Follow Daniel Ridenhour's Daily Recruiting Blog From Uganda March 11-24

 

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March 24

 

I am back in the US and on solid ground.  I landed in Memphis at 5 pm and was through customs in over an hour.  Wish I would have been able to connect up with Mom and Dad and two siblings.  The connection was short and thus unable to plan this.

 
I landed around 10 pm in Charlotte and was greeted by my loving wife, Emily.  I was glad to see her and excited to be home.  I was able to get a shower this morning.  It was very nice to have hot water and soak in it all for a while. 
 
There should be some picturess up on the website.
 
This was a great trip and experience.  I hope to be able to make it again in the future to further our relationship and see more players. 
 
Thank you for all following.  I hope the notes allowed you to feel like a part of the trip.  I did my best to stay updated through things and keep you guys connected to things.
 
I would like to thank Winthrop, Gaffer, IK, Emily, and the Ugandan people for the trip.  The trip was great and an adventure from start to finish.
 
WA AKUME (Take care of yourself)

 

 

MARCH 22-24

March 22 (PM)

 

Got to see another game which was exciting and end to end stuff.  There were some excellent goals and the play flowed for 90 minutes.  It was the last game of the trip. 
 
This is my last full day in Uganda.  It has been a great trip.  Lots on new experiences and really getting to further build relationships.  Watching lots of games and seeing what the future might hold for some young men.  Getting to the schools and having a chance to meet many headmasters and gain a better understanding of the educational system was a big bonus.  Many of the top schools are boarding schools and students typically are in house for 3 months and a month off throughout the year.  In many cases the schools are much better equipped to handle and look after the kids than the parents are. 
 
Heading to bed for my last night here in the cozy room. 
 
Night
 
DR
 
March 23

 

Well, I finally slept in and got some much needed rest.  Need to pack up and prepare to go to the airport for the later flight.
 
A bit later in the day.
 
It has been a deluge for the entire morning.  Almost flood levels.  I have been a bit worried about being able to get down the hill from the house to the main road to Entebee.  We wanted to get to church but that was really not an option.  Had a wonderful breakfast and played a fun board game with the guys.  Not sure what it is called but it was tons of fun and really challenging.
 
Well we decided to leave at 5 pm for the airport due to the rain. And what would this trip be without a little excitement and fun.  Our driver, Godfrey (God), has been sleeping in the car for 4 hours with the radio running.  None of us knew this.  The car is dead.  Battery done.  After sometime, IK, is able to get a mechanic up to jump start the car.  Godfrey has gone to look for another battery so we are off without him.  A new driver named Tony does well to get us down the hill.  We must make a stop on the way.  Naturally thinking the battery has been recharged Tony turns the car off.  A bit later try to get going again and battery is not working again.  We try and jump it for 30 minutes with no luck.  The gents who are helping us are kind enough, knowing that I need to get to the airport, to SELL THEIR BATTERY OUT OF THEIR CAR!  I kid you not.  Easter Sunday, nothing open and we are buying a battery out of the car of another car in town.  Amazing how things work here in Uganda. 
 
Make it to the airport and a pleasant send off from IK, his wife Doreen, and my roommate Moses.
 
I greatly want to acknowledge IK, Doreen, and their family.  They have been wonderful host and really gone out of their way to make me feel welcomed.  The meals have been wonderful and not sure how you go back to processed food after having so much fresh food for better part of 10 days.  They have a wonderful family and I would gladly welcome them to the US anytime in the future.
 
I want to also really say "Webala" to IK for keeping the schedule focused on games, seeing training, and getting to really immerse myself into the culture.  He is a very good man with a great heart for kids and I am greatfull for his friendship.  I hope that it is able to continue for many years.  Here is to you BIG MAN!  Keep your faith and continue to be so strong and the excellent role model you are for kids in Uganda.
 
March 24

 

I had an overnight flight and slept most of the way.  I am in Amsterdam and tried to get an earlier flight but was way to costly so I have some time to spend.  Will probably check some email and get some work done.  Only have 7 hours or so to kill here. 
 
I cannot wait to get back home and into the office.  Lots of work to be done and gearing up for the Manchester Cup.  I know Gaffer has been working hard and keeping me updated on things.  I really think THE CUP could be a great event this year.  The Gaffer has set up an excellent field and really put the event on the map.
 
