Info for Parents Traveling to UK

For families traveling to the UK looking visit the group at Lancing or attend any of the games, please read important information below.

Visiting Lancing
CMT Learning will restrict visitor access - all visits need to be coordinated with CMT Learning in writing at the following email address:  lancing@cmtlearning.com
(this information is also included on page 8 of the Parent Info Pack)

Attending Games
I will need to submit a list of names for those looking to attend the matches, as CMT will have a sign-in list.  Please email me at kkelly@seacoastunited.com with the names of people who will be attending the match, as well as which matches (boys/girls/opponent).

Addresses of Match Venues
Lancing:  West Sussex BN15 0RW
Brighton Training Ground:  60 Mash Barn Ln, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15
Manchester City (Boys):  City Football Academy, Alan Turning Way, M11 4TQ
Manchester City (Girls):  The East Manchester Academy, 60 Grey Mare Lane East, Manchester M113DS

Ready to Go!

Our last training session before Sunday's departure took place tonight in Epping.  We were able to wrap up just before a huge thunderstorm passed through the area!

All of the kids received their mini balls to pack in their luggage (please deflate the balls first).  These will be given as gifts to the players on the teams they play while in England.

Please review the blog quickly to make sure you have everything in check for Sunday and we'll see you in Boston!

For families meeting up with us in the UK - there will be a separate blog post with addresses of the fields where the games will take place.  Please be sure to let me know if you and/or family members/friends will be looking to attend the games as I need to provide CMT Learning with guest names for each match.

The story on the trip can be found on the Seacoast United website here.

Info for this week: July 27th-August 2nd

Extended forecast for Brighton UK is showing mostly high 60's during our stay.  Don't expect 80s-90s like we have here.  Please plan accordingly when packing your clothing items.  There is also a list of recommendations within the Parent Pack from the prior blog post.

Items to pack in your carry-on:  Royal blue SUSC training kit, navy SUSC warmup (can put on during the flight if cold), 1 pair of cleats.

What to wear on the plane:  Please wear the lt blue Brighton drifit shirt we distributed at the cookout, and khaki/tan shorts.  If you're worried about it being too cold, the kids will have their warmups in their carry-on luggage.

THIS WEEK:

• The kids will be receiving USA mini-balls to bring with them in their checked luggage as gifts for the children they play from the various clubs.  They will receive 1 ball for each of the clubs they are scheduled to play.  If you are not attending training this week, we will have them for you in England and distribute once we arrive at the college.
• Airline e-ticket numbers - All e-ticket numbers and information for meeting at the airport have been sent (Virgin Atlantic flight was emailed on 7/28, US Air flight emailed on 7/29)  Kelly will have copies for those traveling on the Virgin Atlantic flight, Iain Scott/Chris Scott will have copies for those traveling on the USAir flight.
• PLEASE BE ON TIME for meeting up with the group at the airport.  
• US Air travelers should be meeting by the US Air ticket counter at 3:30pm (2 hrs before departure)
• Virgin Atlantic travelers should be meeting by the Virgin Atlantic counter at 6:45pm (3 hrs before departure)

Parent Pack Document

CMT Learning has provided us with a "Parent Pack" that can hopefully answer some outstanding questions regarding our stay at Lancing College.  This also includes a more detailed list of items to pack for the duration of the trip.

Click here to view the PDF of the Parent Pack.

Rooming Assignments
Rooming lists have been confirmed for Lancing College as well.  Click here to view.

For the trip to Manchester, I have submitted names based on requests received weeks ago for roommates.  We will do our best to sort it out and keep "roomies" together for the overnight trip, I don't see an issue with any of the roommate requests.

July Training Photos

I'll post more as we go but the two squad pics have been uploaded to this album.  I realize a few players were missing but these were from Wednesday, July 22nd.

Travel/Flight Information

The group will be travelling on USAir and Virgin Atlantic.  Flights both leave on the same day, but at different times.  As long as both flights are on time, the groups should arrive in London within 30 minutes of each other.

Click here for Flight Info, departure/arrival times, and group lists.  Please check the lists carefully, some of the boys are on the Virgin Atlantic flight.  E-tickets for all travelers will be emailed out this coming week.

Virgin Atlantic passengers should expect to arrive at Logan Airport 3 hours prior to departure so we can assist the large group through check-in and security.  Baggage information can be found on their website here.

USAir is a domestic flight from Boston-Philadelphia before departing for London.  A 2 hour window should be acceptable.  Baggage information can be found on their website here.

