Jaiden's Journey to Germany

Jaiden played his last game today, against 1. FC Schmelz. The team won 2-nil. Jai played right back for a fraction of the game and central mid-field for the rest. It was a very hot day. It was a pretty successful tour for the Under 16's with only one loss to German teams over the three and a half weeks we've been here. When asked what he feels he has learned from the experience, Jaiden said that his touch has improved, along with his field positioning. The games have been a lot faster paced than the games he plays at home. It's been a pleasure being here to support Jai and watch him play at such a high level, and as his Mum I could not be any prouder!!!

Jaiden's team had another training session with German coach Jens Keifer today. This time it was a little different. The group were split into three teams and played a round robin, receiving feedback along the way.

Today started with a training session with former SV Elversberg Bundesliga 3 coach, Jens Kiefer, who is now Head of the Youth Department at Hallescher FC and holds a UEFA coaching license. Training consisted of four rotations and Jaiden really enjoyed the different style of coaching. This afternoon we headed to the town of St. Wendel where Jai's team played against the FC Blau-Weiss St. Wendel Under 16 team. Jai played mid-field for the majority of the game, before playing the last 15 minutes at right back. The Aussie Under 16's won against the German side, 3-nil.

This morning Jai was coached by Petra Hauser who is a former Bundasliga and Under 17 Germany National Team Coach. She holds the second-highest coaching license in the German Football League, called the A license. Petra played in the Bundasliga for 17 years straight without any injuries and is now the assistant coach for SV Straelan. The training was a lot different to the sessions Jai is used to and it was raining the entire time. This afternoon, Jai had another training session. This time they focussed on speed trials, running from standing and rolling starts, as well as kicking with their left and right feet.

Today was an exciting day, with a trip to Borussia Dortmund's Stadium, Signal Iduna Park, the biggest football stadium in Germany. Borussia Dortmund plays in the Bundasliga and also the Champions League. The team also visited the German Football Museum to learn about the history of football in the country. It was an unforgettable day and such an amazing experience.

Today started with a training game after breakfast. This afternoon we headed to Schauinsland Reisin Arena, home of MSV Duisburg, with the team for a guided tour of the stadium. It really gave the team a taste of what it would be like to be a professional football player. Jaiden really enjoyed the experience.

Today the team took part in 2x 2 hour training sessions. The first session focussed on training drills, and the second session the team were split into 4 groups. They took turns playing each other. Jaiden's team won all their games with a penalty shootout in the final game.

Yesterday the team took an 8 hour drive to the west side of Germany, arriving at the Sportschule Wedau, in Duisburg near Dortmund. Sportschule Wedau is the biggest sport school in Germany and the biggest talent factory in the country. It will be their home for the next 5 days.

Today Jaiden played in a tournament at Lukau. The team played exceptionally well, with lots of great passes and a heap of goals. Jai's team beat TSG Lubbenau 11-0. Jaiden assisted with multiple goals, having his best game so far. He played mid-field for most of the game, moving to centre back for the last 15 minutes of the game.

Yesterday the team boarded the bus to Leipzig. Jaiden stopped by the RB Leipzig fan store. RB Leipzig play in the German Bundesliga as well as the Champions League. Jaiden's team played a game against the Leipzig Youth team. The weather was terrible. It was very cold and rained hard the whole game. They could barely see the ball. Unfortunately the team lost their game 3-2, but the score line did not reflect how well they played. Jai played mid-field for the first half and left wing for the second half. He played very well.

Today the team took a trip to the Stadion der Freundshaft (Stadium of Friendship) home of FC Energie Cottbus. Energie Cottbus play in the Regionalliga Nordost league. It is the largest stadium in the city of Cottbus with a capacity of 22, 528. The team also visited the fan store and got to purchase some merchandise to take home as souvenirs.