No Time to Rest

Hi all,

I will be updating my blog very soon, so stay tuned.  I have so much to share, but for now check out this short video I did with my friend!

Until then, see you later!

New Year 2013

Bon dia. . . .

Tuesday, January 1, 2013
As you also may know we just celebrated a New Year and we all went down to La Rambla to celebrate New Year's Eve. There were fireworks of all different colours and so many people just walking around singing and acting crazy.  By the time we got back to our room, it was 2 o'clock in the morning and I stayed up till 3:30 watching movies. I finally went to bed later on.  Overall, it has been a really good time for me and I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year.  I will keep you posted, but for now . . . .

Adeu! Adios!

                                          Sunday, December 30th, 2012

These couple of days I have been really busy.  I went to the park to play football with my Dad , Kenni, and Coach Kenny for the 2nd straight day.  Later on we went to the Barcelona Zoo by train.  They have every animal you can think of:  elephants, bears, tigers, lions,and penguins.  We rented these golf carts to drive around the park and got to see all the exhibits.  It was awesome!!

Monday, December 31st, 2012

So far I have been having a good time here with my Dad.  We have planned to visit a lot of places with the Thompson family.  Most mornings we have been going to the park to play in "The Cage".(football arena where all the neighbourhood kids come from sun up to sun down)  Kenni, Coach Kenny meet us early in the morning to play football and we play until lunch time usually after riding our scooters around the square.  In the next few days we are supposed to be going to the Barcelona Zoo and the Science Museum.

The Cage where boys become MEN!! : )

Christmas in Barca!

Well I'm still in Barcelona! I didn't get to go home for the holidays, but my Dad did come to see me instead. I was a bit sad not to be able to see my family that I miss and my friends, but at least I can spend the holidays with at least one member of my family.  

We finished our last classes last Wednesday and the rest of the Bermudian boys left on Friday. I also played my last game before the Xmas break and we drew 0-0 against UE Vilassar.  The other team was huge and I couldn't see passed their chest.  A very hard game but we managed to play pretty well.  No more games until January 5th, but training starts back on January 3 & 4 so there's no time really to rest. 

I had planned to go all over Spain, to Valencia, to Bilbao, and Madrid, but that doesn't look like it will happen.  Too far to travel and my Dad says we need to plan for those types of trips. So Xmas in Spain will be quite different! I'll post again real soon, until then. . . . Bones Festes!

View from the pitch with mountain  in the background - Vilassar de Mar

School & More

I finally started school this past Monday and after a looong summer I’m glad to be back in school. J My day still includes early morning technification (one-on-one training) with Coach Didi at 9am until 10am. After a quick shower I have my first class of Intense Spanish from 10:30am till 12:30. Lunch at the dorm cafeteria is at 1pm. We usually sit with the other tennis academy players and have a few laughs, then its back to class. More Spanish and learning Catalan and we also are learning about Catalan history and culture. That class ends at 5:30pm and after that we finally have a bit of time to ourselves where we can relax in our rooms, Skype our parents, or play Fifa 13 on Shane’s X-box.

 

Me helping Shane with his Spanish.

By the time I get comfortable, its time for training at Cornella. The weather is just starting to get cold and I have picked up a few injuries from my last match last Sunday. I’ve been told that I need rest and will not be able to train or play in this weekend’s match. Depressing . . . but I’ll come back stronger!!

New Country . . New Home!!

Week 1 Augusto 20 - 25

I am now in Cornella (Barcelona) Spain staying at the tennis academy dormitory. I have adjusted well to the Spanish style of play. It was kind of hard to adjust to the type of foods they eat but it has slowly gotten better.

I have met many new friends in the dorms and on my team.  Some training sessions have been very difficult while others are easy.  For warm ups we run for many many laps for at least 10 minutes and after that we stretch after every exercise. 

 

We have had training sessions where we run for 20 mins rest for 5mins and then run another 20mins, rest and finally run a last 20 mins session. This run is around the RCD Espanyol Stadium which is right next to the Cornella Stadium.  To finish off we have sprint contests against each other. It is so hot here in Spain and we are forced to take lots of water breaks.  Comparing it to BAA all  I can say that all my teammates give 110% and are very good.  Everyone on the team has technical ability and are really tactical in their play. 

 

Sunday Agosto 26

I  played my first pre-season games today. Lucky enough I was chosen to play on the "A" team and then play on my regular "B" team. We played against older opposition and the score was 3-1 to the older guys. It was very hot and I did get a bit tired, but it is training once again tomorrow. . . no rest!

