellent attitude in that we can play her in any position and she is strong and always contributes to what is going on around her. I am sure you are bored of me saying this but this award again could have gone to all our players.
  The reception was kindly hosted at The Calendar family’s house (where Zoe is staying). The girls all bought their swimming costumes and had a great time in the pool. They even pushed Martin in!
Ok. Another monster match report done! All the girls have a free weekend. We will reconvene on Monday when I hear we will have our hardest game against Broadneck.
Thanks for reading – L & M
This is my favourite trip of the tour. All the girls are settled in, there are no early mornings and the girsl always have lot of fun. Needless to say the trip this year was no exception! We met for coffee at 9:30 we walked to the Naval Academy, walked round and then spent 2 hours in the Midshipmen store where there is no tax on any of the clothing or gifts!
We then went for some lunch and the girls broke off in groups. Later we met up for the boat trip around the river and in to the bay. This was lots of fun as the captain kindly put on some old songs like Macarena and cha cha slide and the girls took the helm at the front of the boat and danced away!
Smiles were on all the girls faces and I think we were all sad a good day was over.
Laura
So good Morning again from the U.S of A!
So the time was 6:30 – the temperature 90 degrees – the humidity HOT!!! And the grass – very long again! We had a slight hiccup with our stats in that the order of the girls goals was not logged so I will put a summary of who scored what with the assists at the end. (sorry – will be rectified next game)
  We started the first half a little slow (same as last game) all the girls were more interested in what fun they had been having the past day than getting focused on the game in hand (one good thing – at least we know they are having an amazing time!). We scored first, they came back with 2 – we scored then they scored. We scored then they scored 2. 3-5. We then scored 3 in a row and with 1 second to go in the half, they scored again to level it up at 6-6. Olivia W and Hayley did a good job at winning the centres and their control from the middle was commented upon by several of the spectators.
HALF TIME
The team was given a strong talk as our game was not looking as good as it could and even though our Defence was strong (without exception) many of our passes were being dropped. We knew we could do better and become more determined which is what I thought the team lacked in the last match.
  So we started the second half steady. We scored, then they scored then we scored then they scored. 8-8. I then saw the best lacrosse from any metros team I have ever coached. For about 10 minutes we held the ball well, attacked well, defended the ball well and supported each other. Mary made 3 excellent saves from free positions which had they have been scored, would have left us playing catch up. The passes were at times a little suspect but the rest of our game was so hot that it seemed to matter less! We scored 4 goals in a row which put us up to 12 – 8. They had a time out and scored 2 goals. We had 1.5 minutes left in the game and all we needed to do was get possession and keep it. Our captain ran the length of the pitch – passed the ball behind goal and the game concluded at 12-10. A nail biting end.
This was a great game and an excellent victory. Our girls were made to work hard throughout the match and we worked together to produce a well deserved win. The girls did excellently in the humidity and are showing clear signs of adult behaviour in how they have been looking after themselves in the heat. The feedback again from the coaches and spectators were that we have a super fit, super talented team. Everyone agrees.
So as always I have to pick a player of the match… I had a dilemma as everyone played brilliantly, especially the Defence. I had to pick 1 – but could not so I again picked 2! The first not surprisingly is Mary. She was excellent and made 5 saves in the half she played. She really did keep us in the game when we were under a lot of pressure. The second is Fiona. She worked hard the entire match, fought for every ball and turned over the possession brilliantly. As I said above though, this honour could have gone to any girl and I cannot wait for them to play again!
Scorers/assists
Olivia Wimpenny – 4 goals
Charlotte Lytollis – 3 goals 1 + 1 assist
Hayley Bowker – 2 goals + 1 assist
Jenni Aiton – 2 goals + 1 assist
Fiona Stockton – 1 goal + 1 assist
Emily Kealey – 1 assist
Olivia Higson – 1 assist
Thanks for taking the time to read the report and remember… keep posting!
The trip to Washington DC started bright and early with everyone meeting for the coach at 7am, first on the agenda was a stop by the White House. With security as tight as it is we couldn’t get too close but the girls managed to get some good photos.
The WWII Memorial was next followed by a leisurely walk through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial up to the Lincoln Memorial. The girls where in high spirits and after photos with visitors from the Japanese Navy had a little team sing song.
