2016 Football Tour UAE and UK

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1 NEWS 2016 Football Tour UAE and UK 32 Trinity Football players from Years 11 and 12 and four staff departed Sydney on Sunday 27th November, 2016 for a two week Football tour of the UAE and UK. Eight games were played, seven world class games watched, four training sessions completed with top English Premier League (EPL) Clubs, four EPL stadium tours were completed, two current Socceroos were met, the tallest building in the world was climbed, the world s biggest shopping centre was explored and countless cultural attractions were experienced. Copyright Trinity Grammar School All Rights Reserved. 1 of 8

2 Day 1 First stop was Dubai for two nights with the objective to expose the group to conditions that our Socceroos face every year in qualifying for a World Cup. Upon arrival the group visited the Burj Khalifa. This is the world s tallest building at 828m and from it the group watched Dubai turn from light to night. At the base of this building is the World s biggest shopping centre, which houses an aquarium and waterfall. Dinner was held in a rainforest themed restaurant that had lightning storms, and gorillas getting restless at the sight of our dinner. Day 2 The following day, the group visited Dubai Sports City where two games were played in an air-conditioned full sized stadium. The group of 32 was split into two squads of 16 - Trinity Green and Trinity White. The Trinity Green team beat Gems World Academy 9-0. At halftime the score was 3-0 with two goals to Felix Kerameas (12Fo) and one goal to Ryan Maranik (12Ar). In the second half Max McCluskey (11Ar) scored three goals, two goals to Dean Bozionelos (12Ta) and one goal to Christopher Monaha (12Mu). One of the highlights in defence included right back Zac Lorusso (11He) making a certain goal save off the line. Overall, the passing was slick in a confidenceboosting first tour victory. In the second game, Trinity White played Dubai Sports City Select Team with the spectacle finishing 3-4 to the locals. The score at half time was 1-1 with Harrison Haritos (11Ta) knocking in a volley following a well weighted Adrian Musumeci (12La) free kick. Harrison helped Trinity take the lead in the second half with a bomb from outside the box. The score then went to 2-2, then 2-3, 3-3 and then 3-4. Evan Giannaros (11WJ) scored the team s third goal. Following the games on Monday, the group headed out for pizza before returning to the Dubai Mall for some Monday night late shopping. Outside the mall, the group were treated with a light and fountain show at the base of the Burj Khalifa. Day 3 The group started the next day with a recovery session at the accommodation pool before checking out and flying to Manchester on an afternoon flight. Upon arrival in Manchester, the group transferred to Liverpool. Copyright Trinity Grammar School All Rights Reserved. 2 of 8

3 Day 4 The group trained at Liverpool Football Club Academy. This is where Liverpool FCs teams from U5s to U23s train. The group returned to their accommodation for some rest before departing for a Beatles Museum tour at Albert Dock and then some shopping. The group boarded the bus for Old Trafford to watch Manchester United vs West Ham in the quarter final of the English League Cup. In the end, Manchester United were too strong winning 4-1. Day 5 The group travelled to Chester (45 minutes drive south of Liverpool) and had the chance to explore the Roman ruins before partaking in some shopping, something which was becoming a real strength of this group! Trinity Green played its first round of games in the UK just outside Chester against Christelton School. Trinity went down 0-1 after the opposition were able to counter attack following an intercept. Late in the first half, Jordan Kougias (12Ke) knocked in a first rate 40m diagonal pass for Dean Bozionelos (12Ta) who at back post, clinically headed the ball back across the Goal Keeper and into the goal. In the second half, Trinity created plenty of chances but were unable to score. Jordan Kery (12WJ) at the other end made a terrific goal saving tackle and formed a formidable partnership with Jordan Kery (12WJ) in the centre of defence. In midfield, Adam Racheha (11He) and Christopher Monaha (12Mu) played plenty of crisp passes and linked superbly with Ryan Maranik (12Ar) who was an imposing figure up front in the number 9 position. With the full time score 1-1, the game went to a penalty shootout. Zac Kapetanellis (11Ke) saved two penalties and Trinity converted all of theirs to win the game and continue their undefeated overseas record. On a sunny winter day the Trinity White team played in a feisty affair against a highly skilled team where the final result finished 0-4 in favour of the opposition. The players took time to adjust to the heavy and slippery grass field conditions with two goals conceded within the first ten minutes and the third goal just before the break. The last goal conceded was at the start of the second half. From this point on, the team was able to play strong attacking football with our best chance coming late in the game from a beautiful cross out wide from Samuel Otton (12Ta). James Kapaniris (12WH) performed well in goals in the second half with a number of saves and was well supported in defence by Luke Salanitro-Chafei (11WJ). Ishan Nijhawan (12We) tackled hard, winning the ball in the midfield. Overall, the team is improving, especially in the area of connecting passes. Day 6 The day started with some shopping in the Liverpool City Centre before returning to Liverpool FC for training. Copyright Trinity Grammar School All Rights Reserved. 3 of 8

