Topic: Dana Cup and Gothia Cup..95's and 94's (Read 9254 times)

MA · « **on:** June 30, 2008, 09:51:34 PM »

A spot to chat about the upcoming European Adventure! If you have gone... post some tips on what to expect or bring... any advice is welcome.

Also... I am bringing a laptop so will TRY to post some updates on the opening ceremonies and games and maybe get some photos to Brat.

We can hardly wait!!! Our schedules are posted and it looks to be some GREAT games.

See you at training camp Wed and Thurs!!!!

GO TEAM BENSON USA!!

We leave Friday!!!

dogedog · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2008, 07:55:12 AM »

Have a great time it should be a blast. Keep us posted.

cheese · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2008, 10:18:31 AM »

I want daily reports......Like Redkard did. :mrgreen:

Brat Jr · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2008, 10:32:03 AM »

Quote from: "cheese"

I want daily reports......Like Redkard did. :mrgreen:

Dog did a great job last year on recaps for this.
Hopefully MA will have enough time to fit them in

cheese · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2008, 10:37:43 AM »

Quote from: "Brat Jr"

Quote from: "cheese"
I want daily reports......Like Redkard did. :mrgreen:

Dog did a great job last year on recaps for this.
Hopefully MA will have enough time to fit them in

With pictures. :twisted:

Bad Boy's Girlfriend · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2008, 11:05:33 AM »

So, how does a kid get on Team Benson USA anyway? Are there tryouts where hundreds of girls show up from WA (or thousands of kids from across the USA) and only the very best 15 to 18 kids are selected to go on this European trip (who of course have parents with enough money to cover the costs)? Or, is it more of a case where they have to do a bit of marketing and advertising each year, maybe sending out flyers, etc., to find enough parents who are willing to go along with this (basically if you play for a good club then you're in without maybe even them having seen your kid play)? Just curious how this all works. When I first heard about this I thought, "oh wow, what an honor", but then someone told me it's just a matter of what parents are willing to lay down the cash, not so much talent. Maybe it's somewhere in the middle, I don't know, but just trying to find out the truth. Either way this dude has it petty good, as he gets a free trip to Europe every year! :lol: :lol: :lol: I'm sure the kids have a great experience, but am I the only one thinking this is a bit over the top?

Boo'sdaddy · « **Reply #6 on:** July 01, 2008, 01:08:32 PM »

Quote from: "Bad Boy's Girlfriend"

So, how does a kid get on Team Benson USA anyway? Are there tryouts where hundreds of girls show up from WA (or thousands of kids from across the USA) and only the very best 15 to 18 kids are selected to go on this European trip (who of course have parents with enough money to cover the costs)? Or, is it more of a case where they have to do a bit of marketing and advertising each year, maybe sending out flyers, etc., to find enough parents who are willing to go along with this (basically if you play for a good club then you're in without maybe even them having seen your kid play)? Just curious how this all works. When I first heard about this I thought, "oh wow, what an honor", but then someone told me it's just a matter of what parents are willing to lay down the cash, not so much talent. Maybe it's somewhere in the middle, I don't know, but just trying to find out the truth. Either way this dude has it petty good, as he gets a free trip to Europe every year! :lol: :lol: :lol: I'm sure the kids have a great experience, but am I the only one thinking this is a bit over the top?

II would suggest that anyone who has any questions about whether this is just a way for the Bensons to get a free trip to Europe every year do some reading about Bruce and Ginny Benson. That could not be farther from the truth. Youth soccer has been both Bruce and Ginny's life passion not only in the United States, but also around the world. The Benson's just recently returned from Uganda where the visited children they have developed relationships with through attending these tournaments.

Bruce is a USSF A licensed coach with over 30 years of coaching experience which includes a number of state championship titles. Putting this together for the kids is a ton of work both leading up to and during the trip. Having seen what the trip entails I would hardly consider it much of a vacation for them.

Most of the players have been previously scouted by Bruce and are invited to play on the team. The 13's this year are made of girls from WA,OR,ID, and AK. I certainly would not say the team is ODP quality, but it is made up of very talented soccer players. The Benson's teams have won both the DANA #1 tournament and the Gothia Cup, which is the biggest youth soccer tournament in the world. Google it, you will be amazed. You do not win either of these tournaments with sub par soccer teams. Yes, it is expensive and not everyone can afford to go. It certainly took a bite out of my budget this year.