Next up was a trip to the National History Museum followed by the Air and Space Museum. With things going well we had time for a visit to the Thomas Jefferson memorial before heading back to Annapolis. Check out the photo page for more pics.
Hello again from the states!
So, if you have been watching any international news you may have seen that there was a big storm here yesterday. It came and went in about 20 minutes but left many houses without power! Fairly crazy but all the girls have seen some fairly spectacular weather and the weather has cooled down. I for one am grateful of this!
So the time: 6:30. The team: Crofton. The temperature: 81 degrees The pitch: long long grass
Everyone arrived with stories of what they had been up to on the Saturday after the game and their free day. All the girls spoke of their ventures of the past few days, but regrettably for them we needed to get them to focus on the game in hand.
  So then the game started and unfortunately our girls were still focusing on what they had been doing for the past few days and we did not seem up to the challenge. Crofton scored 2 early goals, putting us on the back foot and giving us a rude awakening. Our team reacted fast with a good team goal finished by Dori., the game was up and down the pitch with the Defence consisting of Sarah B, Suzie and Lauren seeing a lot of the action. The wing Defence’s, Georgie, Sarah H and Charl were also strong and with the excellent keeping of Mary we dealt with the pressure and started to gain confidence and get possession of the ball. An individual goal by Charl leveled things up and Olivia Wimpenny who had only just come onto the pitch scored another, neatly assisted by Jenni putting us in the lead. 3-2. They got one back, then a good amount of possession held by the attack settled us down with the ball being neatly passed between Emily C, Erin and Sarah C. We changed up the attack to put on fresh legs, and a combination of Fiona, Katie and Ellie worked well with Jenni who drove round the goal to score our next. Score 4-3. We were then put under a lot of pressure and the ball was in the midfield going back and forward for about 5 minutes. Emily S and Hayley were instrumental in this and we struggled to substitute them as they were on the opposite side of the field. Hayley then got a yellow card (which was completely unwarranted) and we were left 1 player down. The ball kept going on the ground and both of the teams struggled keeping the ball for more than 30 seconds. Unfortunately just before the stroke of half time they took the ball in and scored. 4-4
HALF TIME
  So the next half bought a change of goalie to Meg. Her defence was now Ellie C, Charlotte Lynch and Lizze who for the first 15 minutes of the game had the ball mostly in their half. Sarah H played particularly well in this period as she had a lot of knock downs and came away with the ball 9 times out of 10. They scored a goal taking the lead, and a good combination of Fiona, Dori and Jenni led to Jenni scoring the next goal leveling us up at 5-5. They scored again and then Meg made 2 saves in succession, one going dangerously close to the goal! Charl leveled things up and again we were put under pressure with the team of Lizzie, Suzie and Lauren doing a great job with Zone Defence keeping them out. Then came a stroke of brilliance – again from Emily Keely. She somehow took on about 4 players and scored a great goal! ( see 3 pics). This put us in an excellent position and for the first time in the game we were leading. 7-6. We could not keep this momentum up and they got 2 back. Our attack were tracking but our team spirit was dented… or so we thought. Jennie scored another putting us 8-8 and the game was ours for the taking. Unfortunately it was not our day. The other side scored 2 more and then spent the last 5 minutes passing the ball around the goal with no intention of shooting. A very solemn end to what was an excellent lacrosse match.
This was an excellent game to watch and we were complimented on how good this team was in comparison to other years with regard to fitness and stick skills. The game was a learning curve for the girls. Winning was not going to come as easily as they may have thought. However, the girls did us proud, I only wish we had a little more determination and resilience as I am sure we could have won the game.
As I like to give out player of the match I would like to give 2 (although again this could have gone to pretty much all the players). Jenni for her smart play in attack – her goal scoring ability and her ability to put defenders on the clear under pressure which won us the ball on more than one occasion. The next is Sarah Hiddleston. She was up for this match from the start and although not on the starting line up, she quickly established her place in wing D. Her transition from Defence to attack was excellent and is one to watch for the rest of the tour.
It is out trip to Washington DC tomorrow. Then our game against Davidsonville Wednesday so for now from me (getting up in 5 hours) I shall write again soon.
As always please post as the girls are going on the internet on this side of the pond!
