Aug. 2, 2002
Notre Dame, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame men’s soccer team is off to Scotland. The bus with the official traveling party departed the Joyce Center this morning at 11:30 a.m. for a two-week journey from August 2-16 to the native homeland of second-year head coach Bobby Clark.
Clark, his coaching staff, players and University personnel will be staying in six-person flats at the University of Aberdeen for a majority of their time in Scotland as well as in flats at the University of Edinburgh.
The two-week stay will serve as a preseason training ground for returning upperclassmen. The Irish are slated to begin official practices with incoming freshmen on August 19.
While in Scotland, Notre Dame will play five games against Scottish professional and semi-professional teams. In addition, the Irish attend two professional games, including Aberdeen vs. Celtic at Pittodorie Stadium.
There will be plenty of opportunities for the Irish to take in the culture of Scotland. Among the highlights of the trip will be a visiting the famed St. Andrew’s Golf Course and attending the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh Castle.
Tom Grffin, a member of the Notre Dame’s class of 1963, and his wife Jane will host a barbeque for the team at their home during their stay.
Tom Crotty, a 1980 Notre Dame alumnus and former men’s soccer player, contributed the money to cover the cost of the trip. Crotty played soccer for the Irish from 1977-79.
While the Irish are in Scotland, the Notre Dame athletics website (www.und.com) will provide daily updates on the team’s travels. Junior captain Greg Martin (Plano, Texas) will provide regular diary entries throughout the 14 days.