Sorry for taking so long to write another journal. I have been exhausted and I have been resting at every opportunity. No matter how many times I have come into camp, I always forget how tiring the practices, talks, preparations and stress really are. This is probably a good thing.

D and I flew back from Norway on 17th May, and we started camp on the 20th May, holding our first training session that afternoon. I must say a big thank you to the Oakville girls who came out to cheer us on at this session. I am not even sure how they found out about where and when we were training, as no one on the team seemed to know where we were going, nor at what time. Be that as it may, we really appreciated the support.

The next day Thursday, was a tad rough, especially as many of us were still jet-lagged. We left the hotel just before 9:00 in the morning, and drove up to the Vaughan soccer center. We trained that morning and then went to lunch at a nearby Italian restaurant. I wish I could remember the name of the place so that I could thank them. They were so insanely accommodating and the food was great.

Unfortunately, in the afternoon we only had about an hour free after lunch, before we had to return to training. It was not until about 7:00 pm that we headed back to the downtown and our hotel. The day was very long, and it was made even more draining by the fact that the temperature was almost 30 degrees. We were all really beyond exhausted and we were thrilled to fall into bed that night.

Friday, 22nd May was more of the same. It was another long, tiring day. However, the practices are slowly beginning to work. When our squad doesn't meet very often (remember this is our second home game in well over three years) having these sessions go well, is very important.

Today, Saturday has been a calmer day. We had a meet the fans and signing session organized by one of our sponsors at a downtown Winners store. Everyone was brilliant, and we all had a great time meeting fans. Some of these fans lined up for over 2 hours.

I have to admit that I am still surprised when fans thank the players for these events. It was the same with the girls in the Simcoe and Toronto Eagle Clubs. To come to such events is a great honor for the players and we enjoy meeting the players and their parents and coaches. We were there once in junior soccer and we want the program to grow and become even more successful. We play in Canada so rarely that getting the opportunity to meet the loyal people behind us, and the next generation of national team players, is more than a pleasure.

Thank you all

This Saturday afternoon we are heading back out to Vaughan to play a practice game with the USA. This may sound strange when we are playing a "friendly" international against them on Monday, but these sessions are reasonably common and called "closed door internationals." They are very good for gauging where a team is at, physically and mentally, and for trying out different formations and positions for players. I am interested to see how all of it works out, and what Carolina has in mind. I am sure we will keep plenty back for Monday.

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