What a weekend! Everything went according to plan, everyone enjoyed themselves and we made it back in one piece.

The boys were in high spirits as we left Melford on Friday lunchtime and stayed that way most of the time. Max and Ollie kept us entertained with their humour and antics throughout (where does Max get his energy from?) and the image of them joining in with the water aerobics at the pool will stay with me for a long time.

On Saturday we had an early start and were ferried to the training facility where the boys had two hours with an A.C. Milan coach. He took them through their paces, concentrating on skills individually and in groups, and they all enjoyed the session. We were looked after for the day by Roberto who spoke very good English, and he told us that their boys train three times per week on skills only! The only fitness training they do is at school, a two hour session once a week. This explains why the Italians have a high level of skill and flair.

After the session we stopped for lunch at a local restaurant which Roberto had organised; we had a set menu which was delicious. The adults enjoyed not having to drive (beer and red wine went down well) and the boys soon found a Playstation game in the corner. The owner and his chef (he cooked in his Milan Kaka shirt!) were generous hosts and joined in with the boys enjoyment. We all shook hands and went on our way to the match.

This was in a stadium which admittedly had seen better days but nonetheless we were made to feel very welcome. I’m glad Roberto was there, as the opposing manager didn’t speak any English (and my Italian stretches to “Morning,” and “two beers please”, though not at the same time).

Once the boys were changed they lined up in the tunnel and Roberto called their name and number out over the loudspeaker and they ran out one at a time, applauded by the Italians who had formed two lines to welcome them out. We then returned the compliment, and both teams lined up and the national anthems were played. No time for a warm up, straight into the game.

The pitch was no better than Bernie's, so we felt at home. Our boys started well with a determination I was proud of. In the first of three periods of twenty minutes each we won a free kick just outside their penalty box which Brad took, laying it back to Kenzie who hit it just right, forcing a great save from their keeper. This encouraged the boys further (who had been convinced for several weeks they would get thrashed), and after ten minutes Billy hit a first time shot from the corner of their penalty area and got some height on it, and we all watched it float high over their keeper and into the net. They went crazy! The game carried on and was even most of the time, but the Italians levelled the score just before the end of the first break.

In the second period we played some good football and contained a few attacks by the Italians, although they did show glimpses of skill and had they been given more space and time by our boys they would have been more dangerous. We had a good chance when Dan Knowles received a throw from Kenzie, crossed and Ollie’s header was just wide.

When we did allow a bit of space we allowed them to cross and saw the volley blasted just over. Final score was 1-1, which was a fair result, but we then had a penalty shoot out. US Virtus Benasco had more players than us so some of our boys went twice, and we eventually won 9-5. Max saved a couple, and scored one himself – he even told the keeper where he was going to place it! The game was spoiled a little by the referee, who made some strange decisions, but I suppose it was good of them to allow someone so old to feel they were still needed by society!

The boys were delighted with the result, singing in the dressing room; Jordan was going round hugging everyone and crying and laughing because he was so happy. More singing on the bus back to the sports village where we stayed, including a song with a reference to my muscular legs. After dinner we enjoyed the evening, when Dave King, our illustrious Chairman got up on stage and “danced” with a group from a school party who applauded his antics at the end (so that’s where Ollie gets it from). Then back to the villas, when one of our parents got locked out wearing not much more than a smile, much to the boys’ merriment.

Sunday was a free day so we chilled out, swimming at the pool in the silly latex hats they make you wear, and then some of us hired a couple of speed boats and had a thrash round on the lake for an hour. Great fun! Then we challenged the boys to a match which they won on penalties, but only after Max gave Tony a really hard time – Tony had told Max he was going to score a hat trick, which he eventually did, but only after Max (playing in defence) had stopped Tony from scoring countless times, and kicking him up in the air.

After dinner that night it was down to the bar and disco again, followed by tea and coffee at Kingy’s café. The boys were glued to the TV as they took in the Italian culture. Monday, and we left the village to go to the San Siro stadium for a tour. What an awesome stadium it is. It must be deafening to be there when a game is on. Then lunch, back on the coach and straight to the airport.

All in all it was a fantastic weekend. The weather was kind; mostly dry and warm, sunny at times, and certainly better than it was here. The food was excellent, the grown ups had some laughs and a beer or two, and the locals were very friendly. The boys all behaved themselves and I know everyone enjoyed the whole experience.I hope the boys never forget it, I know I won’t.

Thanks for a great weekend, boys.

STEVE GATES