I will drop a note tomorrow to follow up and try and get all the picturess loaded onto a page. 
 
From Amsterdam at 710 am local time.
 
DR 

MARCH 21-22

March 21

A humbling day and a day to be thankful. I was honored to be requested by the FUFA President Mr. Lawerence.  IK is very tight with the board so a big THANK YOU to him for setting this up.

We first watched the Cranes (National Team) training. It was a very fast session and you could see the players were really struggling through it. Many of the sessions have been fitness based with the ball. A tired group after the day and going 5 days in the heat is taking a toll. We then left for the meeting.

Our discussions centered on coaching education in the US. It was a great chat and really a way for FUFA and their technical director Edgar to have some solid ideas to go forward with. There is currently no coaching license in Uganda. They do hold courses at times for education but a formal system is not in place. The board and the President were very receptive to ideas and I really do look forward to seeing where they end up with everything. I hope to be in touch with Edgar regularly to find out how they are doing.

We departed and then headed to see some local U-16 games. There were 6 teams playing in a tournament on 1 field. We managed to see 4 teams play before the rain came. Left quickly as the rain was hard.

Henry's father hosted me and IK for dinner. It was very nice being able to learn about Henry and his family. His father is in good health and he does take it a bit slower than he use to but does teach at Makeerere High School.

With a full stomach and the night upon me, I hit the bed.

DR

March 22

So it is quickly coming to an end. It is my last full day in Uganda. I will miss it but I am at the same time ready to come home.

Conducted a 3 hour training session for UYSP. The kids were upbeat and the session was so fun to coach. The three staff members were a pleasure to work with and exchanging ideas with them was a blessing. There is some real talent among the players but they are also some special young men. I thanked them for the chance to work with them and one player was so nice to pray for me, my family, and my journey home. The kids here are so mature and really prepared. I think that goes to IK as he is an excellent role model for the kids.

We said our goodbyes and headed to lunch and now here at the internet cafe.

This will be my last post from Uganda. I will catch up again in Amsterdam to complete the update for March 22 and March 23.

I am leaving here right now to catch the last two matches at Mandela National.

From Uganda it has been a pleasure and I hope you have enjoyed reading about the trip. I will have pictures posted upon my return.

Wabalera(thanks)

DR

MARCH 20

March 20

 
Good afternoon to all.  It is 7 pm here and sitting down to give you an update on the day.  It has been a fun filled and exciting day.
 
We headed to the FUFA offices today for a workshop.  I had 30 coaches there and it was an excellent discussion.  Many thanks to IK for setting it up and Edgar of the federation for hosting me.  We talked lots about so many topics and I went over some sessions and ideas for them.
 
Before me made it to FUFA House, I was shown 2 huge tortioses (spell check is not working).  They were from the Seascheel. And both are supposedly over 200 years old.  Got some picuress with Brian and Cisse.  Yes they had names and care takers.
 
Well back to the important stuff.  We left and went to see a school game during the lunch break of the workshop.  It started 1 hour late so only caught 30 minutes of the match.  Later heard that Happy Hours (a school) one 1-0.  Good result for them.
 
Rushed back to FUFA House for the 2 pm session.  Edgar joined me in the discussion and it was free flowing and lots of good questions.  We are very lucky in the US with our coaching education.  They are just starting it in Uganda.
 
After the workshop went to Kubili HS where Stephen and Henry both played.  There was a match to watch.  The place was packed and lots of talent on the field.  The weather turned a bit chilly with the wind coming in.  We left at the half as we have not eaten today and wanted to get out of the weather.  Rain is coming and when it rains here it literally does pour.
 
I am going to be heading back to FUFA House tomorrow as guest of the FUFA President.  We are going to discuss coaching education.
 
Not sure when I will be able to blog again.  Tomorrow is Good Friday so lots will be closed and when we come to the weekend it will be much of the same. 
 
If I am not able to get you all anything in the next day or so hold tight.  I will try once I hit Amsterdam on my return flight. 
 
Anxious to get home and see Emily and the girls. 
 
Oh!!! There was great news today here but I cannot comment on it.  I did get to speak with Gaffer early today and gave him an update.  He was jacked as well.
 
Well take care and have a good night.  I really do hope to get back to you all tomorrow but not sure.
 
Going to run.
 