I have talked to a lot of soccer coaches and players this year that either played for Benson Soccer or participated in the Dana or Gothia Cup. One coach in particular who played very high level as a youth and at a division 1 college told me it was one of the biggest highlights of their soccer career to date.

It is a life's soccer experience in my opinion that can only be rivaled by maybe representing your country on the national team in the Olympics.

Bad Boy's Girlfriend · « **Reply #7 on:** July 01, 2008, 01:25:28 PM »

Awesome info Boo's Daddy! That's the kind of feedback I was hoping for. This helps sort out rumor from fact for a lot of us. So, can you tell us more on how the kids are scouted and invited / selected? Some parents of the younger kids might want to know how / what they can do to be part of this when their kids are old enough. Is there a tryout of any sort or just letters of invitation sent out to a select few, or..?? The Benson's sound like great people, and it does sound like an awesome experience for any kid. Over the top? Well, some may say it is, but if you think about it we all are guilty of that in various ways due to our love for our kids and wanting the best for them. Who doesn't want to give their kids the things we didn't get to experience ourselves as a youngster, if we have the means? I hope all those from WA go and kick some foreign butt!!!!! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

dogedog · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2008, 01:31:54 PM »

Quote from: "Boo'sdaddy"

II would suggest that anyone who has any questions about whether this is just a way for the Bensons to get a free trip to Europe every year do some reading about Bruce and Ginny Benson. That could not be farther from the truth. Youth soccer has been both Bruce and Ginny's life passion not only in the United States, but also around the world. The Benson's just recently returned from Uganda where the visited children they have developed relationships with through attending these tournaments.

Bruce is a USSF A licensed coach with over 30 years of coaching experience which includes a number of state championship titles. Putting this together for the kids is a ton of work both leading up to and during the trip. Having seen what the trip entails I would hardly consider it much of a vacation for them.

Most of the players have been previously scouted by Bruce and are invited to play on the team. The 13's this year are made of girls from WA,OR,ID, and AK. I certainly would not say the team is ODP quality, but it is made up of very talented soccer players. The Benson's teams have won both the DANA #1 tournament and the Gothia Cup, which is the biggest youth soccer tournament in the world. Google it, you will be amazed. You do not win either of these tournaments with sub par soccer teams. Yes, it is expensive and not everyone can afford to go. It certainly took a bite out of my budget this year.

I have talked to a lot of soccer coaches and players this year that either played for Benson Soccer or participated in the Dana or Gothia Cup. One coach in particular who played very high level as a youth and at a division 1 college told me it was one of the biggest highlights of their soccer career to date.

It is a life's soccer experience in my opinion that can only be rivaled by maybe representing your country on the national team in the Olympics.

Boo'sdaddy got it correct.

Awesome experience. The Benson's do a top rate job in coordinating everything. Trust me on this it is no vacation for them.

As far as talent is concerned they do scout those kids that are interested in going. It is not super formal but they do take a look.

Last year both girls teams took home the trophy in the DANA #1 (this does not happen all of the time). Also they played some pretty good teams in the Gothia Cup as well.

It is expensive, but what trip these days isn't.

It is a memory I will never forget and I just got to watch dd play.

BTW there are other groups that take kids on soccer trips like this. Stars and Stripes is one. Google them and compare the prices.

All I can say is we had a blast last year and I would recomend this experience to anyone. Bruce and Ginny are awesome and the two weeks are full of team building, sightseeing and playing soccer.

MA · « **Reply #9 on:** July 01, 2008, 03:01:09 PM »

For the past year I have seen only part of the preparation the Bensons put into this trip.WOW... its alot of work!!! :shock:

They have every detail down for the parents so we dont miss a thing. The packing list is incredibly detailed so the girls dont lack for anything. And if anyone thinks taking 40 or so.. 12 -14 year old girls over seas for 16 days...handling all their money, passports, ISSUES :mrgreen: , meals, etc...... and then 2 tournaments on top of it... is a vacation.... think again. hahahahahhaha :mrgreen:
They also run a 2 day camp right before we leave and have the girls actually bring all their packed luggage and gear so they know what its like to haul it around.
:mrgreen: I bet a few kids go home and "unpack" a bit. hahaha

Im thankful they run this and have been doing so for many years. They know what they are doing!!!

soccermum1 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 02, 2008, 12:11:34 AM »

Ladies,
We wish you all the best... Good luck!! Can't wait to read Ma's posts.... Have the time of your lives...

