From March 26th to April 4th, four VA ODP teams visited Portugal for the 18th annual ODP International trip. The 2010 and 2009 boys teams along with the 2010 and 2008 girls teams spent four days in the northern town of Braga and four days in the capital city of Lisbon. All teams played four games with the added bonus of a boy’s game in the NW Spanish city of Vigo.
The four teams, with 16 support staff, were able to experience a beautiful culture with different customs. The players were exposed to new foods, a different language, and in between matches, some history of the region. The teams had a unique experience where they traveled, stayed, and ate together. After each game the Virginia teams met with their opponents for pictures and social media exchanges (the girls were much better at it than the boys!) where “language” never seemed to be a barrier.
The games were valuable as each team played against opponents that offered different systems, formations, and tactical nuances that they otherwise hadn’t seen before. Each player had the opportunity to start a game and were given significant playing time.
This ODP International trip is unique due to the presence of an exceptional support staff. The traveling party included a certified athletic trainer and the nationally renowned sports psychologist, Dr. Freigang. “Dr. Dan” helped teach the players resilience and coping skills as well as strategies and techniques that helped them deal with anxiety and overcoming adversity. Fortunately this Dr. Tom Weber was on the trip. Dr. Weber is a GP from Charlottesville who also doubled as the 2010 boy’s administrator.
These trips are valuable for the Virginia ODP players and staff. The players come back wiser, more mature, and a little more independent from the lessons and experiences learned both on and off the field.
