30 July 2023

July 30th - one last entry

Well, we made it home. Barely, but we made it.  Long overnight bus ride from Hjorring to Copenhagen and we had our 1st flight depart at 6:50 am, no problems.  Tired kids but to be expected.  Our 2nd flight also departed on time at 10:40 am but that is where the fun starts.  First flight, small delay in Paris but made to DFW without any issues. 2nd flight had delays taking off, delays landing in Heathrow and we had to actually run to catch our last flight to DFW.  I mean, we ran too.  So tired and so upset that these layovers are not longer.  Trust me, a task that I will undertake next year.  We arrive in DFW on time, go figure, but as luck would have it, we are missing only 1 bag.  Yes, you guessed it, mine!!!  Oh well, we walk out to a loud reception with signs and tears of joy and that was great so thanks to all for meeting us at the airport.  The out of town kids all get to their flights and for the next few days, pretty sure lots of sleep and tons of laundry.  My apologies for those who had to open up these bags to wash clothes as we smelled.  oops.

Great tour and some figures to sum things up;

Gothia Cup - 1878 teams and 69 nations

Dana Cup - 1114 teams and 38 nations

Fabulous tour and we had a chance to visit with the kids about the ups and downs, pros and cons.  One of the first questions asked, how did you feel about not having your phone?  Resounding yes and positive feedback as it made them talk to their teammates and communicate with each other.  Great lessons learned.  We do have some awards that we give out each year and here they are;

Boys A - Player of Aabrybro - Sebastian        Player of Cup 1 - Korbin        Player of Gothia Cup - Anton    Player of Dana Cup - Hudson    Player of the tour - Korbin

Boys B - Player of Aabrybro - Massimo        Player of Cup 1 - Brenden       Player of Gothia Cup - Noah   Player of Dana Cup - Trevor    Player of the tour - Avery

Girls  - Player of Aabrybro - Rheauna           Player of Cup 1 - Bree            Player of Gothia Cup - Josie    Player of Dana Cup - Lillie        Player of the tour - Reece

Boys 16 7v7 - Player of the team - Ryan

John Koutopis Award - Ambassador Award - Korbin

A huge thank you to my staff - Eddie, Greg, Matt, Dennis, Andrew, Meghan, Tiffany - They are the reason our tour is so successful.  Hopefully all have a chance to watch our social media and Coach Eddie promises to get the highlight video out asap so look for that.  We will stay in touch as we have a bond for life with Stars 'n Stripes.  The memories that we created and shared will not fade away and from all of the staff, including my self, thanks to all of the players for allowing us to share in your experiences.  We hope that you learned a little bit in the process.

Much Love and Respect, 

Ciao, Ed