Updates will be posted here regarding meeting times at Logan Airport.

OTHER HELPFUL TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Outlet Adapters: You will need a power adapter to use electrical outlets in the UK.  Their standard is a 220 volt outlet where ours here in the US are typically 110.  Laptops can adjust to this automatically (check your power cord & it will tell you – my laptop says “Input:  100-240V”).  For some other electronics/hair dryers, etc. you may need an adapter AND a converter.  Adapters can be purchased at WalMart/Target/Radio Shack usually for $10 or so, while converters usually cost a bit more.

• Credit Cards/Cash:  Please remember to notify your credit card companies of your overseas travel dates.  If they are not notified, they could shut off your credit card while you’re away thinking it may be fraudulent activity.  As far as cash – we recommend withdrawing funds from an ATM upon our arrival in London, as you will receive the best exchange rates.  Try to avoid the currency exchange kiosks where they charge additional fees for commission.

• Mobile Phones:  Smartphones such as iPhone, Droid, etc have the capability to switch to global services.  You will need to contact your cell phone provider and request this change on your plan for the duration of the trip if you wish to use your phone overseas.  Alternatively, you can purchase pay as you go phones at numerous places while in the UK, at a relatively inexpensive rate.  Please be aware that data usage rates are much different on the global plans, more expensive.  Text messaging as well – depending on your plan you could be charged $.50 for outgoing messages and $.05 for incoming messages on top of the calling plan.  Be sure to ask questions when discussing with your provider so you are aware of possible charges.

If you are worried about data usage, you could always disable options on your phone to limit data usage & messaging, only utilizing wifi when available.

There are mobile apps that will allow you to call/text for free if you are on a wireless network (such as Viber, etc).  Wireless is available for free at the hotel and at certain locations (Starbucks) but free WiFi is not as readily available as it is in the US.    iPhones can text other iPhones via iMessage if on a wireless network as well.  We are expecting to have WiFi access while staying at Lancing College in Brighton.

Training Sessions/Scrimmages

Seacoast United has set up training sessions & scrimmages for all of the boys and girls attending the Brighton trip to integrate and prepare the players before their trip.  All training/scrimmages will take place at the Seacoast United Outdoor Complex in Epping, NH.

• Monday, July 20: 4:30-6pm 
• Wednesday, July 22: 4:30-6pm 
• Saturday, July 25: 10am-11:30am (time subject to change) Scrimmage
• Tuesday, July 28: 4:30-6pm 
• Thursday, July 30: 4:30-6pm Scrimmage

Please wear your red training uniform to all sessions and bring a water bottle.

Raffle Winners!!

Below are the winners of the raffle prizes drawn this afternoon.  Thank you to all for your support of assisting our players as they prepare for this unique experience in the UK this August!

1. 4 Nights at Sagamore Resort, Lake George NY:  Jeremy Halperin
2. 2014 World Cup Skateboard:  Thurlow, York ME
3. $100 Gift Certificate - Rira Irish Pub & Restaurant, Portsmouth:  Jenn Ayer
4.  8 Portland Sea Dogs Tickets - TBD:  Todd Kroner
5.  $50 Gift Certificate - Portsmouth Brewery:  Marino Suarez, Methuen MA
6.  4 Red Sox Tickets vs. White Sox - July 27, 2015: Jessica Forster
7.  Dunkin' Donuts Goody Bag:  C. Castaldy & L. Roth, Sykesville & Glen Arm MD
8.  Autographed Michael Bradley USA National Team Jersey: Greg Michael, Manchester NH
9. 2 Boston Bruins Tickets - October 17, 2015: Joyce Daniels, Hampstead NH
10.  $100 Gift Certificate - Gregory's Garden Center: Ricardo Reyes, Lawrence MA
11. Cowabunga Custom Player Decal:  Wendy Wiley, ME
12. 2 Red Sox Tickets - TBD:  Paula Rappolt, Hampton NH
13. 2 President Tix for New England Revolution 9/26, parking, & autographed ball: Bert St. Pierre, Richford VT
14. England National Team autographed jersey: Michelle Lemire, Dracut MA
15. $100 Gift Certificate - Wicked Awesome Wallpaper & Paint: Bryan Wentworth, Rollinsford NH
16. 18 tickets Luxury Suite NH Fisher Cats July 28, 2015 & goodies: Jayce Beaudoin, Sanford ME
17. 4 Putnam club tickets for NE Revolution & goodies: Korynne Provenzano, Stratham NH
18. $100 Gift Certificate - Dunkin Donuts:  Steve Cate, Contoocook NH
19. 4 Portland Pirates Tickets - TBD:  M. Rubino, S. Portland ME
20. Autographed Carli Lloyd USA National Team jersey:  Matt Lewis, Epping NH
21, 4 Red Sox tickets - TBD:  Mike DiBartolo
22. Brighton & Hove Albion team autographed jersey: Kyle Jacques
23. $100 Gift Certificate - Portsmouth Brewery:  Frances Burgess, Liverpool UK
24. 2 Boston Bruins Tickets - October 17th: Jon Yones, Cambridge MA
25. 2 New England Patriots tickets - TBD:  Ray Carey
26. USA National Team jacket: Darryl Hodson, Roswell GA
27. 2015 Limited Edition Boston Marathon backpack & jacket: Lynne Santosuosso, Barrington NH
28. $50 Gift Certificate - Portsmouth Brewery:  Melissa Senosk
29. Team autographed New England Revolution jersey:  Ian Burgess, Hampstead NH
30. 4 nights at Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater FL: Victor Sanchez, Haverhill MA