DR

MARCH 18 and 19

March 18

Made it up early again today to head to a national team session. They had limited players due to club games so only 9 took part- 8 field and 1 keeper. Very intense session for 90 minutes. The sun is very hot here but no humidity. It was another chance to learn and see some players.

Left there and caught a quick lunch at Nando's (nice change of pace for a meal). A chicken and chips shop.

We were able to see another school match which was important. Our compliance officer, Scott McDonald, will have to bear with me on my logs as I honestly can barely say some of the names so will be difficult to write some of them out.

Again the game was good. A bit one sided at times but probably due to the field (shocker).

Left there and had a quick turnaround to Ugandan Broadcasting Communication (UBC). We were on air with Alice for a 2 pm interview. It lasted 30 minutes and ended ON TIME!  IK and I were the guest talking about Winthrop, UYSP, and African and US Soccer.

Alice was kind enough to invite us to Club Rouge for the night to be her guest. It was very cool as KC & JoJo were set to be there for the night. I did not get a picture with the guys but have some from a few tables over. And the oddest thing is the Paparazzi are literally everywhere here. It was a fun night as IK and his wife Doreen accompanied me along with Eric (security).

Got home late and must make it up early. As it takes a while to get anywhere in town.

Good night from Zanza (just outside Kampala)

DR

March 19

Got a late start to the morning which is never good here. Got in the car at 7:30 am to head to training. We ran into a jam. Surprised not. Moses (Ugandan Cranes full national team) and I decided best at 8:15am that he could not miss the session. We needed to be there by 9am. No way in the jam! So what to do?

**** Warning- Anyone that has any care for me in the world, you might want to skip down to the next paragraph.**** We made it out of the car on the interstate here and summoned 2 Boda-Bodas(motorcycle taxi). Agreed on the price and off we go for a 40 minute ride to Mandela National Stadium. Weaving through traffic. Stop and Go. Going the wrong way. Yes I just wrote that. Literally going against traffic like you see in the movies. Taking back alleys. Pretty much breaking any driving law in the United States. By the way there are lights here but the Bodas do not acknowledge them at all. We ran 4 red lights and weaved through a maze of traffic. Moses and I get split up in the city. Hoping that we connect up at the stadium. I am on this Boda and people are shouting "Brad Pitt! Brad Pitt!" Now I know I have no resemblance to this man apart from that I am Muzungu (white). It was classic. People start chasing my Boda as we are going. It is almost hard to describe. Enough about that. So the Boda keeps going on the sidewalk, wrong way again, across traffic. HOW I WISH I HAD A HEMLUT CAM! It would have made for a great Hollywood scene. Thankfully, I arrived in one piece at the stadium and Moses followed soon after. Best thing is my Boda is allowed in the stadium and Moses is stuck at the gate. Here I am just watching training and he is in training and cannot get into the facility.. It was all comical.

Emily, you can breathe... no scratches on me. Plus Gaffer was going to take out a life insurance policy for me on the trip!

Waited at training for the bus to arrive.

The guys get there and run through an excellent session. There is a full team so it is much sharper and lively today. Lots of running but all things involving the ball. Training lasted 90 minutes again. We were going to wait for our car and driver but instead got on the team bus to head back into town. For all the soccer people reading this it would have been like hoping on the US bus from the Home Depot to town. The guys were very friendly.

In town and meet up with IK for lunch at Just Kebabs (again a good change and some good food). Were there for a long while. Proceed to walk across and look at the market in the park. It was a good walk and fun to see how the bartering goes here.

I am going to head back to the house soon. A busy day tomorrow as I am going to conduct a coaching seminar for FUFA. Will need to go and prepare some notes.

I hope you are all. I am sure the guys are enjoying spring break. I heard about Ben and I will be wishing you well in the process.

DR

MARCH 14, 15,16 and 17

 
March 14

 

Very busy day from the get go.  Had a meeting with some local official and then went back to the airport to help pick up Ugandan national team player Moses Jujunj.  He plays in England and was in the West Ham academy when younger. 
 
After that we headed to Mandela National Stadium for two matches.  The facility is 5 yrs old but has aged rather nicely. 
 
Caught the 2nd half of the first match.  Traffic and the jams are becoming a popular theme here.  URA vs. SC Villa.  Some cracking goals in the half which saw Villa win 4-0.  Goal of the match was a free kick from 35 yds out into the top corner. 
 
