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We’re just setting up for another great day here in Canton. I wanted to pass on some news links to you:

• Game Preview: USA vs. France
  
• Recap of Team USA’s practice with Sweden. Here’s another from the Canton Repository
• Former NFL All-Pro LB Chris Spielman spoke with Team USA
• Fox Sports will broadcast the Bronze and Gold Medal games on 7/4 and 7/5

We’ll be posting frequently during the first round on Saturday. Check back here for scores and stories as Team USA goes for the gold!

-Matt

Monday Mick and I spent the day at Walsh University taking in the Team USA/Team Sweden practice, and hanging out with the kids participating in the USA Football Player Academy this weekend. It was a great day for football with bright blue sunny skies and a crowded grandstand, as many people came out to catch a glimpse of Team USA before the Junior World Championship starts this weekend, June 27.

Watching Team USA take on Sweden in practice was a real treat. The speed and size of Team USA was evident on every snap, making it difficult for Sweden to get anything going. Hearing the different languages of English and Swedish on the field at the same time was really cool, giving Mick and I a first hand glimpse of the international presence of the JWC. The coolest part was after practice the teams got together and participated in 2 person stretches. It was nice to see that after the whistles been stopped and pads taken off, these kids could take in the opportunity to meet and interact with people from a different country. It’s easy to see that these young men are taking the most of their opportunity. Not only to grow as football players, but men with a better understanding of the world.

Following practice we headed back over to the campus to greet all the Player Academy kids and check out their skills at the Team USA Football Toss. A few players even stopped by and tried out the toss. Prestin Brown, DE going to Texas State got in the act and played with many of the kids before the academy started, classic football games such as “500″ and “2 hand touch”.

Over all, it was just another great day on tour. With the tournament just days away it’s easy to feel the excitement building. Trust me, this tournament going to live up to the hype. If you can, make sure to get out and experience it yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

Till Next Time,

Matt

We have more photos from the practice field.

Tickets are available through the official JWC site.

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