Mum :mrgreen:

gardengirl · « **Reply #11 on:** July 02, 2008, 01:59:51 AM »

My little weed went last year, and is disappointed she isn't going back.

This is an incredible experience, and the kids get to meet and play against kids from all around the world (and see that we are all really alike).

I can't wait to hear about all your great adventures.

Go Benson!

Brat Jr · « **Reply #12 on:** July 02, 2008, 09:21:52 PM »

http://www.bensonsoccerusa.com/about.htm

Just linking Benson soccer :mrgreen:

MA · « **Reply #13 on:** July 02, 2008, 09:25:20 PM »

today was a blast for the girls. Alot of "getting to know ya".
They had the big luggage hike. :shock: A waterballoon toss and scrimmages, etc...

A couple Sparta teams were nice enough to come out and scrimmage the teams. The Benson girls are looking good. Everyone is very excited.

I didnt watch the whole day... maybe Boo's daddy can recap some of the fun.

But I know my dd came home and told me about the new friends she had made just that day. Shes looking forward to tomorrows 6 hour camp and scrimmages... and we all fly out Friday.. July 4 at 6:55 PM.

This Mom is REALLY looking forward to a good nights sleep in the hotel in Denmark with NO dogs in the bed. (I have 3). 20 days... no dogs. WOW.

Anyway.. back to soccer. ...
I will do my best to recap what I can. I will need help from people who know soccer better than I. (God... thats like everyone, hahahaha). And Im thinking I might leave my laptop at home and use the net cafes in Europe or at the hotel. More room to bring back more stuff. :mrgreen:
I will be texting a few things back to a few of you. :mrgreen:
Uh.. btw... I got a new phone... those of you who have my cell #... please send me yours so I can RE-add it for updates.

Thanks!!

MA out.

Coachkeith · « **Reply #14 on:** July 02, 2008, 09:45:34 PM »

MA,
Your girls looked quite nice this afternoon. If they play that well in both the Cup's you are going to come home with some hardware.

Maybe we can be have as much fun tomorrow.
Keith

Boo'sdaddy · « **Reply #15 on:** July 03, 2008, 10:19:34 AM »

Here is a link to the Gothia Cup WebTV. This is apparently knew to the tournament. Here is a snipet from their website.

"During the tournament week you can through our web-TV see interesting movie clips from the tournament. You will see sequences from our playing centers, the schools, the opening ceremony and the finals. A good way to participate if you’re not there live."

This may be a good way for any of the kids teammates out there to sneak a peek at their teammates. I am also told that the Dana and Gothia Cup are extemely good about updating their game results on their website.

Here is the link to the WebTV. The promtional video is about ten minutes long, but pretty amazing.

http://www.gothiacuptv.com/

MA · « **Reply #16 on:** July 03, 2008, 11:10:24 AM »

WOW.... Alli and I just watched that video. How amazing!!! I got choked up! Check it out and you will see just how special this trip is.
Way cool!!! :mrgreen:

Thanks Boos daddy

Brat Jr · « **Reply #17 on:** July 03, 2008, 11:49:48 AM »

I want to go! That looks like it would be a blast just as a spectator
But was that a field of dandelions :shock: at about the 1:12 mark?
And we pull them out here! :mrgreen:

dogedog · « **Reply #18 on:** July 03, 2008, 02:22:14 PM »

Quote from: "Brat Jr"

I want to go! That looks like it would be a blast just as a spectator
But was that a field of dandelions :shock: at about the 1:12 mark?
And we pull them out here! :mrgreen:

MA, take the laptop, trust me on this one.

The Gothia Cup is the best youth soccer tournament I have EVER been to.

The atmosphere was amazing, it made me wish we had less tournaments in Washington and just a couple like the Gothia Cup across the US where 1300 - 1500 teams would play.

All I can say is WOW, the memories have come flooding back.

Have a great trip............

MA · « **Reply #19 on:** July 03, 2008, 04:12:41 PM »

Will do. I was just at the girls training camp. They are again scrimmaging some of Coach Keiths girls today. Allison is sitting out today resting a minor injury that should be good to go next week!!
Everyone is quite excited about leaving tomorrow. I think we are just about packed.. good thing we have all day tomorrow to double and triple check things.

