In late July, the Redmond Crossfire U14 team — Washington Youth Soccer Founders Cup winners — ventured to the UK for some European soccer. Engaging with peers from around the world, united by their passion for futbol, the boys experienced the soccer trip of a lifetime.

Coach Tom Button explains his goals for the trip as staying safe, having fun, team building, making friends and improving as players and as a team.

“We are not there to compete for a championship. We are there for all of the other, longer-lasting, reasons we invest in youth sports. There will certainly be a period of adjustment (to time change and speed and physicality of play), so the scores are hard to predict. We’ll be fine whatever the score. Our goals are as stated, and they are not dependent on game outcomes,” he said.

“The final principle we held to throughout the planning process, was that if we went at all, we would go as a team. No player would be left behind because of financial concerns. The team raised all the money necessary to take every single player on the roster, so the impact on team building was felt right from the start,” he added.

The boys played six tournament games followed by four friendlies, finishing with a total record of 5-3-2. The boys scored a total of 28 goals versus 17 allowed. Showing their toughness, they were undefeated on days when they played multiple games, earning the team a big trophy for winning the “Plate” playoffs/finals for their age group at the Nottingham Cup tournament.

During the 14-day trip, the team, coaches and chaperones visited Nottingham, London and Chester, Wales. They toured the traditional sights in London, including the major stadiums and even received academy-level coaching. The most memorable part of the trip was attending a live Swansea versus Chelsea game.