 

Week 2 Agosto 27 - Septiembre 2 Monday - Friday

Training again at 10:00am till 11:45am.  We worked on our positional play and then worked on a few shooting drills. After training we usual go back to the dorms and rest before lunch.  When we are not training we hang out with my dorm friends Tyree,Tom (tennis player), Arturo, Knory, Enrique, and Jahkari playing football on the tennis courts or paddle tennis, or swimming in the pool.  There is always something going on at the tennis academy.  Just this week there was a tennis tournament and there was so many people playing in the tournament.

 

Saturday & Sunday

Played my second game for Cornella and we lost 2-0 to a team that was older and bigger than us.  I came on in the 2nd half and played in the midfield. It was really hot but after a few minutes the heat was not on my mind any more.  They had some really big guys on their team and they were really fast.  I had two shots on goal and the keeper made good saves of both of them. I think I played well but I know I can get better!

 

Sunday we travelled to another field and played our 3rd pre-season game against a team called IIdefons.  I started on the bench and came on the 2nd half.  When I came on I was in the midfield and played pretty well.  We ended up winning the game 3-0 our first victory of the pre-season and all of my team mates were so happy!  I feel that I am getting stronger and fitter with all this training. The seasons starts in 2 weeks, so I have plenty of time to get even better!  

New & Exciting Challenges

From left: Enrique, Kane, Knory

UECornella Bound

Por fin estoy fuera de la escuela y terminó con honores! Es el momento para mí para comenzar mi entrenamiento de fútbol intenso, con mi padre y prepararme para mi gran movimiento a Barcelona, ​​España. Dejo las Bermudas el 18 de agosto y tomar el vuelo de British Airways a Inglaterra. Un autobús nos llevará desde Londres Gatwick al aeropuerto de Heathrow y de allí a Barcelona. Me va a permanecer en los dormitorios de tenis, por ahora, hasta los dormitorios en Cornella terminado. Otras cuatro personas de las Bermudas será conmigo. Mi primo Knory Scott, Kenni Thompson, Russell Enrique y Furbert Jahkari.

No puedo esperar! Esta será una gran oportunidad para todos nosotros. Vamos a aprender a hablar español y catalán, tengan una buena educación, y jugar un deporte que todos amamos. Lo mejor de todo Cornella se asocia con el mejor equipo del mundo, el FC Barcelona.

Muchas gracias a todos nuestros Sponsers y nos desean buena suerte!

Kane Crichlow

English Translation

I'm finally out of school and finished with honors! It is time for me to start my intense football training with my father and prepare for my big move to Barcelona, Spain. I leave Bermuda on August 18 and take the British Airways flight to England. A bus will take us from London Gatwick to Heathrow Airport and from there to Barcelona. I will be staying in the tennis dormitories, for now, until the dorms at Cornella are finished. Four others from Bermuda will be with me. My cousin Knory Scott, Kenni Thompson, Enrique Russell and Jahkari Furbert.

I can not wait! This will be a great opportunity for us all.  We will learn how to speak Spanish and Catalan, get a good education, and play a sport that we all love. Best of all Cornella is associated with the best team in the world, FC Barcelona.

Thank you very much to all our Sponsers and wish us good luck!

Kane Crichlow

BAA tour of Cornella 2012

crichlow2012's photostream on Flickr.

Check out some of the pictures during my visit to Barcelona

Good Memories . .

One of my good memories is playing with Cornella B team (infantile) in a tournament last Saturday because it was a great experience and also because we won. Both our games went to penalty shoot-outs where I was asked to take one in each game. The first one I took and scored sent us to the next round. The second game I was able to score again. In the finals, I played my best football. I set up the 1st goal, scored the 2nd goal, and set up the last goal. Cornella won the match 3 nil and my teammates and I were very excited. They were singing and dancing all the way to the changing rooms. I scored 3 goals in the tournament and 6 goals in all. I also got to train with the top team in my age group the Cornella A team. I’ve met new friends and saw some old friends that I hope to see real soon!
I had a really good time on this tour and many memories!!

In Barcelona . . .

The day usually started at 8:30am where we had training at the Cornella training ground with Coach Enllaki who trained us really hard. Lunch was next at our favorite spot, Subway. We went there every day and after eating we went back to the hotel to rest before playing the evening matches. The days were long and by the time we arrived back at the hotel it was always late into the night. Overall we won 1 match, lost 2, but it was an improvement from our last trip in October.

