Everybody settled into the accommodation and while the lads familiarised themselves with their surroundings the dads took in some liquid refreshments on the veranda overlooking the lake.

On Saturday we embarked on our first outing to a local tournament about 30 minutes away at a club called DSV61. After a short coach trip (going around the same roundabout ten times) we found the club. The facilities were excellent, a good club house and three excellent pitches. Woolston were not the only English team in the tournament, De la Salle and Astley Bridge where also representing good Old Blighty. As luck would have it we won our group putting us through to the semi finals, our opponents where yep you guessed it De la Salle, fancy that all the way to Holland to play a team from Salford. Woolston ran out 1-0 winners after a tight encounter putting us through to the final against a local Dutch team.

In the final we took an early lead but as the game went on we soaked up a lot of pressure, with seconds to go they got a free kick on the edge of our area. With pressure mounting the taker lobbed it over the wall into the bottom corner and extra time was in the offing. In extra time the dead lock could not be broken and to penalties we went. After the initial five it was 4-4 and sudden death began 5-5,6-6,7-7 then we missed and they scored. We felt like the England under 21's devastated after a marathon day. But on the bright side we came and conquered out of 18 teams, three from England, we came an honourable second and the best out of the English teams. We celebrated winning the runners up trophy in style and returned to our accommodation.

On the Sunday again we took part in another local tournament but as the day before got beat in the semi finals on sudden death penalties. But everybody enjoyed the day and represented the club and sponsors extremely well.

We visited the Amsterdam Arena and Amsterdam itself on the Monday and travelled home on the Tuesday. The trip was a massive success and will be talked about for years to come. The t-shirts and kit will be worn regularly over the next year and once again we thank you for your generous donations.

All the team wanted me to pass on their appreciation to the entire Group for sponsoring us on this trip as the attire bonded the group immediately and everyone enjoyed the occasion.