Sunday, April 4 - A few of the members who arrived early were able to obtain tickets to the England FA Cup semi-final game between Millwall and Sunderland held at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. The winner of this game would play Manchester United for the FA Cup on May 22, after Manchester United's exciting 1-0 win over archrival Arsenal the day before. The atmosphere and intensity of the game was unbelievable as over 60,000 people witnessed an exciting 1-0 Millwall victory.
Monday, April 5 - The entire group toured historic Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, home of the Liverpool Football Club. The tour included a visit to the home team dressing room and player tunnels. In the afternoon, the team held a training session at Liverpool academy under the direction of two Liverpool Football Club academy coaches.
In the evening, the entire group attended a Premiership league game between Leeds United Football Club and Leicester City in Leeds. Leeds pulled ahead early 2-0 on two exciting goals, including a bicycle kick, only to see Leicester City tie the score late in the game. With less than five minutes remaining, Leeds scored the winning goal, with over 30,000 people in attendance chanting the Leeds anthem: Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!
Tuesday, April 6 - The group spent the day touring the beautiful and historic city of York. In the evening the team played a game vs. Leeds United White Rose U11 at York Law College in York. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. After the game, the group was invited for dinner and drinks at the local social club, with the event hosted by the White Rose club. Gifts were exchanged between the teams and it was evident that the White Rose players appreciated the EGSC T-shirts, especially with the player autographs on the shirts.
Wednesday, April 7 - The group was on their own during the day prior to the 6:00pm game versus Leeds United Colton Juniors at Colton Crickett grounds in Leeds. The game ended in a 3-3 draw. Once again, the group was hosted by the local club to dinner and drinks after the game with a gift exchange between the clubs.
Thursday, April 8 - The entire group toured Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, the worlds richest sports franchise and most recognized football club. The group enjoyed lunch at the stadiums 'Red café', shopped at the Manchester United megastore and received a grand tour of historic Old Trafford.
The highlight of the day was meeting Bill Foulkes, a personal friend of Sucevic, who was one of the original Manchester United "Busby Babes" from the 1950's. Foulkes is a Manchester United legend and former captain who played for the team for 20 years, from 1950 to 1970. He was also one of the few survivors of a catastrophic plane crash that occurred in February, 1958 while the team was traveling back to Manchester following a European tournament in Belgrade. It was quite an honor for the group to meet and talk with Foulkes, who was kind enough to stand in for pictures and sign his autobiography, which was available for purchase at the megastore.
Friday, April 9 - The group toured Leeds United Football Stadium in Leeds, followed by a game versus Yorkshire Amateur Football Club at Bracken Edge grounds in Leeds. The Elm Grove Club was victorious, winning 5-1. Once again, the group was hosted by the local club to dinner and drinks after the game with a gift exchange between the clubs.
Saturday, April 10 - Attended a Premiership game between Manchester City Football Club and Wolverhampton at the new Manchester City stadium in Manchester. The game ended in a 2-2 draw.
All in all, it was a tremendous experience for the entire group. The club looks forward to organizing and hosting more events like this in the future. In fact, the club has received a formal invitation from the Liverpool academy to enter two teams in their Liverpool tournament next year. And it is believed that youth teams from England will travel to Elm Grove and participate in the club's 2005 Memorial Day Tournament, making it an international event!
Under Sucevic's direction, events like this have become a reality for the Elm Grove Soccer Club. The club will continue to promote and enhance this type of international exchange. This will provide our players with the opportunity to travel the world and train with and play against international clubs. This will also provide the club with the opportunity to host international teams here in Elm Grove, training and playing games with them, and perhaps even hosting players in our own homes.
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