BCSS SKILLS FINALIST TRIP - Anirudh Hattangadi
DAY ONE - Friday, Nov 26, 2004
We picked up Anirudh from the airport.
Immediately on arrival, Anirudh was taken to Manchester City Training Grounds, where he got to see the team train and practice their set pieces. Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan and Stuart Pierce, ex-England player were in charge. We were about 10m away from the players. Anirudh got to return the yellow EPL training balls that came our way. Later, we met Shawn Williams, Anelka, James and a few other players.
In the afternoon we took him shopping for his boots and kit and then checked into our hotel – Altrincham North Premiership Lodge.
In the evening Anirudh was taken to Knutsford Recreation Center for a BCSS training session with the U-15 Egerton Youth club. We met a few of our Egerton friends from the May ‘04 camp.
DAY TWO – Saturday, Nov 27, 2004
Skills final. It was a really cold & wet day about 6 degrees at Egerton training ground, with a chilly winter wind blowing across at times. Anirudh did really well considering the cold and his new shoes. He performed above average and was the topper amongst the foreigners who were invited from Australia, Malta, Egypt & Spain.
Later in the day, we took Anirudh for the Bolton v/s Portsmouth game. We hope you saw us, we were right behind the goal post. Unfortunately for Bolton they lost. Dinner at TGIF.
DAY THREE – Sunday, Nov 28, 2004
We visit Old Trafford Stadium , home of Manchester United. Anirudh (a Chelsea fan) is shown the triple cups – Champions, FA Cup and Premier League Cup and an impressive show case of cups. Later we took him for a guided tour of the Stadium. The stands, the bench, the changing room, the showers, the tunnel, the news room, the press room, dining room. The tour ended at the MU shop.
In the afternoon Anirudh was let loose at the Trafford City center to do his shopping. We then went to JJB sports center to watch Liverpool - Arsenal match. Later, we treated Ani to the World famous Fish & Chip restaurant – The Harry Ramsden.
DAY 4 – Monday, Nov 29, 2004
Return to Mumbai