DAY THREE: 31 July 2009

Hello Iowa!

After breakfast at our usual spot near the Chalets, we boarded the bus around 9:00 a.m. for a short hour’s ride to Clube Quintas in Marcelo’s boyhood hometown. 

Along the route we stopped at a roadside coconut stand where a man with a large machete cut open fresh coconuts – one per boy with an opening at one end to drink down the fresh coconut milk — another new experience for the boys plus, according to Marcelo, an excellent dose of potassium for the boys prior to Game 2.  After drinking it down, the boys then turned their coconuts in for a few more machete whacks to open them up and eat the inside.  Behind the stand, the operator also squeezed fresh sugar water from sugar cane for anyone who wanted a dose of that as well.  

We arrived at the Club by mid morning and did not leave until after 9:00 p.m. The Club is private with an English heritage.  The soccer pitch was a cricket pitch in the Club’s early years.   Today the Club has a family feel with several available activities (indoor futsol field, outdoor swimming, full size soccer pitch, ping pong, snooker tables and dining areas) spread among on an open air type facility.  The Club offered an excellent cultural contrast to Day 2. 

We began the visit with a 5v5 futsol game on the Club gym floor against the Club’s local team.  The boys rotated in groups of 4 with Patrick remaining in goal.  We came out on the short end against the Quintas team but we received a good glimpse of Brazilian soccer skills in small spaces. 

After a swim and a buffet lunch in the open air café area, the boys were free to relax around the pool or play foosball, ping pong, etc.  Game 2 of our trip began around 4:00.  We enjoyed are large advantage in scoring attempts but could not convert.  Regulation time ended 0-0.  The game went straight to PK’s due to fading sunlight.  We ended on top 5-4 as Patrick made a save and all of our boys made their attempts.  After the game, the Nova Lima team (playing as Club Quintas) presented our players with a  congratulatory trophy on the field.

The boys showered at the fields and headed up to another outdoor dining venue at the Club for a barbeque, which was another excellent meal of meats (chicken and beef) followed by rice, salsa toppings, salad and vegetables.  The evening at the club ended with a raucous impromptu futsol pickup game including local kids, our players, coaches and chaperones, with Pat representing the chaperones particularly well.

Back on the bus by 9:30 and back to home base.

– Submitted by Brian Bergstrom

DAY TWO: 30 July 2009

Hello Iowa!

We started the day with our typical gathering at the gazebo in the center of our “chalets”.  It gives Ian and Marcelo a good opportunity to talk about the day including any specific direction regarding what to pack for the day.

The day started with a tour of a poorer neighborhood, formerly referred to as Favela, on the hillside overlooking downtown.  The population of 50,000 live a life not easily captured in words. The boys were very respectful and will no doubt remember this experience.  The local team, from this neighborhood, provided us with our first opponent.

In preparation for the game we moved to a very large park to have lunch and interact with the local team.  The local TV and radio coverage were not disappointed as the boys (and girls) laughed and talked about themselves.  We were entertained by a typical Brazilian musical group and the kids danced and exchanged gifts.

One quick side note: our tee shirt/gift supply is a tremendous success!  The only improvement opportunity would be for us to have many more shirts.  Seemingly each time we interact, we are asked for shirts.

The game was played in the afternoon complete with a welcoming committee including the Mayor.  The score ended up with us victorious 7-1. The more interesting item would include a band member (28 yrs old) entered the game after we were up 3-1. He proceeded to get a late red card and in response he kicked the ball hitting the official squarely in the stomach.  The official handled it very well and as we are learning the matches are called very closely to avoid such outbreaks. Apparently they can be common place. Marcelo was not as surprised as some of the rest of us.

This was the first time the local girls have presented a very persistent interest in talking with the team.  We were honored with a police escort away from the game.

The day would not have been complete without a stop at the mall.  A very large, active mall in a very wealthy part of the city. Quite a contrast to the start of the day.  We all enjoyed a good meal and some shopping to close out Day 2 of our trip.

– Submitted by Brian Bergstrom

DAY ONE: 29 July 2009

Hello Iowa!

We enter Brazil via Rio DeJeneiro International Airport.  The kids immediately raced to the toilets to investigate whether the toilets really flushed in a reverse water fashion.  (they do not).  Customs provided their first experience with Portuguese language opportunities and they did well,  Customs was uneventful and the flights were without difficulty.  We arrived in Belo Horizonte at 11 am local time.  We were greeted by family of Marcelo, who assisted with currency exchange and ATM processing.   We then boarded our team bus for the SESC Venda Nova, our home for the first four days.  

The facility is divided into multiple “chalets”.  The chalets come complete with one set of bunk beds, a queen bed and concrete walls to keep them cool.  We have learned who the best negotiators are amongst the players by who is sleeping in the queen bed.  Food is served in the main cafeteria, buffet style, which has made our meals hassle free and tasty.  The players are eating plenty and enjoying the common fare which includes plenty of local fruits and juices as well as their new found favorite soda, Guarana.

After we settled in, the boys had their first Brazilian training session.  The field is cut tight, and the ball travels fast on the turf.  Marcelo invited Juninho, a former professional goalkeeper for Athletico, to serve as a goalkeeper coach.  The boys had a good first session as conures,  Brazilian parrots, flew and chirped overhead, bright green in color and vocal.  The kids were happy to eat and get to bed early and catch up on sleep for Day II. 

– Submitted by Brian Bergstrom