Stayed for the 2nd match which featured Express vs KCC.  It was played under the flood lights which is not a very common thing here.  How lucky the boys are!  It was end to end and a free flowing match.  Ended 1-0 in favor of Express.
 
We left a bit early as Eric (security) wanted to get Moses and I out of the stadium to avoid any problems.  Pretty crazy being the only Muzungu  (white) in the stands.
 
Moses and I stayed up a while chatting as we could not get to sleep.  Finally made it to bed at 2am. 

DR

 

March 15

 

Up and going early today.  We had a 3 hour training session with UYSP.  It was fun and exciting time to work with 45 players between 10-16.  It was good community service work.  I had a great time working with the two coaches Hamza and Juma as they were both teaching me good Luganda words to work with the kids with.  All the kids were eager and excited to be playing.  And I must say the skill displayed was amazing considering the surface. 
 
No kid in the US should be complaining about the surface they ever have to play on.  Our goals were wood sticks and held up well when the boys pinged the cross bar. 
 
There was a considerable amount of media at the session.  Both TV and Newspapers.  Their equivalent of both CNN, ESPN, National Nightly news and the two major papers were present and firing lots of questions at both Moses and I.  And many were questions that I a completely not qualified to speak on. 
 
After the session we raced off for a quick lunch.  I have been eating the local fare and it was the 1st meal I have struggled with.
 
We then proceed to the National Sports Radio.  It was presented in Luganda so there were many times I was lost in the conversation but was able to catch onto many things that were been presented.  We were told that it would be a 10-15 minute show.  Well, one and a half hours later Moses, IK (our contact), and I were walking out of the studio exchanging our Thanks (Wabelera).
 
Web City cafe was or next stop and after trying to get a connection for nearly an hour I was able to get a quick message to my wife, Emily.  I hope her and the girls are doing well.
 
I passed on dinner as my stomach had been turning since lunch.  I was using my IPOD until about 1 AM in the morning making notes as solid sheets of rain came down and we have been with out electricity for the whole day.
 
Good night to all!

DR

 

March 16

 

We were meant to do another UYSP session this morning but got word of the SC Villa training so we headed that way.  The staff was very friendly as I observed their session.  Had a bit of rain and was able to get into their team shelter( I will post a photo back in the US as it is priceless).  Left the session and headed to another radio spot
 
Made it to Christ Life Church for another radio spot that was going to last 10 minutes.  60 minutes later we are walking out again.  Getting the idea that Ugandans and time just not are on the same page.
 
It is Palms Sunday so I did go into church for a few minutes. 
 
We headed back for the night as I decided along with the others that it was best.
 
There is lots of security in town as Momar el Quadiff, President of Libya, is coming to town.
 
At the house again without electricity.  My IPOD is losing power so notes will be short for me tonight.  I will be needing it for the next few days at night to make my way around in the dark.  The house I am staying in is excellent and not the problem.  It is the local connection that has no power. 
 
Hope you are all well.
 
DR

 

March 17

 

Moses, IK, and I were up early.  I am getting use to the cold showers in the dark.  Had a quick breakfast and had to be out by 7am. Must be at Mandela National by 9am for the training Moses is taking part in.
 
We made it by 9am but the rest of the team showed up after 10am.  Again not surprised,
 
I had a chance to meet Cszabo the national team coach and chat with him before training.
 
I watched the training and it was very good with the 14 players in camp so far.  I had a chance to meet the FUFA President and chat with him for close to 30 minutes.  We talked about the US pro leagues, coaching education, and other soccer issues.  He has invited me to disucuss with the technical committee institute a coaching school in Uganda and how they might be able to get it started.
 
I am humbled by the invitation and realize now that I am representing Winthrop and US Soccer.
 
Got to be running.
 
Need a bump and a hot shower.
 
DR

 

From the Email below it seems that Dan is having problems just being able to get use of a computer with the power outage.  I received this email from his wife Emily this morning (3-17).  We will keep you updated.

Gaffer,

Daniel called last night and of course I missed the call. He was able to reach his mom and told her that the power has been out for two days. Something they are completely used too, but obviously Daniel is not. He had not been able to charge his cell phone or use a computer that stays on long enough to blog. (I have made a mental note to NEVER complain about a power bill again!). He told his Mom that this trip has been wonderful; he is getting to see great talent. They were on their way to town yesterday to try to use a computer and see matches. 