Winners of raffle items #1, 4, 9, 12, 19, 21, 24, 25, and 30 please email me at kkelly@seacoastunited.com so I can put you in contact directly with the person/company in possession of those tickets/certificates.

All raffle winners will be contacted via the information provided on the raffle ticket stub. Congratulations!

Photo Album - 12 July 15

Check out a few photos from today's cookout!  Thank you to everyone for your participation in making it a fun day!

Media Accounts to Follow

Below is a list of recommended Seacoast United media accounts to follow while the group is traveling in the UK:

Facebook:  Seacoast United's Facebook Page

YouTube:  Seacoast United's YouTube Channel

Twitter:  @seacoastunited: Official Twitter account of Seacoast United

Instagram:  @seacoastunited: Official Instagram account of Seacoast United

Blog:  http://suscbrightontrip2015.blogspot.com - Our official blog for the trip!  The "Brighton Blog" can be found from our www.seacoastunited.com home page too!

Also:

• Brighton & Hove Albion's Facebook page
• @officiabhafc: Twitter account of Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Trip Itinerary

The documents below include the latest itinerary for both the boys and girls.

• Boys Itinerary (last updated 8/4/15)
• Girls Itinerary (last updated 8/4/15)

What to bring... What not to bring...

This list will continue to be updated as we progress through the next few weeks.

What to bring in addition to uniform gear:

• towel
• bathing suit
• UK power outlet adapter for electronics
• casual clothes for off-field activities

Lancing College will provide laundry service 2x per week for our group.
NEW INFO (as of 7/14/15): Players should bring a mesh laundry bag (with closure tab) to hold their items.  I picked mine up on Amazon - something like this will work great: Click here.  Should be no more than $10 with shipping and you can write their name on the label with a permanent marker.

Players will not need:

• soccer ball
• water bottle

Uniform Items To Bring...

What to bring for uniforms/training gear...

Stuff you have:

• home match kit: lt blue jersey/shorts/socks
• away match kit: white jersey/navy shorts/navy hoop socks
• red 2014-15 training kit: jersey/shorts/socks
• navy t-shirt from June 2015 tryouts (NH)

(We have lt blue kits to borrow for those players based with Mariners & Benfica)

NEW: The lt blue drifit "Brighton Trip" t-shirt that the kids received at the cookout will be our travel shirt to wear on our flights to and from the UK.

Stuff you need to purchase from WeGotSoccer:

• 2015-16 royal blue training kit (jersey/shorts/socks)
• 2015-16 navy warmup (jacket/pants)

NH players should order here.  Mariners players should order here.

GOALKEEPERS:
Please plan on:

• black shorts/socks
• yellow and/or green goalkeeper jersey from last season 2014/15
• red 2014-15 training kit: (jersey/shorts/socks)
• navy t-shirt from June 2015 tryouts (NH)

Plus new gear:

• 2015-16 royal blue training kit (jersey/shorts/socks)
• 2015-16 navy warmup (jacket/pants)

Travel Documentation

Please make sure you have completed & submitted the following:

• copy of passport
• player welfare form
• notarized letter authorizing travel by minor w/o parent (see info below)
• model release form

Documents should be emailed to Kelly asap.  Not sure if you owe any documents?  View the spreadsheet here.

All families will need to complete a notarized letter authorizing travel for your child when accompanied by an adult who is not a family member.  The notarized copy of this letter must be submitted to Seacoast United prior to departure and presented to government authorities if requested.