Malmö FF

Another exciting day for us all here in Sweden! We started off with another good training session and due to a fortunate mix up ended up being able to split the field with the Malmö FF women's side as they trained. Getting to watch that level of technical football be played on such a fast pitch gave us all something to aspire for.  We even got to spend a few minutes hearing about coming to Europe to play professional football from Ali Riley, a former player at Stanford and the NY Flash in the WPS. It was great getting to hear some insight and enthusiasm from someone in our position who is still following her dream. It is always awe inspiring just how many opportunities and connections are available simply because of the sport we play and truly humbling to meet someone so dedicated to it.

After practice was some free time to explore the shops and restaurants around Malmö. Everything is within walking distance which is really nice, but also tiring. It is such a pedestrian city that you always feel comfortable walking around and everyone is extremely welcoming and willing to help when we don't quite now what we want to order because we don't know Swedish. Almost everyone here also speaks English and are glad to help us patiently figure out what we want. It is such a welcoming and warm society it's hard not to always be in high spirits.

After lunch we boarded the bus and headed over to Swedbank Stadion where the Malmö FF men's side plays. It was, in one word, unbelievable. We learned about the rich history of the club from two former players. Our main guide and translator was Stafan Tapper who not only played for the club for 15 years but whose father also played for the side in his day. The players were even given the royal treatment as we suited up in Malmö FF jerseys and walked out the tunnel up to the field to the club anthem. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking of it now. I could go on for days about this experience but the main point of the club is that they want their fans, their town, to feel at home in their stadium and to be family, a feeling that we share as well.

We closed out the day with a decadent four course meal at Granden Malmö. The perfect end to an exquisite day. We are so blessed to be here sharing this experience. Tomorrow brings soccer golf, as well as the trip to Halmstad where we'll be the next few days. But most importantly, we'll be playing our first game! Stay tuned for the results of soccer golf, my money's on frank, and of course our game!

-Michelle Lanier, Senior; F