Weeks later, the impact of a major trip to the United Kingdom is still being felt by the young footballers and coaches of 345 FC.
Two groups left Cayman to venture on separate football tours from 4-11 April that gave players of various levels what the club described as “the chance to experience playing in the United Kingdom”.
From high-level matches against professional academies to a specialised training camp at Chelsea Football Club, the experience provided a clear look at what it takes to succeed at a high level of the sport.
Chelsea Football Club training camp
A group of 16 boys and girls that made up two teams spent their week near London at Chelsea FC’s private training facilities, training alongside the club’s professional teams in sessions led by Chelsea’s coaching staff.
This was the third year in a row that the Cayman players were granted access to use these facilities, an opportunity made possible by coach James Hagerty.
Hagerty previously coached at Chelsea FC for 13 years before moving to Cayman and training the local club’s youth players in 2022.
“Chelsea opens their doors to our players because they trust us to bring children who are keen to learn, hardworking, and fantastic ambassadors for our club,” Hagerty said.
The squad followed an intense schedule that mirrored the life of a professional academy player, including over six training sessions, matches against strong grassroots teams and classroom-based workshops focused on resilience, nutrition and goal setting.
The club said that a highlight for many of the athletes was meeting Chelsea FC and England national team player Trevoh Chalobah during a meet and greet session.
Hagerty said, “Having been employed by Chelsea FC for the majority of my coaching career, I know that these opportunities are rare and offered to fewer than 100 children per year from around the world. Our players are extremely fortunate to have access to the world-class facilities and coaches at Chelsea FC.”
Playing against professional academies
While one group was training at Chelsea Football Club, another group was traveling across the United Kingdom to face off against some of the best professional academy teams in the country.
The journey began in the north of England, where 345 FC’s under-10 team played matches against Leeds United, Manchester City, and Derby County.
“Each of these teams presented a unique playing style for [our] players to overcome,” shared 345 FC.
Additionally, the Cayman squad faced an intense match against Manchester City on their indoor training facility, ending the game in a 7-7 draw.
They also faced Sheffield United, Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur.
“In total, the team played against six professional teams within five days, providing each player with valuable experience regarding the level of academy players and offering them new goals and areas for improvement in their development journey,” said the club.
Now back in Cayman, 345 FC has shifted its focus to several upcoming events.
The club is gearing up for a busy May, with squads heading to Miami for the Dream Cup and to the Netherlands for the Rood Wit International U10 Tournament. These trips lead into the season’s finale in July, where several teams will travel to Sweden to compete in the Gothia Cup.
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