Our first match was played at Magothy Middle school. The time: 12 midday. The temperature: 100 degrees. The team: U18 select from Anne Arundel County named GLAAAC.
We all arrived on time! (first for everything!) because it was so hot we stayed in the shade for 30 minutes and had a very brief warm up – the girls were really tired and out of breath after just 10 minutes of line drills so was quite worried how they would fare in the actual match! I must say that I have been over to the states playing lax 3 times and I have never played in heat like it. Credit has to go to all the girls their determination and their resilience.
So after the obligatory national anthems the game started…
Draw was taken by Hayley (who won 90% of the centres throughout the game). The ball was played between the midfield when Charlotte Lytollis (Charl from now on) took the ball in and scored our first goal: 1-0.
  Second draw (won again) Ball passed through the midfield – round to Sarah C, Zoe and Olivia H then passed it to Jenni who drove round the goal from behind and scored our second: 2-0.
GLAAAC then came back and scored 2 consecutive goals (one a pass which went in) the score: 2-2. Charl then got one back and the defence were excellent Sarah Bibby, Suzie, Sarah H and Lauren. They had a lot of play in their half and did well to keep GLAAAC out, but the got another lucky goal. Score 3:3. Next goal was one of the best of the day – ball came down from Georgia, passed it to Charl who then assisted Ellie G and our fourth goal was scored. The next thing we new we were under pressure.
  Meg made a good save in goal to keep them out, and our new defence consisting of Charlotte Lynch, Ellie C and Lizzie worked tremendously but 2 quick goals in succession from them left us on the back foot. Score: 4-5. Olivia Wimpenny took centre -won possession and passed to Emily S who then passed to Erin Parker who then passed to Olivia Higson who then pased to Charl who took the ball in and scored. Next centre we had possession but lost it and we got punished even though Fiona’s best efforts sprinting the whole length of the field tracking back. Score: 5-6.
HALF TIME
So, after a fairly tame half time talk – We mostly made sure that all the girls were hydrated and that everyone was ok!. We started what was to be an exciting second half and one of the most exhilarating halves I have ever had the privilege to coach a team in.
  We changed the goalies from Meg to Mary (who made 2 excellent saves). We started the second half in the best possible way with 3 great goals from Olivia Higson (Dori from now on), Emily S and Charl. Score: 8-6. They got one back and great play by Emily Carlson and Katie kept the possession in our hands. The came a great goal from Emily Keely. Fiona received the ball in the midfield on a fast break – the only player in front of her was Emily K – she took the ball and with 5 GLAAAC players and the goalie in front of her, still managed to find the back of the net! (see photo) Score: 9-7. They came back at us with another one but substituting genius from Tony and myself (modest I know!) meant we always had fresh legs on the pitch and our girls kept running their hearts out. Emily S and Charl got another which widened the gap and we took the foot off the pedal meaning they took us by surprise scoring 2 more. Score 11-10. We had a time out and gave the girls a motivational talk – we had 6 minutes left and said they needed to run their hearts out for this and then they have 2 days rest!! It worked and we came back fighting with a heroic goal from Olivia Wimpenny, a great goal by Charl and to finish it all off another goal from Dori. Final score: 14-10.
In summary, the girls put their heart and soul into this game in what were very difficult conditions. They played with excellent team spirit and we look set to have a promising tour. I like to choose a player of the match. Today it had to be – Charlotte Lytollis. Charlotte was not only scored the most goals and assists but she led by example and really helped motivate the team. I must say though that every girl without exception was amazing. Their conduct off and on the pitch has to be a credit to their parents.
Next game is going to be on Monday and will be a good one so watch this space!
See the photos page for more pictures and please feel free to comment as the girls will be going on the website too!
Laura x
 We survived our 1st day of training in extreme heat. The girls now appreciate the value of drinking water!! After training we went to LaxWorld and help to boost the US economy. They were all smiles. We have a game tomorrow at noon so watch this space for the match report.
As an aside parents, your girls were absolutely amazing during our travels yesterday. They were complimented by the flight crew to both Julie and myself on their behavior and ‘their cuteness’. They did us proud. No surprises there.
Michelle
Julie did try to keep her birthday secret but nothing gets past our tour leaders!. Much to her surprise the restaurant decided a celebration was in order. Happy Birthday Jules..
