Day 3

Day three rolled around and I didn’t have the best weather. It was chilly and raining but I was still excited. I was getting the chance to watch a pro soccer team practice before the big game. It doesn’t get any better than that.

When I got to the stadium I met up with the marketing specialist Lukasz Padewski. The night before I found out how small the world is. It turns out that a family member of mine use to play with someone with the same last name as Lukasz. I found out that the person my family member played with is Mr. Padewski’s father, who is Andrzej Padewski the President of the Football Association of Lower Silesia.

I had the honour to meet Mr. Andrzej Padewski and as soon as I walked through his door he welcomed me with a few souvenirs like key chains, card holder, pen and a few other fun things. That was super nice of him. I had the chance to talk to him for a bit about his job and the world of soccer. Everyone is eagerly awaiting Euro 2012.

After leaving his office I met up with Lukasz again and I was thrilled when he gave me back my team photo signed by most of the team. It was a nice memento to have from this whole experience.

I was escorted to the practice field where the players were already hard at work. We had to walk beside the main field in the stadium. Seeing the field and everything from the bottom and as it was empty was mind blowing. In just a few days the whole place would be filled with fans cheering on the team as they played their last game of the season.

When we arrived at the other field the trainers were there and a freelance reporter watching on from the side of the field. The rain continued but I didn’t care. I wanted to watch what practice was like for the team.

In case you are wondering they have different running drills, goal shooting drills and other drills that strengthen them for each game. With the cold weather and rain that didn’t damper their spirit or energy. Each player was giving it their all. I took a few photos from the side of the field as they continued practice.

Watching the team do their warm ups and everything I could see how much time and energy they spend to train and be the best. It is a lot of hard work to be a good player. Yes you have to be a talented person and be good at it but it is also a lot more than that. You have to continue to train and better yourself. Many dream of playing on a pro team and there is a lot of competition. I was surprised at how young some of these players are. To be this good and reach a pro level has to be amazing.

You are doing what you are good at and what you love.
I had another superb day as I watched the practice session and got an extra glimpse of what it was like to be a pro soccer player.

It also made me super psyched for the last game that I would have the opportunity to watch before I left.

Stay tuned for tomorrow when the last part of this adventure is posted. You will get to see what it is like to be at a real European soccer game. The crowds, the cheers and the insanity of soccer love.