Day 3 began with another early breakfast ahead of a busy day. Once the players had eaten we set off in to Eindhoven for a tour of the Philips Stadium, a magnificent venue steeped in history. The boys really enjoyed the experience.
We then headed off to our afternoon games, the under 11’s travelling to PSV Eindhoven’s training ground with the under 12’s playing inside FC Eindhoven’s first team stadium. Both teams were treated to fantastic facilities and hospitality from our guests.
The under 11’s faced one of the best academies in Holland and the games were a different challenge to the tournament the day before, but the boys showed some very good football and competed well across both pitches. This was an incredible learning opportunity for these boys to experience competing with a top level European team and a contrasting style of football.
The under 12’s were given the full first team/national team treatment with national anthems being sung before kick-off and players being announced over the tannoy and on the scoreboard. A keenly contested game saw the score level at nil-nil at half time. In the second half the Northampton Town 12’s managed to edge their opponents out and overcome another tough challenge.
After the games the sqauds headed back to the hotel, the players had a pool recovery session and after dinner had free time to pack and prepare for the journey home.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to both PSV Eindhoven and FC Eindhoven for their hospitality and for going out of their way to provide our players unique experiences that they certainly will never forget.