Everyone made it to the airport in good time only to find the flight had been delayed leaving the US. After rumors that it would be moved until Friday we got news we could check-in and the flight would be leaving at 4pm.
All the girls are really exited about the tour, an impromptu of rendition Eye of the Tiger could be heard throughout the departure hall! Go Metros!
Final Training Session, Parents Meeting & Kit Collection – Sunday 11th July, 10.00am till 4.00pm, @ Stockport Lacrosse Club, Beech Road, Cale Green, Stockport.
Players must bring all their training kit/equipment as listed in previous Newsletters.
PASSPORTS: PLEASE BRING YOUR DAUGHTERS PASSPORT TO TRAINING FOR HANDING IN READY FOR THE TOUR.
DEPARTURE: PLEASE HAVE YOUR DAUGHTER AT MANCHESTER AIRPORT, TERMINAL 2 CHECK-IN 8.00AM (& not much before) THURSDAY 22ND JULY 2010. Telephone us if you are delayed and likely to arrive after this time.
Contact Detail whilst in the USA: A contact sheet will be issued at the parents meeting detailing the USA telephone and address information of the leaders, inclusive of individual USA mobile telephone numbers for Michelle and Tony, to enable you to contact us directly at any time, if necessary.
If you are intending to be on holiday whilst your daughter is with us in the Annapolis, please make sure you have given us your resort/hotel contact address and telephone details, plus confirmation that you will have with you the mobile telephone, of the number as listed on your daughters profile.
During the tour activity and game reports will be posted on www.metrogirlslacrosse.org
Hosting Details: We confirm that copies of the MetroGirls players & Leaders profiles and photographs are with Steve Willett and the other Anne Arundel ‘CrosseOver’ leaders and they are currently matching up the players and leaders to their available hosts.
For those of you who hosted last summer, your daughter is the first option for being hosted by the same girl, unless you have advised us otherwise. Please be patient; at the moment we anticipate that we will be able to send your daughters hosting details one to two weeks before we depart. It is also necessary that when we do this the hosts for all girls is determined and both the corresponding UK & USA families get to know at the same time.
Spending Money: Player’s spending money needs to be received by MetroGirls at the latest this coming Sunday, the 11th July 2010 ,for banking and transfer prior to the tour departure on the 22nd July 2010. Contact us for details.
Tour Kit, Gifts & Clothing: See list issued with the 21st June Newsletter
Travelling Shorts: If you have not purchased your daughters shorts yet, as part of the official team uniform for travelling and for specific occasions on tour, then whilst the actual style of the shorts can vary, they must be matt black, cotton or polyester, or a mix; NOT a sports short, and the LENGTH to be between the lower thigh and knee, NOT ¾ length or cropped.
END OF TOUR RETURN; PLEASE MEET & COLLECT YOUR DAUGHTER ON FRIDAY 6TH AUGUST AT TERMINAL 2 FROM FLIGHT USAIR FROM PHILADELPHA, SCHEDULED TO LAND AT 0835 & FOLLOWING IMIGRATION, CUSTOMS & BAGGAGE COLLECTION WE WILL HAVE A BRIEF ‘SIGN-OFF’ MEETING IN THE ARRIVALS HALL
Fifth Training Session is this coming Sunday (27th), 9.45am for Team Photograpgh, through to 4.00pm, inclusive of Game v Alumni, Sunday 13th June 2010 @ Mellor Sports Club, Longhurst Lane, Mellor
Players must bring all their training kit/equipment as listed in previous Newsletters.
The last remaining training date is:-
– Sunday 11th July, @ Stockport Lacrosse Club, Final Training, Parents Meeting & Issue of Kit.
Tour Kit, Gifts & Clothing:
Please see the attached combined list of kit/gifts/clothing being provided for the MetroGirls, and items needing to be provided by Parents.
Travelling Shorts: All the girls (& leaders) are required to buy their own black shorts as part of the official team uniform for travelling and for specific occasions on tour. At the last training session Julie Barker suggested shops which sold suitable types & styles; see enclosed sheet. The actual style of the shorts can vary, BUT they should be matt black, cotton or polyester, or a mix; NOT a sports short, and the LENGTH to be between the lower thigh and knee, NOT ¾ length or cropped.