He was able to get this email to me over the weekend. As you can see, he wants you to know that he has been trying to get to all of us at some point

Email gaffer if you can and tell him i tried to blog today but i have not been able to get on my Winthrop email

--
Daniel Ridenhour
 

MARCH 12 and 13

My Winthrop email is not working so I am using this account.

Very tired after a 44 hour journey. 
Below are posts from many different stops on the way and my 1st half day in Uganda.
 
March 12- From London

Well Charlotte to Detroit to Amsterdam and now London.  I missed my flight in Amsterdam as we had a 3 hour delay for security measures.  We did manage to get 10,000 miles though for our troubles.  Flight from Detroit was good.  I had what they called dinner.  But as I was given the meal the flight attendant asked me to try it to make sure it was chicken.  It was beef come to find out.  It helped to fill me up and then a good night's sleep for about 5 hours.  Had a small breakfast and then an adventure landing in Amsterdam.
 

***Graphic Warning ahead***
We circled Amsterdam for about 1 hour in some terrible conditions.  It was a very bumpy ride.  Many people were filling the little bags that airlines so kindly put in there for you.  I had a woman to my left reaching for my bag... thankfully I was not needing it.  I did not realize the problem that much until we got into London as there was a stench.  She obviously missed the bag a little and I ended up carrying her yogurt on my shirt through Amsterdam...  And as I had to check my bag through in Charlotte I was a bit upset as now I must go and get a shirt to wear for the rest of the trip. I later talked to others on the flight who said there was a lot of throwing up in their section.

Well back to things.  There was mass chaos in Amsterdam.  Lots of missed flights.  I was obviously rerouted to London and now have another red eye flight to Nairobi and a 5 hour layover there to finally get into Entebbe, Uganda hopefully by about 1 PM tomorrow.

Bonus- KLM did hook me up and I was in first class on the flight from Amsterdam to London.  A short flight but it was nice and was able to have a good 30 minute nap. 

I will try and get back to you all in Nairobi in the morning as there is the long layover.  Hopefully will be able to have another ok nights rest.

Got to be running.  I am starting to draw attention to myself with the stench and need to find another shirt to wear. 

 
Cheers (as I am in the UK)
 
DR
 
March 13- Nairobi 7AM
 
Local time is 8 hours ahead of Rock Hill.  Never slept last night and even took two Benadryl to try and help.  Got an aisle seat which was nice.  Bad news was I was stuck between two people who suffice to say enjoy the buffet dinners.  I was crammed into the seat and very uncomfortable.  And to add to it... 4 babies in our section of the plane were up for most of the night. So no sleep but did catch a good Ben Stiller movie... do not know the name but it had me laughing.  We crossed over the equator this morning coming to Nairobi.  The sun rose and it was very nice to see again.  Cannot see much out of the airport but looks like a beautiful place.  I am dying to have some fresh air as I have not been out of a building or airplane for sometime now. 
 
I talked with the contact in Uganda and the schedule is now a day off.  We are working to make some adjustment to things.  I have full faith and confidence all will be worked out. 
 
Sorry for the lack of pictures but after seeing a few questioned over pictures in airports... I have put it away and will take some once we reach Uganda. 
 
Have a great day and should hear from me from Kampala next time. 
 
Baadaya (Swahili- See you later... as we are in Kenya)
 
DR
 
March 13- From Kampala

I made it into Uganda at 1 PM local time and was greeted by our contact and driver.  They are great guys.  We headed to where I am staying with our contact and had a great lunch of Matoako, rice, and chicken.  It was all very good.
 
From there we headed to a school for two matches.  Saw the 2nd half of one and a full match of the other.  The talent was very good and amazing to see the skill of some of the players considering the pitches they play on.  Got to see some good goals and exciting play.  Did manage to see the first assault on a referee.  Wow...the abuse this guy was taking.  I felt very safe as we also picked up my security (Eric).  Not many people will mess with this guy.
 
After the match we drove around an saw some sights as I wanted to stay up to get my body clock adjusted.
 

Made it back to the house and had fresh bananas which were picked from right outside.  The had a dinner of Matoaka, rice, and goat's meat with Ground Nut Sauce,  It was fantastic. 

