ARDENCAPLE Football Club welcomed two teams from across the Atlantic last week as visitors from the US Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) played matches in Helensburgh.

The club’s 2003 age group hosted a Tennessee ODP select on Monday night, and the Caple 2002 team provided opposition for the South Texas ODP three days later.

The US Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) operates initially at state level and subsequently at regional level with the key objective of identifying players of the highest calibre and the ultimate goal of supplying both male and female players for selection to form the US youth national squads.

It was therefore no surprise at all to view the high quality of football (or soccer) on show on both nights as Caple players enjoyed the opportunity to play such impressive representative sides.

The fixtures were arranged in conjunction with Worldstrides Excel Programs, a US-based company that specialises in organising tours around the world for US sports teams, with visits to the UK & Europe featuring high on the wish-list of touring soccer sides.

Worldstrides has also arranged further matches between Caple teams and US opposition over the next few weeks.

Caple chairman Craig Holborn said: “Unfortunately, our American cousins forgot to bring some good old sunshine across on the jet-stream but despite both matches being played in cold, wet and wintry conditions there were plenty of skills and goals on display.”

After-match hospitality from Michael and Anna Curley of the Deli in the Square, and squares of tablet and samples of Scotland’s ‘other national drink’, went down a treat.

Craig added: “The visitors genuinely appreciated the warmth of Scottish hospitality on offer and the US parents sent a message commenting that Caple should be truly proud of being such a fantastic club.

Forthcoming matches between Caple teams and other US ODP visitors: Maryland 2005 on Thursday, March 29 at 7pm; West Pennsylvania 2003/4 on Sunday, April 1 at 10am; East Pennsylvania 2005 on Sunday, April 1 at 12 noon; West Virginia 2002 on Friday, April 6 at 7pm.

All games will be played at Hermitage Academy, except those on Sunday, April 1, which will take place at Cardross Amateurs’ pitch. Spectators are welcome at all the games.