Burnley activity centre hosts USA girls youth team

The Springfield Youth Club Pride was over in the UK to play three football games with local clubs (Crosby Stuart in Liverpool, Preston North End and Blackburn and Darwen) and chose the Coldwell Activity Centre in Burnley as their base for the duration of their stay.

As well as playing football it was also a holiday for the girls and an opportunity to visit England and tour key attractions across the North-West.

The girls travelled from Washington and loved their football experience, and their stay in Burnley.

David Kerr, director of coaching for the Springfield Youth Club Pride said: “It's been amazing, so much fun. Learning about different cultures and seeing how other people live. We love the different accents we’ve encountered across the North West. The girl’s favourite experience has been trying English food and attending a professional game Preston v Burnley.

“The girls have also learned some new football tips on their travels too, getting to grips with slide tackling, heading, playing on the ground and flicking the ball.”

David added: “The girls loved being based at the Coldwell Activity Centre, and they particular loved the bubble soccer and sports day – they loved the English food the team at Coldwell served too, particularly the fish and chips, beef pies and scones!

"But most of all they loved the fabulous landscapes around Burnley and the Thursden Valley, and they’ll take some great memories of Burnley back to the USA with them.”

“The activity centre provides a great bonding experience, and the area around the centre is so pretty.”

Claire Ansell, Coldwell Centre Manager said: “It was fabulous to welcome the SYC team to England and in particular to be hosts to them at our centre.

"The girls were a real credit to their team, coaches and families. It was lovely to be able to introduce them to new foods- like mushy peas for instance, a real Northern delight! They always had smiles on their faces and threw themselves wholeheartedly into all the activities whilst on site. We would love to welcome them back to Coldwell again in the future.”

For enquiries about the centre and team building days visit www.coldwell.org.uk