4 After training, the group moved across to Nottingham to watch Nottingham Forest play Newcastle United. In front of a packed house of people, the group was treated to plenty of controversy in the first half. First placed Newcastle were issued two red cards on separate occasions with both moments leading to penalties. Unfortunately, Nottingham s Nicklas Bendtner had both attempts from the penalty spot saved by Goal Keeper Matz Sels. Between the red cards, Newcastle somehow managed to score through Matt Ritchie. What a first half! In the second half, Newcastle looked to park the bus. However, five minutes in, Nicklas Bendtner was able to score and put the demons of the first half behind him. From then on, Nottingham struggled for creative solutions and repeatedly looked (without success) to get the ball into wide areas and whip in a cross. With ten minutes to go, one would not have been out of place to think that Nottingham had no chance of taking the lead. However, with five minutes to go, Nottingham took a 2-1 lead following an own goal and that was where the score finished. Trinity Old Boy (Class of 2015) and Nottingham Forest U23 Goal Keeper Chris Marques joined the squad for the game. Chris, after spending the previous three seasons at Stoke City, signed his first pro contract with Nottingham Forest at the start of the season. It was great that the group was able to catch up with Chris, particularly the Goal Keepers who had been coached by Chris when he was back at Trinity during the last English offseason. Day 7 The group travelled from its Liverpool base to Manchester City to watch Pep Guardiola s men take on 1st placed Chelsea. In the first half, City went up 1-0 following a cross that deflected off a Chelsea defender. In the second half, City had the opportunity to go 2-0 up. However, the open goal opportunity was missed when Kevin De Bruyne hit the cross bar. Chelsea replied by scoring three counter attacking goals off City mistakes and finished 3-1 victors to take a four point lead at the top. The group made a quick exit for their bus and hit the M62 bound for Leeds. Along the way, the motorway split around a house where the owner had refused to sell his house! Many Australians such as Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka have called Elland Road home and it was fitting that this Australian group would make a visit to see Leeds United play Aston Villa (a team that included the Australian Captain Mile Jedinak). This was the first meeting between these two teams in twelve years and the first outside the top flight since The atmosphere was the best experienced to date. The Leeds fans definitely know how to sing a song and wave a scarf! Their vocal cords were further encouraged by goals in the 68th and 94th minutes. The final score of 2-0 places Leeds in 4th position. After the game, the group had the privilege to meet Australian Captain and Aston Villa player Mile Jedinak. He is a terrific ambassador for Australia and we thank him for his time and for joining our group for a photo. Day 8 The day started with a trip to Anfield, the home ground of Liverpool FC. The group Copyright Trinity Grammar School All Rights Reserved. 4 of 8

5 took part in a tour through the new stand (see below) that holds over people and has raised the stadium capacity to over people. The new stand includes the Boardroom which is a VIP and VVIP space. Until recently, access was by invitation only. However there are now 50 places available for people to pay their way into this space. Price is pounds per year for a minimum of two years. After the tour, the group visited the museum where the first section was the Steve Gerrard Collection. This section included his medals, shirts and other memorabilia. The group moved from Liverpool to Bolton s Macron Stadium for an FA Cup fixture between Bolton Wanderers and four time winner Sheffield United. Bolton won 3-2 and in doing so knocked out Sheffield United who have never lost a second round FA Cup game before. Day 9 Trinity commenced the day with games against the Liverpool Foundation at the University of Liverpool s sporting complex. Trinity Green played first and kept their undefeated overseas record going with a 2-0 victory. Trinity s first goal was scored by Evan Giannaros (11WJ) who was there for the rebound when a Jordan Kougias (12Ke) shot bounced off the Goal Keeper s hands. Kougias was in the action again when he made a first class tackle on the edge of the box to deny a probable goal scoring opportunity. Trinity s second goal started from a well-executed Christopher Monaha (12Mu) corner that found Ryan Maranik (12Ar) at back post. Maranik cleverly headed the ball back towards near post for Max McCluskey (11Ar) who was able to tap in the team s second goal. On a chilly Liverpool day the Trinity White team played their best game of the tour despite going down 0-2 in a game which they dominated. All the defenders performed strongly with Patrick Di Giannantonio (12Ho), Samuel Otton (12Ta) and Adrian Musumeci (12La) leading the way in the middle. Players of the match Riley Wanless (12Hi) and Peter Marcos (11Fo), controlled the game in midfield with robust challenges and strong attacking passes. The best scoring opportunity was late in the game with Thomas York (12Hi) hitting the post with a shot from just outside the box. All players are showing improvement and today Jack Brereton (12Hi), David Lambropoulos (12Hi) and Stefan Marantos (12Yo) made significant improvements. Unfortunately, two scrappy moments midway in both halves was the difference between Trinity white and this Liverpool Foundation team on the scoresheet. Final score 0-2. The group moved across to Manchester for a stadium tour of Old Trafford and then moved to a nearby training complex for a training session with Dr Tony Strudwick who is the Head of Athletic Development at Manchester United. The recovery focused session was one of the highlights of the tour for the group. Day 10 Copyright Trinity Grammar School All Rights Reserved. 5 of 8