 
Off to bed and hopefully a full night sleep.  Will try and get back to you tomorrow but will be tough as I am going to see 3 games and also get around to see some other people
 
DR
 

LATER ON TUESDAY, MARCH 11

Well...I am in the motor city waiting to connect to Amsterdam. Jut got done having a light meal at a café in the airport.  Lots of snow up here. Now I know why people move south.  Not many glitches so far other than having to check my carry on all the way through. Praying now it makes it as it has most of my clothes.

Just wanted to check in one last time from stateside. 

Have a great night and a good day tomorrow. Will try to get back to you in Amsterdam but have a short connection.

I forgot to mention earlier to congratulate coach Peele, his staff, and the men's basketball team for bringing another big south title home.  Good luck in the NCAAs and I hope to be able to find a place to get some new Eagle fans watching the game.

DR out!

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

 
I hope this finds you all doing well.  I am working on some last minute details and some final packing before I head to the airport at 2pm for my flight at 4pm. 
 
I was able to do my typical morning routine and work the carpool line at St. Anne School.  There was a great moment for me being able to say goodbye to my step daughters (Phoebe and Winnie).  They were wonderful and told me to be safe.  Winnie yesterday had the line of the day and asked if I could take pictures for her.  I told her I would be take lots.  She then asked if there were any animals if I could just bring one back that might fight in my luggage.  How I will miss that over the next 14 days!  You girls take care of mommy... I love you.
 
I have some last minute things to do around the house and get a few things in order for while I am away.  I am about to head out of the office and head home. 
 
For those that are curious, yes the flight over will be long.  I fly from Charlotte to Detroit.  From there it is an overnight flight to Amsterdam.  I have a short layover there so we are praying that the flights all run smoothly. I depart Amsterdam at 10am tomorrow morning and arrive in Entebbe, Uganda (only international airport in Uganda) at 9pm on March 12th.  I hope to be able to check in on March 13th with you all.  
 
I want to thank everyone for their recent calls and emails.  I hope to stay as much up to date with things through the internet and the Gaffer.  He has given me a great charge in developing our relationships with our contacts and coaches in Uganda.  Gaffer did you take that insurance policy out on me?  All joking aside the boss has really given me the freedom to plan and execute the trip.  Here is hoping that it will be fruitful for the future. 
 
Emily, my wife, will be taking me up to the airport to see me off.  I am so lucky to have her in my life.  Thank you for being supportive of the trip.  Please be safe while I am away and know that I am thinking of you.  Love you.
 
For you fans out there... if you can make it to the match the boys are playing Thursday at 4pm against Pass 4 FC out of England.  Should be a good way to end the first part of the spring heading into the break.   
 
I am going to try and get many words to you in Luganda.
 
mweraba!  (goodbye -to many) DR
 


PRE-TRIP (WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2008)

So the Gaffer has me set up on this trip to look at future talent and continue to build on our contacts.  There has been lots of pre-trip work to go through.  Shots, travel VISA, putting together an itinerary with our contact there, and setting a lesson plan for a coaching seminar that will take place along with FUFA-the Ugandan Federation. 

As for the shots I have had two batteries of shots to cover me for my medical needs.  I did have a few effects from the shots of small fever and flu like symptoms but was informed prior to them that this was normal.  The York County Health Department was just great in getting me in and out.  Speaking of which if you plan to travel abroad to remote areas and are in need of insurance, I have found a great website that will offer emergency evacuation if ever needed: www.amref.org 

I am looking forward to getting in country as I have already worked with some Ugandans through their embassy here in the United States for my travel VISA.  They were wonderful people and very efficient.  I sent everything out and got it all back within 3 business days.  If that is any indication of how smooth the trip will go, it makes me feel good about things.  Knock on wood with that one. 

As for an itinerary and such there is still much up in the air and our contact there has many plans made that I feel will allow me a great experience and chance to see the country and the many great things that Uganda has to offer.  We have been working on booking security and car for the stay.  It is far more difficult than getting on a website.  Our contact in country has been great in setting me up with reliable people instead of the many scams that are also out there.

I was also asked to put on a small coaching seminar/education session while I am there.  I am humbled that FUFA and UYSP have asked me to do this.  I have been putting together sessions and planning a few lectures for the coaches there.  I have done a few of these locally but never of this magnitude so it will be a new experience for me and one I am sure I will learn a great deal from.  I certainly hope to learn a great deal from the Ugandan coaches as I think they will be giving more than they will be receiving. 

I am set to leave 6 days from now and will connect back up on Monday, March 10th with any last minute updates before the journey begins. 

DR