We also went to a Champions league game with 94,000 fans screaming and chanting Barcelona, Barcelona!! The match was Barcelona against AC Milan and Barcelona won 3-1, so Barcelona will now play Chelsea and whoever wins goes to Munich for the finals.

Leaving for Barcelona

I was very excited to be leaving Bermuda for Barcelona, Spain. I arrived at the airport to meet up with my teammates who were just as excited as me. Our first stop was to London, England. This flight took 6 hours. The landing was a bit bumpy but we landed safely. Then we had to transfer on a bus to Heathrow airport. When we got there we checked in and the workers took our bags to board the plane.

When we boarded the plane we sat in our seats and then took off for Barcelona. This flight took us 2 hours. Once we got in we caught a bus to our hotel called Campanile Hotel . I had to room with my Dad. After we put our bags in our rooms, we went to straight to a football match between Barcelona and Athletico Bilbao. The score was 2-0 to Barcelona. The most exciting thing that happened during the game was that my two favorite players scored both goals and they were Iniesta and Messi. Messi scored a penalty and Iniesta scored a well placed goal.

Kappa Classic 2012

The Finals - Life or Death!
Last year this time my teammates and I were crying after losing 3-1 to Hot Peppers. We did not want to finish as runners-up this year.  This time we had the drive to push us to the win.  The match started off rough with tackles all over.  Hot Peppers scored and then Knory scored to even the score. Hot Peppers then went ahead 2-1 and then quickly it was 3-1.  Not AGAIN!! The match got even rougher but we kept our cool and stormed back with Knory getting his second, 3-2.  Just when we were back in it, Hot Peppers made it 4-2. There was not much time left and we were about to be knocked out of the Kappa Classics. Not yet, Enrique slipped passed his defender and flicked the ball into the net, 4-3. With not much time left we went searching for the equalizing goal. I managed to beat my defender to the ball and he could not do anything but hold me and dragged me down in the penalty box.  The ref blew his whistle and awarded us a penalty.  I stepped up calmly and sent the goalie the wrong way and the score was tied.  The ref blew the final whistle right after.  PENALTY KICKS!! 1-2-3 Knory, Kane, and Enrique. We all scored and Hot Peppers missed one and we were on to the finals against NVCC.

THE FINALS - We are the Champions!! The match was intense and again we were up against bigger, stronger, and more physical boys. I scored the only goal from a free kick just outside the box.  I was thinking that I had to score in order for us to lift the trophy. When the ball hit the back of the net I was relieved and I believe we deserved to win because we played the better football throughout the tournament.  I have learned that it is not always about being bigger, it is about football intelligence!

Now we are onto our next football challenge in Spain. Until then, Adios!!

Kappa Classic 2012

Day 2

Up first we faced Devonshire Colts at BFA Field and it was HOT! Colts played us hard and we had chances to go up but didn't take them.  I managed to take us ahead when Rye put a cross in and I tapped it in passed the diving goalie.  It was still very close and Colts pressed us until Rye ran down the right side to shoot past the rushing goalie.  When the final whistle blew we knew we had just finished a real battle.

With that win we were through to the quarter finals and so our next match against Devonshire Cougars allowed Coach Thompson to rest a few of the players.  Cougars played very well and we were having trouble scoring. At half time the score was still nil, nil and then Coach Thompson put me on.  Travis made a run and I saw him and sent him thru for him to give us the goal we needed. The game ended 1 nil to B.A.A.

Who should we face in the quarter finals, but Dandy Town.  They were bigger and stronger than us, but we stuck to our game plan, which is to play our style. Before they could use their size and strength Knory scored our first goal and then I knocked in the second.  Right after, Enrique made it 3 nil.  Dandy Town did manage to score late into the match, but it was not enough.  The win meant we would face the team that beat us in the finals last year, Hamiton Parish Hot Peppers!

Kappa Classic 2012

Day 1
It was the first day of the tournament and my team, BAA, played really well.  We played against Hamiton Parish and won 6 nil.  I scored two goals, one a superb header and the second one with a cross played in by my teammate. Knory scored three goals, Enrique scored one, and I scored two. Our second match was against Young Men's Social Club and we won 4 nil. I managed to score two more goals, Knory scored one, and Enrique scored one.
I think in the 1st game we played a bit timid and we started to play our style of football once we settled, with quick passes and movement off the ball. The other team played really well and as the game wore on we were able to gain control of the game.  Our 2nd game we started off really well and controlled the middle field.  It was faster and our opponents pushed us to raise our game.  In the end we were able to win and keep possession of the ball. Overall we had a really good performance and tomorrow will see us play tougher opponents: Devonshire Cougars and Devonshire Colts.

