April 21, 2004
Duquesne University Head Women's Coach James Walker, his assistant Tim Zundel, and the Head Men's Coach Wade Jean all returned recently form a trip to England, where they had an opportunity to take an inside, behind-the-scenes look at two of the world's famous clubs Manchester United and Arsenal FC. Coach Walker's father James, who played and coached professionally in England for over 25 years, helped to setup the trip.
The Arsenal training ground was the first stop on their list. The staff at Arsenal welcomed the three to watch the first team train and to watch the under 17's boys team play the Celtic under 17's boys. After watching the intense training and the game, they were invited to have lunch with the players and staff. The Dukes' staff had an opportunity to sit down and chat with the Arsenal manager Arsene Wanger, Martin Keown and Ashley Cole, both English Internationals. After lunch they were given a tour of the dressing rooms, training rooms and fitness centers.
"Anytime you get a chance to sit down, meet and watch some of the best players and coaches in the world, it is always a great learning experience," said Coach Walker.
Coach Jean added, "Everyone at Arsenal was terrific and very professional. It is no wonder why they are the team they are."
Just as the three had time to let their experience at Arsenal sink in, there was another surprise in store. They were all invited by Sir Alex Ferguson to watch the Manchester United first team train the day before their match against Birmingham City. All three Duquesne coaches were escorted to an enclosed area were they met the players and staff. Manchester United practiced for about an hour and fifteen minutes and then most of the players either stayed behind to work on their skills or went to the gym for some extra fitness work. After the training, Sir Ferguson invited them into the dressing room followed by lunch with the players and staff. During the day they had a chance to sit down and talk with some of the first team players such as American goalkeeper Tim Howard, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and Diego Forlan.
The next stop on the day was a behind-the-scenes tour of Old Trafford, where United plays, to see the team's dressing rooms, player's lounge and the museum. The day ended with an invitation to watch the game between Manchester and Birmingham City the following day. Coach Zundel said, "The day we spent with Manchester United was amazing. They have world-class facilities and people involved in the club. You feel a sense of pride throughout the entire club. It is no wonder why they have won so many trophies."
Both teams went on to win their league games that week.
When asked about their trip this is what the coaches had to say, Coach Walker: "It was an opportunity of a lifetime to be able to meet the people we met and to be able to go behind the scenes and take it all in." Coach Jean: "The whole trip was a very positive one for us all and we met some first class people." Coach Zundel: "This trip was one that I will always remember, everyone was so welcoming and friendly, we all learned a lot."