Spending Money: Player’s spending money needs to be received by MetroGirls before or latest by Sunday 11th July 2008 for banking and transfer prior to the tour departure on the 22nd July 2010. Contact us for details
USA Immigration ‘on-line Visa Waiver: acceptance reference code: Please see our below confirmation on whether we have received/recorded; apologies if you are required to resend the registered code
RECEIVED, Thank you / NOT RECEIVED, Please provide at this weeks training
Contact Detail whilst in the USA: A contact sheet will be provided prior to the parents meeting detailing the USA telephone and address information of the leaders, inclusive of individual USA mobile telephone numbers for Michelle and Tony to enable you to contact us directly, if necessary.
Hosting Details: Copies of the MetroGirls players & leaders profiles and photographs are with Steve Willett and the other Anne Arundel ‘CrosseOver’ leaders for matching to their available hosts. For those of you who hosted last summer, your daughter is the first option for being hosted by the same girl, unless you have advised us otherwise. Please be patient; at the moment we anticipate that we will be able to send your daughters hosting details one to two weeks before we depart. It is also necessary that when we do this the hosts for all girls is determined and both the corresponding UK & USA families get to know at the same time.
Second training session is next week, 10.00am till 4.00pm prompt, Sunday 9th May 2010 @ Mellor Lacrosse Club, Mellor Sports Club, Longhurst Lane, Mellor.
We were please with the MetroGirls at the Team Building day as they all committed to the tasks and played well, winning the scrimmage game; well done everyone. Next weeks training will concentrate on game plays and playing positions.
Players must bring with them to all training and game days to following:
– Stick(s), gloves, gum guard, both trainers & boots, sports underwear, extra pairs of socks
– Sweat top & pants, water proof jacket, change of clothes, towel, & plastic bin liner.
– Game water bottle + 1 litre extra water bottle, lunch & energy foods,
The other training dates are as previously given, being:-
– Sunday 23rd May, @ Stockport Lacrosse Club, training & game
– Sunday 13th June, @ Stockport Lacrosse Club, training.
– Sunday 27th June, Mellor Lacrosse Club, Training & Alumni Game
– Sunday 11th July, @ Stockport Lacrosse Club, Final Training, Parents Meeting & Issue of Kit.
Tour Payments: Thank you for all your payments.
Spending Money: We propose that players deposit their spending money with MetroGirls for banking for a single currency exchange and transfer to the USA. This simplifies matters and safeguards against players or coaches individually carrying large amounts of cash (for which we are NOT insured), losing cash or card, or incurring individual exchange rate ntransactions.
We propose that player’s spending money is received by MetroGirls before or latest by Sunday 11th July 2010 for banking and transfer prior to the tour departure on the 22nd July 2010. Once in the USA we propose to return the girls money by $20 on arrival, 50% of the remainder on the morning of the next day, and the balance prior to the free weekend. However, if daughters require differing amounts, these will be accommodated. Please make cheques payable to ‘MetroGirls Lacrosse’ or send Bank bill payments, please contact Michelle or Tony for details.
Group Matching Back Pack: Whilst this currently is NOT include as part of the tour kit, a number of parents have suggested that we purchase matching backpacks for the girls. A suitable bag has been identified, but at £16 is much greater than the tour budget can support, and therefore to proceed a £10 per person contribution would be required. If you wish us to proceed we suggest that the cost is collected with your daughters spending money deposit.
MetroGirls Web site: New for this years tour, thanks to the skills and drive of tour adult Martin Rees. Go visit on www.metrogirlslacrosse.org Please note that the content for this site is controlled and monitored by MetroGirls tour directors.
Parent/Guardian Consent Forms: Thank you for those received; please can the remaining be provided on the 9th May at training.
Player Fitness: All girls MUST provide have provided us with their list of weekly sports/training activities. Emailed to Tony, copying Michelle (see addresses below) and also coping your parent(s)
USA Immigration ‘on-line Visa Waiver: Please email us the acceptance reference code
First training session is next week, 10.00am till 4.00pm prompt, Sunday 18th April 2010 @ Wirral Lacrosse Club, Oxton Cricket Club, Oxton.
We look forward to seeing all of the tour squad together for a combined team building and our first training game, against a Wirral Lacrosse Club team.
