So-Cal Suburban Kickers to Idaho Mountain Men

Wandering around Ann Morrison park brought us to a practice by the Irvine Soccer Academy U18 Boys team.  In order to cut costs, this team is camping near Idaho City.  That's in the mountains about 20-30 miles east of Boise at an altitude of 3907 feet.  There may be some methodology that makes sense here.  Serious mountain climbers have a saying for adjusting to altitude:  "Climb high.  Sleep low."  That means climbers go about a thousand feet above their camp and then hike back down to where they will sleep each night.  This, apparently, helps climbers adjust to extreme altitude.  Boise is by no means at an extreme altitude (2730 feet), but coaches from sea-level cities are wondering whether altitude will be a factor for their players.  It's a cost-saving measure, but it can't hurt these hardy SoCal players have to rough it in the mountains, braving rain, cold and altitude.  No question these guys are tough.  Welcome, Irvine Soccer Academy U18Boys.

UPDATE:  The Boise Family YMCA has graciously stepped up to provide showers for the Irvine Soccer Academy players.