Central’s women soccer squad slated for European adventure
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA — After previously venturing across the pond in 2012 and 2015, the Central College women’s soccer team is headed back to the Netherlands and Germany in March of 2019.
The Dutch will travel during the Central College academic spring break March 15-23.
“It will be fantastic for our team, players, staff and parents to experience the Dutch and German cultures,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “We are grateful to watch the beautiful game in two countries that value the sport we love so much.”
Multiple training sessions during the trip will allow the Dutch players and staff to work with professional coaches in the Netherlands.
“The training will show the players just how intense it is overseas and that they expect perfection,” said Kobylinski. “If you make a mistake, you learn from it and correct it immediately is their attitude. They have patience, but their firmness is something our coaches and players can learn from in the United States. They coach the player and nothing else.”
“Development is the No. 1 priority in their system and overtakes winning at all times,” said Kobylinski. “Winning is a byproduct of structure, discipline and repetition.”
In addition to a busy training schedule, the Dutch will play three or four competitive matches in a five-day span against high-level sides from both countries. Additionally, the team will attend Bundesliga (Germany) and Eredivisie (Netherlands) professional matches and go on a stadium tour of the Amsterdam Arena, the largest stadium in the Netherlands.
The teams will also have a chance to explore the cities of Nijmegen, Groesbeek and Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Dusseldorf in Germany. Other tourist experiences include Doornenburg Castle, Keukenhof tulip garden and the Anne Frank House.
“I am very excited for our players to once again have the opportunity to go on a once in a life time trip,” Kobylinski said. “I am so excited for the itinerary that Jan Prujin has set up for us. We hope this will add to the total Dutch soccer experience, which makes our program so unique.”
