Chelsea Entrainment

Eitan and Joe invited to practice at the Chelsea Training Ground in Surrey (photo from my mobile). The center built by Roman Abramovich for his Blues. Abromavich has already invested >£800 M on the club, so what's another 32 pitches ? It is similar to a five-star hotel only for football. There is the clubhouse and greeting area, spectator stands and towers so Coach can observe or film from above. Timing systems analyse ball speed and sensors pinpoint strikes. The grass like butter. The professional squad has a designated area with own security &c. Eitan contemplates the Great Ones presence nearby.

Eitan and Joe a bit intimidated by it all - here, they wait for the coach and watch the under-12s goof about - so much bigger. So comfortable with each other. Joe's dad notes : "You would think they are going in front of the firing squad."

Once the boys put into squads they settle, with relief, into their warm-ups and drills.