Brat Jr · « **Reply #20 on:** July 03, 2008, 10:46:25 PM »

Just some shots of the girls having FUN!

Looks like you all are having a BLAST!

Cyclopes · « **Reply #21 on:** July 04, 2008, 09:47:58 PM »

Just received my last text from the plane about 6:45....the group of 31 players, 2 coaches, one photographer/dad, one coordinator, 4 chaperones and a group of parents are enroute to Copenhagen. From there, they will take a short flight to Aalborg, Denmark and then a bus ride to Fredrikschaven for the Dana Cup #1. Jet lag is the pits and I know the kids really suffered for a couple of days last year. Fortunately, the Benson's and their coaching staff are very familiar with the problem and have all kinds of tricks to help (including a 4:00 am walk to the local bakery for fresh pastries and a full day at a water/amusement park the first full day in town to really wear everyone out). The first matches will start on Tuesday.

I know from last years comments that not everyone sees the value in a trip like this, but as an adult who had never ventured beyond the shores of my own country until last years trip, I have to say that it is well worth the cost. It is worth the fund-raising, the sacrifice and the anxiety. It may sound simple and a bit silly, but it was wonderful to realize that there are people from every part of the world who are just as crazy about their kids and their soccer as we CP are

I'll try to post any updates I receive from the groups photographer (ok, Cyclopes) and any tid bits I might receive from my daughter...we told her it was only 35 cents per text but that she could only text home (hahaha).

Soccer Addict · « **Reply #22 on:** July 05, 2008, 10:35:44 AM »

Our daughter travelled with Bruce & Ginny in 2005, winning both Dania & Gothia. It still stands today as one of the greatest experiences of her life.

ltg · « **Reply #23 on:** July 05, 2008, 06:37:04 PM »

well. I heard they landed safely. Hopefully MA will post some photos for us of the girls after about 12 hours of airport/airplane time. Everyone I've heard from who have done this in the past say it is without a doubt the greatest soccer experience of their kids' youth. Even our girls coach from last year said the same thing. and she went when she was young.

MA · « **Reply #24 on:** July 05, 2008, 09:14:11 PM »

Its 4AM Sunday. I just woke up. haha
What a long trip to get here... nobody slept on the first flight. Nine hours. Then our second flight was over two hours late. Then a bus ride and we were here. We really didnt do much... it was after six when we hit our hotel. Had dinner with Mom and walked around for ten minutes, hahaha... We saw the kids walking around with Bruce after their dinner. Talked to Lollipop and she said the school was cool. TONS of teams from all over the world. Today we go to the water and amusement park. OH... its really hot here... NO airconditioning!!! But sleeping in the bed with out my three dogs... awesome. :mrgreen:
I will post more and send photos to Brat after today. Hope I sleep later tomorrow.

Brat Jr · « **Reply #25 on:** July 05, 2008, 10:23:06 PM »

Quote

The Eagles have landed, all went well today, no throw up, and just tired. The 13's went to the Blue Burger for supper and the 14's brought in pizza. Much more to report tomorrow after our day at the amusement park.

Boo's Daddy's Baby's Mama · « **Reply #26 on:** July 05, 2008, 10:42:28 PM »

Thanks MA and Brat. A picture is worth a thousand words,and seeing my Boo smiley and happy makes me smiley and happy!

Brat Jr · « **Reply #27 on:** July 05, 2008, 11:00:09 PM »

Quote from: "Boo's Daddy's Baby's Mama"

Thanks MA and Brat. A picture is worth a thousand words,and seeing my Boo smiley and happy makes me smiley and happy!

Did Boos Daddy show you the one I sent him in a PM? LOL
Boo would shoot me if I posted that!

Brat Jr · « **Reply #28 on:** July 05, 2008, 11:03:10 PM »

Boos Mama..... you have a private message :mrgreen:

Boo's Daddy's Baby's Mama · « **Reply #29 on:** July 05, 2008, 11:10:01 PM »

wow, my first post and my first PM, all in less than an hour's time. and i've only been a member for a year!

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Author Topic: Dana Cup and Gothia Cup..95's and 94's (Read 9254 times)