Sale United FC

A squad of Sale United's U13's will set off from Manchester tonight to take part in a week long football tour in Holland

This is the eigth year in succession that the tour has taken place during the Whitsuntide school break. The boys are staying for six nights at a picturesque Youth Hostel in Austerlitz, close to the beautiful City of Utrecht.

It has been decided this year to make the journey in two mini-buses, and via Eurotunnel. This is a method of transport that has been used in the past. The boys will meet at 11.30pm on Saturday 24th May at Crossford Bridge Sports Ground and wiill aim to leave Sale at midnight heading for an early Eurotunnel crossing; probably around 6.30am on the Sunday morning.

After taking a number of ‘rest breaks’ they should be at the Hostel by mid-day on Sunday.

Utrecht Highlighted

The Hostel at Austerlitz, Utrecht

Over the past few years Sale United has built up a special relationship with a number of football clubs in the Utrecht area and this year the squad will be playing four games in the evenings.

In addition to the football, the boys will visit the FC Utrecht ground, the Amsterdam Arena, where both the Holland National side and Ajax play, as well as enjoying some time at a Theme Park and Water Park.

Tour organiser Stewart Hamer said, ”its good for our boys to see the facilities enjoyed by their Dutch counterparts and for them to mix with our European neighbours. Each year we make small adjustments to improve the trip. I expect this trip to be the best yet.”

The Squad pictured a few days before heading for Holland

Tour Diary

Sunday 25 May .

Had a message from the party at 09.05 am saying they were making good time and were in Belgium at that point. No updates since then. Check back tomorrow for latest news...

The party had a smooth trip to Holland but the weather was very poor with constant rain. The squad enjoyed a long 2 hour training session in the afternoon after lunch and then took part in some team building exercises in the evening.

Monday 26 May .

It's raining again this morning which is a shame as the boys have free time. There is a match scheduled later today against local side Zwaluwen Utrecht ....

Sale lost their first match today by 5 - 3. Sales goalscorers were Chris Roche, Ben Jones and Stephen Knowles. Stephen Knowles was also awarded the Man of the Match.

The host club provided food for the team after the game in their fabulous clubhouse which is known as the Spaceship.

Tues 27 May .

The boys visited the FC Utrecht Stadium this morning and then had a light training session after lunch, specifically working on set pieces.

This paid off for this evenings game with a goal being scored from one of the set moves they had been practising. Sale United were comfortable victors in match against local side SV Austerlitz, winning 10 - 1. The goal scorers were Chris Roche (5), Stephen Knowles (3), Joel Merrick and Ben Jones. Ben was also awarded the Man of the Match.

Unfortunately, while the squad was away at the game some personal possessions have gone missing from the Hostel. The local police have been informed and are investigating. I have spoken to Stewart tonight and although this incident does take the shine off the nights victory, Stewart has emphasised that there are absolutely no safety concerns, and they are determined to enjoy the rest of the week. That starts tomorrow with a trip to a Water Park....

Weds 28 May .

A trip to the Duinrell Water Park this morning was enjoyed by all especially with some brighter weather.

The match tonight was against VV Tricht. An exciting game in which Sale United took an early 2 goal lead with Sam Fowler scoring twice. Sale then surrendered the lead and indeed went behind twice before eventually pulling level for a 4 - 4 draw, Stephen Knowles soring one and Sam Fowler completing his hat-trick. Joel Merrick was awarded the Sale Man of the Match.

Some good news on last nights incident was that many of the personal possessions stolen have now been recovered and the culprits have been identified by the police.

Thurs 29 May .

A football free day today (well almost). No football matches, but the boys enjoyed a trip to Walibi World theme park followed by a football quiz this evening. Weather was poor - heavy rain for a few hours - but the boys had a good time anyway.

Fri 30 May

The magnificent Amsterdam Arena

A visit to the Amsterdam Arena earlier today, home of Ajax Amsterdam and of the course the Dutch national side, was one of the highlights of the day.

Following this the squad went to Utrecht town centre on a shopping spree - so mum's, there is no excuse if he hands you a bag of maltesers when he gets back.

Tonights match was against Bunnik '73 and Sale were the victors again by a score of 5 - 2. A 2 - 1 half time lead was provided by goals from Ben Jones and Alex Copping.

Although Bunnik drew level early in the second half, further goals from Jamie Mikkelsen, Joel Merrick and Stephen Knowles secured the win.

The fantastic dutch hospitality that has been a feature of the tour (and indeed of all previous tours) ensured the squad was well nourished before each boy was presented with a comemorative medal for the tour, and Stephen Knowles was presented with the Ash Award for Character of the week.

Peter van de Voort, our ever present Dutch host will meet the squad tomorrow before their departure and present the prestigious Man of the Week award. The party hope to be back in Sale by about 8.00pm

Unfortunately there will be no web updates tomorrow (Sat 31st) until after the squad have arrived back home, but we will add pictures of the final two days over the weekend.

Sat 31 May .