A group of 16 players from Lonestar Soccer Club, primarily 2010-born athletes from the National Program, along with a few from the 2009 and 2011 age groups, recently had the opportunity to immerse themselves in European football during a trip to Germany over spring break. Led by coaches Sergio Torres, Hugo Jimenez, and Sam Wormald, this experience combined high-level training, matches against local teams, and cultural exploration, providing valuable learning opportunities for the players.
The trip began with a friendly match against SV Walbeck, giving the players their first taste of competitive football in Germany. The next day, they participated in a training session led by youth coaches from Borussia Mönchengladbach, focusing on refining their technical skills and understanding the tactical approach of one of Germany’s top clubs. This was followed by a match against Borussia Mönchengladbach’s U15 Academy team, where the players faced a high level of competition that showcased the standard of play they should aspire to reach.
In the following days, the players continued their journey, playing against SV Wieseck before traveling to Grünberg for a match against TSV Grünberg. These games provided further opportunities for development in competitive settings.
Alongside their football experiences, the players explored the local culture by visiting the historic town of Koblenz, sightseeing in Frankfurt, and taking a day trip to Rüdesheim. They also watched Eintracht Frankfurt’s U23 face FC Astoria Walldorf, allowing them to observe professional football in action.
The trip culminated in an extra day where some players stayed to watch the UEFA Nations League quarter-final between Germany and Italy at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. The dramatic 3-3 draw, combined with the electric atmosphere of the packed stadium, left a lasting impression on the players.
Overall, the trip to Germany provided a well-rounded experience, blending high-level football training, competitive matches, and cultural exploration. The players returned motivated and inspired to continue their development on the field, having gained new insights into the intensity and professionalism required at the highest levels of football.