6 First stop was a return to Old Trafford where the group visited their museum. While walking around the museum, the group came across a section where Dr Tony Strudwick gave nutritional advice. The previous evening, the group had a training session with Dr Strudwick. The group boarded the bus and travelled into the centre of Manchester to visit the National Football Museum. The museum was first rate. Built over three levels, there was a large number of interactive zones and all facets of Football were covered. The museum had an interesting set up. Entry was via the ground floor and you moved up through each floor until you got to the top floor which was dedicated to the England team and their 1966 World Cup Victory. Day 11 The day started off with a delicious breakfast followed by a tour of Chelsea FC s home ground Stamford Bridge. The group had some lunch and then travelled out to Chelsea FC Cobham Training Complex to train under their youth coaches. The training complex has in excess of thirty Football fields. Following training the group boarded the London Tube bound for Wembley Stadium. The group entered Wembley Stadium to see Tottenham Hotspur take on CSKA Moscow in a Champions League match. Thank you to Mr Clem Morfuni for organising the tickets. This was a bucket list experience to watch a game with people at Wembley Stadium. Tottenham won the game 3-1. Day 12 Trinity started the day at Aldenham School for two Football games. Founded in 1597, Aldenham had in excess of a dozen lush Football fields. Trinity green won 5-0. Dean Bozionelos (12Ta) scored the first goal of the match. The assist for this goal came from Christopher Monaha (12Mu) who chipped over the centre backs for Bozionelos to run onto. Bozionelos was in the action again when he crossed to Max McCluskey (11Ar) who scored the second goal from his head. In the second half, Harrison Haritos (11Ta) intercepted the ball off the opposition and with a bouncing ball, volleyed with his left foot over the goal keeper for the third goal. The fourth goal had its origins on the goal line when Dean Bozionelos made a goal saving tackle and cleared forward to Christopher Monaha who then made a killer pass to Evan Giannaros (11WJ). With space in front, Giannaros beat the Goal Keeper in a one on one and scored. The last goal was scored by Jordan Kougias (12Ke). With a late move into midfield, Kougias won possession inside the attacking half and on the edge of the circle, chipped the goal keeper to finish the game off at 5-0. Trinity green finished the tour undefeated, a first since The Trinity white team finished the tour with a solid one-all draw in drizzly conditions. At 0-0 and midway through the second half, a Tim Semsarian (12St) shot hit the post and a Peter Marcos (11Fo) close range shot was saved by the Goal Keeper. Not long after David Lambropoulos (12Hi) opened the scoring with a perfect Copyright Trinity Grammar School All Rights Reserved. 6 of 8

7 strike from within the penalty box in a man of the match performance. Unfortunately, within five minutes, Aldenham were able to level the score. The team had a number of opportunities to get ahead in the final moments with a number of attacking raids. Patrick Di Giannantonio (12Ho) in defence, Romeet Ghandi (12Ho) in the midfield and William Xie (11Fo) in attack had their best games today of the tour. All the players listened to the coaches, improved their games, worked as a team and dominated the last two games with a nice passing game and a high percentage of possession that lead to an attacking style of football. After the games, the groups moved off to Emirates Stadium for a tour. Upon return to hotel accommodation, Trinity commenced a quiz in the seminar room under the direction of Mr Mark Mikulandra. Unbeknown to the group, a surprise visitor was waiting in the wings. That surprise was none other than Socceroo and QPR player Massimo Luongo. Massimo answered questions for half an hour and the boys had opportunities for photos at the end. Massimo was a brilliant ambassador and the boys were very fortunate to have this occasion with a Socceroo. Thank you to Mr John Klappas for organising Massimo for this catch up and thank you to Mr Nick Plataniotis for organising contact with Mr Klappas. Day 13 The group did some sightseeing in the morning, taking in the sights of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Tower Bridge. In the afternoon, the group shopped around Piccadilly Circus, on Regent Street and Oxford St. The group caught the tube to Knightsbridge to visit Harrods for some final shopping before retiring to the accommodation to see whether the newly bought possessions would fit into the suitcase. Day 14 The day began with a trip to watch Watford take on Everton. Watford went down 0-1 early but fought back to lead 3-1. With ten minutes to go, Everton scored and the final minutes were end to end. However Watford held out to win 3-2 and claim three points. The final part of the day saw the group return to central London for final sightseeing and shopping in central London. Day 15 The group departed London for Sydney. Congratulations to Jordan Kougias (12Ke) and Harrison Haritos (11Ta) who were named Players Player for their respective teams. Thank You Thank you to parents for giving their sons the opportunity to go on this trip of a life Copyright Trinity Grammar School All Rights Reserved. 7 of 8

8 time. Thank you to the boys for being excellent ambassadors for their country. This was illustrated in the comment by the tour bus driver in the UK who commented that we had been the best Australian tour group he had ever had. Thank you to staff David Galluzzo, Chris Robinson and Mark Mikulandra for their effort in supervising throughout the tour. Thank you to Director of Sport and Co-curricular Mr John Allen for his support in the lead up and during this tour and thanks also goes to our Head Master Mr Milton Cujes for allowing us to go on such an amazing tour. Luke Gray MIC Football and Tour Leader Copyright Trinity Grammar School All Rights Reserved. 8 of 8