WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!

The team I helped coach won the entire tournament. We were the only USA team to even make it to the finals. Pretty self rewarding and a great experience.

All the girl coaches. Me, KC (coach of older girls), Suz and Vivi (Brazilian Assistant Coach)

Natalie (MVP of tournament...golden boot) and Amanda.

Ole Brasil FC

We entered in the Zico Cup tournament in Ribeirao Preto, Brasil. This was at the Ole Academy. Players from Brasil live at this academy all year long playing soccer and competeing. Definitely, different from the USA.

Futsal is another form of soccer in Brasil. This is indoors on a court and only five players on each team. Definitely fun to watch and play.

Capoeira

We had a traditional Brazilian dance group come perform for us. They taught the group some moves. Capoeira is a form of dancing that is martial arts fighting. Definitely, interesting to watch.

Brasil 2010 - Itu

We stayed at a Sport Spa Resort in Itu, Sao Paolo. The facility was fabulous and the grounds were beautiful.
The soccer pitches!
The garden/workers break room.

The Zen Palace. This is where I stayed for the first three nights, while all the athletes and other coaches stayed in the hotel dorms.

The Dorms.

The pool.

Our Budda at the Zen Palace!

KOOZA Cirque Du Soleil