Gary & Carine Ireland took 30 families and players of ages 11-15 on a very unique soccer experience to Orlando, Florida between June 21-27. The event included meeting with Orlando Pride's Head Coach Tom Sermanni who had previously coached at PSV. It was fantastic to see the group catch up again with each other. The PSV players had daily training sessions with Gary & Carine and Orlando Prides physical coordination trainer who worked with the group each morning as well as observing Pride trainings and meeting & talking with Orlando USA WNT players Alex Morgan & Ashlyn Harris and teammates. PSV Union 98G player Olivia Athens (USA U18 WNT) also joined the tour where she was able to train with the Orlando Pride team on 4 occasions, twice at the Citrus Bowl, coached by Tom Sermanni. The group also watched 2 live NWSL and 1 MLS professional games and watched Copa America & Euros games every day. Some families had the opportunity to go to the theme parks in their downtime. A great time was had by all.
ARTICLE IN ORLANDO SENTINEL JUNE 22
PSV Union DOC & GM Carine Ireland with PSV player (USA U18 WNT player) Olivia Athens at an Orlando City MLS game
Thu June 23: Training session in the morning. PSV players participated as flag bearers in pre-game ceremony on the field in front of 6,000 people. Watched Orlando Pride 1 vs Houston Dash 0 @ 7:30pm at Camping World Stadium
Fri June 24: Training session with Pride trainer & PSV coaches followed by players, parents & staff observing Pride Training. PSV player Olivia Athens participated in the Pride training, watched by PSV players. Guest appearance by Orlando Pride players & Pride Coach Tom Sermanni talking to the players. PSV players met the Pride players at the training.
Sat June 25: Training session morning.MLS game: Orlando City 3 vs Toronto FC 2 at 7:30 pm at Camping World Stadium.
Sun June 26: Training session in the morning. Attended Orlando Pride vs Portland Thorns game at 5:00pm at Camping World Stadium. Players watched Argentina v Chile Copa America Final on TV at hotel.
Mon June 27: Departure day.