The 2006 Mustang Development Academy boys team is immersed in a week-long trip to Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, with a heavy emphasis on culture and football for the group of 18 talented players and 14 parents.

During its competitive trip, Mustang is scheduled to take on AFC Amsterdam 2006, Quick boys 2006, VUC boys 2006, and HVV Laakkwartier, all on different days. After the Laakkwartier match, Mustang will be treated to an Indonesian dinner. The high-scoring squad, guided by head coach John Doyle, is also attending two pro games and watching two Champions League games on TV.

To get things rolling, Mustang's team attended the FC Utrecht-Vitesse Arnhem match in Galgenwaard Stadium on Sunday. The visiting squad is staying in the Ibis Hotel in The Hague.

Doyle, the Mustang Director of Coaching, has been able to land such trips through his vast soccer connections worldwide. The former U.S. national men’s team defender forged lasting relationships with top clubs and coaches during his time with the San Jose Earthquakes, where he starred at center back and served as the club’s general manager.

The U14 Mustang side kicked off this week with two cultural treats, visiting the famed Anne Frank House and touring Johan Cruyff Arena. A treasure in the Netherlands, the late Cruyff is one soccer’s all-time greats. As a famed coach of Ajax and Barcelona, he was an exponent of the Dutch “Total Football” philosophy, a proactive style of soccer still embraced today by Barcelona and the Netherlands.

On Friday, Mustang’s players and parents will take a Canal Cruise in Amsterdam and go sight-seeing around the famed city.

Saturday will be highlighted by attending FC Feyenoord facing AC Alkmaar at Feyenoord Stadium.

Now that’s a football adventure that will be long remembered.