Players must bring with them to all team building, training and game days to following:
– Stick(s), gloves, gum guard, both trainers & boots, sports underwear, extra pairs of socks
– Sweat top & pants, water proof jacket, change of clothes, towel, & plastic bin liner.
– Water bottle + 1 litre water bottle, lunch & energy foods,
Included during the day will be:
– The trying-on of our playing and travelling kit for sizing prior to ordering, and
– Photographs of all tour members.
The other training dates are as previously given, being:-
– Sunday 9th May, @ Stockport Lacrosse Club, training & game
– Sunday 23rd May, @ Stockport Lacrosse Club, training & game
– Sunday 13th June, @ Stockport Lacrosse Club, training & game
– Sunday 27th June, Mellor Lacrosse Club, Training & Alumni Game
– Sunday 11th July, @ Stockport Lacrosse Club, Final Training, Parents Meeting & Issue of Kit.
Tour Payments: Your daughter’s tour balance is required by 18th April 2010 in order for us to be able to pay the balance on the flight costs, and purchase travel and playing kit, tour bags host team & coach’s gifts and also the USA buses and tour activities.
Please make cheques payable to ‘MetroGirls Lacrosse’ or send Bank bill payments to HSBC MetroGirls Lacrosse, contact Michelle and Tony for bank account details.
Parent/Guardian Consent Forms; these were issued with the March Newsletter and require completing and returning to us. Please send them with your daughter next Sunday.
Player Fitness: We are still outstanding a number of MetroGirls sports fitness/activity diaries, and these need to be emailed to Tony, copying Michelle (see addresses below) and also coping your parent(s), listing all your current weekly school, club and individual sports activities.
USA Immigration ‘on-line Visa Waiver: Please visit www.usembassy.org.uk and follow the Site’s instructions; also refer back to the January Newsletter. (Note US Airline flight US735) and email us their acceptance reference code
With MetroGirls first training date on Sunday 18th April 2010, we are looking forward to regular contact with the players in the remaining weeks leading up to the departure date.
In recent weeks have been busy organising insurance, travel and playing kit, host gifts and travel bags.
The group travel and sports insurance has been taken out with Endsleigh Insurance Services Ltd, with whom we have had previous good experience.
For the travel and T shirt, and playing kit, plus host girl and host game player & coach T shirt gifts, we have returned to MetroGirl’s Mum, Adele Higson’s company, Atlex Design Ltd, who looked after MetroGirls so well last year in both supplying kit and as a sponsor.
The host family gift we have sourced an old English styled ‘tankard jug, from the Stoke-on-Trent Burliegh’s ‘middleport pottery’ range.
Travel bags are being matched US Airline’s allowance of one 23kg weight bag per person, (goalkeepers kit excluded), sourced from a former MetroGirl’s parent, Andy Smith’s company, William Turners Ltd in Stockport.
MetroGirls Training: The 2010 pre-tour training is to be a compact number of all-day Sunday sessions, 10.00am to 4.00pm, and players are expected to attend all the scheduled sessions, with no exceptions as these dates have been out since the February Newsletter.
The dates being:-
Sunday 18th April 2010, Team Building & Game; Sunday 9th May 2010,
Training; Sunday 23rd May 2010, Training & Game; Sunday 13th June 2010,
Training Sunday 27th June 2010, Training & Alumni Game;
Sunday 11th July 2010, Final Training & Parents Meeting
Player Fitness: We are outstanding a number of MetroGirls sports fitness/activity diaries, and these need to be emailed to Tony, copying Michelle (see addresses below) and also coping your parent(s), listing all your current weekly school, club and individual sports activities.
USA Immigration ‘on-line Visa Waiver: Please visit www.usembassy.org.uk and follow the Site’s instructions; also refer back to the January Newsletter. (Note US Airline flight US735)
If you have any difficulties please contact MetroGirl’s leader Julie Barker in the first instance, as she has experience in this process; telephone, home 01625 879933, mobile 07757517045,
When you have registered your daughter, please email us their acceptance reference code.
Tour Payments: Your daughter’s tour balance is required by 16th April 2010 in order for us to be able to pay the balance on the flight costs, and purchase travel and playing kit, the host player gifts, and the USA bus and tour activities.
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