The Royals' Community Trust has been partaking in a number of overseas educational trips in the past few weeks, and our coaches helped manage a team that earned a draw with Italian giants Inter Milan.
Over the last six weeks, coaches have visited Houston, New Jersey, Toronto and Nantes. On each of the trips our staff help impart their knowledge on teams in the local area, and run coaching sessions throughout their stay.
Most recently, Community Manager Lee Herron and coach Ryan Williams began in Texas to continue our link with Albion Hurricanes.
Lee explained, "We were there for a week and worked with their Academy players age 15 to 18, boys and girls.
"The professionalism of the club never ceases to surprise you, they are exceptionally well-run and renowned in their area for their work in the community.
"We helped the players with their game understanding, team shape and ran an in-service day for their coaches which will hopefully help leave a legacy in the training.
"From there we flew to New Jersey to work with the South Jersey Barons of Ocean City.
"Their general manager Neil Holloway is a former YTS player at Reading, and at first we worked with their u11s to u15s.
"Later we took their u17s for a day, and put a squad together to take on Inter Milan the next night. Inter are Italian champions at that level, and we drew 1-1 in front of 5,000 people at a high school stadium.
"There was some great ability shown on both sides, and hats off to the American lads for going 1-0 up. Inter levelled ten minutes later but we dominated the second half and had a great chance to win it.
"It was a fantastic experience for Ryan and I, and great publicity for the clubs. We are building on our overseas partnerships and it was a great way to end the summer."
Why not become a club partner with Reading Football Club's Football in the Community club partnership? You can have the opportunity to work alongside the Royals' Community scheme in the development of your own club.
For a long time now, the Community scheme has been very proactive in our schools programme, and we can now offer similar support to local clubs in our area.
The partnership offers clubs the chance to tap into the expertise and support of our staff here at Reading Football Club. We can run soccer schools exclusively for your club, and this is already an outstanding success for clubs like Twyford Comets, Benson and Westwood Wanderers, and clubs overseas.
We also offer Managers Days for your managers, parents and volunteers.This gives you the chance to see behind the scenes at Reading Football Club. The day consists of coaching demonstrations held by our coaches here at the club and there will also be sessions on player development, injuries and child protection issues, to name a few.
If you would like further information or would like to sign up for the project, please contact Lee Herron, Manager of the Football in the Community scheme at Reading Football Club on 0118 968 1460 / 1148.
