Tough Day

This is the hard part of the tournament I suppose. Betsy came off after her first game today in tears. All she would say was that she was tired. It was hard. I don't think it has helped that she gave one of the coaches her tracksuit bottoms and the coach has now 'lost them'. I think Betsy was anticipating me going ballistic (not all together unlikely I have to admit) but I could hardly kick her when she was down and anyway, I'm 100% certain they will turn up in another girls bag before the tournament is done.

It is extremely exhausting for the girls. Betsy is among the oldest at 13 and a bit (this is her third international) and the are up at 6, shower, dress, breakfast and bus to the field and start training by 7.30am. They have a game at 9am, then lunch at the field, a rest for an hour or so then back to the field for more training then a game at 7pm, dinner at 9, hotel by 10 at the earliest. They are never in bed before 1030 and some of the parents have told me they are getting 'good night' texts at past midnight.

Anyway, it was hard to see her tearful, even though I understand why. Later she sent me a text saying though she had been upset she was just tired, it is her favourite ever tournament, she is having an amazing time and loving every minute. It felt like a message from a hostage.