Thank You,

Kane

Kappa Classic 2012

Over the next few weeks my team will be preparing to play in the Kappa Classic 2012.  Last year we lost in the fnals and this year will be even tougher.  I am also getting ready to go to Barcelona for a week of training and matches against U.E. Cornella best players right after the tournament.  During our last visit I played against some very good boys.  I think both will be tough and I cannot wait until we leave!

BAA U.E. Cornella Football in Bermuda 2012

This past week I have been at a camp run by U.E. Cornella who have come all the way from Barcelona, Spain. It has been a really tough week of drills and small sided matches, but I have enjoyed all of it! My team B.A.A. also were coached by the Cornella coaches, Pablo and Andres. On the last day of the camp my group (U12s) had a competition called the CROSSBAR CHALLENGE and I ended up winning. The prize was a U.E. Cornella jersey which I had my coaches sign. Next up . . back to Spain in April for a week of training with the U.E. Cornella coaches with the rest of my B.A.A. teammates.

My coach autographs my jersey after winning CROSS BAR CHALENGE.

Until then, Adios amigos

October Trip to Barcelona

Today, Saturday, Oct 22 I leave with a few of my B.A.A. team-mates to go to Barcelona for a week of games and training at UD Cornella. I'm sooo excited about this trip and can't wait. We will be playing 7-a-side games and also get to train at their sports complex. On top of that we will be going to see a live match between Espanyol vs Betis and the most exciting thing is we get to see the Barcelona boys training grounds and hopefully get to watch them train!! YIPPEEE!!

Tour of a Lifetime August 3rd - August 24th

I had an amazing time over in Europe not only playing football but also learning about new countries. During my trip we crossed over into Belgium and Germany and although our time was short, it was well worth it. We visited the PSV Academy and saw a training session by 13 year olds. We also walked around Amsterdam and saw almost everybody riding bicycles. The highlight of the trip was going to watch Ajax play at the Amsterdam Arena.
The second part of my summer trip was meeting up with the Bermuda Brazilian Football School in Holland. We visited the Ajax training grounds and crossed over into Germany where we were coached by Bayer Leverkusen coaches. It was a busy tour and I had a great time. The experience should help me be a better player. I cannot wait until the season starts!!

Kappa Classic All-Stars 2011

My Dad just told me that I have been selected for the 2011 Kappa Classic All Stars Football game at National Stadium on Sunday, August 7. Wow, this is my fourth year in being selected and I am very greatful. Unfortunately, I will be touring Holland during this time and would have loved to be a part of this, but there is always next year!!

Good luck to the WEST!!

The Latest!!

Hello all, I haven't had my Dad update my blog in a while, but I have been really busy! I recently took part in the Alpha Kappa 2011 Football Tournament with my club team BAA Academy. The event was held over two days and we managed to get to the finals against Hamilton Parish only to lose to them by a score of 3 -1. It was very disappointing for the entire squad but lessons were learned!

More recently I was selected by my school, Warwick Academy, to represent them at the annual Denton Hurdle Awards showcasing my athleticism, community involvement, and positive demeanor. It was truly a humbling experience to be selected with so many other talented individuals from across Bermuda.

As you know BAA Academy will be flying off to Holland on August 3-16 and we have been training for the last 6 weeks working on our technique and meeting some of the new players coming to join the team. Coach Kenny has given us a week off and we resume training next week where the real work begins!! I'm off to Orlando, Florida with my Ma & Pa and two cousins for a much needed vacation and I cannot wait!! Until then . . I want to leave you with a quote from Coach Kenny which has inspired me. .

Talent is a myth, its all about Hard work!!

What's Up Next!! BAA Academy Tour

BAA tour of Holland 2011

In August I will be traveling with the Bermuda Athletic Association Academy(BAA)to Holland where I will be training and playing against Dutch U10s. I'm soooo excited about going over to Holland where I will be visiting Ajax of Amsterdam and PSV and hopefully will learn to play like some of the great Dutch players!

So Stayed Tuned, You Won't Wanna Miss My Next Post!!