Day 8: Thursday, August 17th

When we first awoke it looked like the typical rainy, grey English weather had caught up with us. There was a chill in the air and a constant drizzle.  After two days of double sessions with training and games, many arrived in the player's lounge looking tired and yawning. But today we take a break from soccer. In the morning, after breakfast, we will have a seminar with our Brighton & Hove Albion coaches followed by the afternoon at the Brighton Pier.

The girls have a question and answer session with some Brighton & Hove Albion Women's team members. They asked questions about women's soccer in the UK and discuss the different opportunities for girls in sport in comparison for a girl in the US. They also asked about playing as a professional, the schedule, the competition, the way of life. It is such a great experience for these girls to have the opportunity to interact with professional women. Good role models are so important in a female athletes life.
The boys had a sports psychology seminar given by Mark Sullivan. He has a Masters degree in sports psychology and is also on the Brighton& Hove Albion coaching staff.  He delivered a lecture on confidence, state of mind, mentality and positive imagery. He had each player get a Confidence Cup filled out from their group. It lists a players positive attributes as seen by his/ her peers. The Cup is kept in the players match bag so when they are feeling low they can be reminded with positive imagery and statements to give them a boost of confidence.

After a morning of classes, we headed back to the dorms to get ready to head to Brighton for a day at the pier. Luckily, the rainy weather has blown over as the pier is a day outside by the water. Brighton is a popular seaside vacation town in the South. Besides the pier which is full of arcade games and rides, visitors can see the Cathedral and neighboring park

The Lanes is a shopping district full of shops, boutiques and restaurants

There is a boardwalk along the rock beach where you can rent chairs and relax by the water.

The beach runs right alongside the Brighton Pier. Everyone assembled at the front for a group photo and then we're let loose to enjoy the games, food, snacks and rides.

After a long day on the pier and some retail therapy at some local shops we all headed back to Ardingly College for dinner and relaxation time.
For dessert every crowded into the player's lounge to wish a very Happy Birthday to Camden!

Tomorrow morning, we will all travel back into Brighton to TOUR Brighton & Hove Albion's home stadium and go to the Pro Shop. Then back to Ardingly College for an afternoon training  session.