How the USWNT is Spending Thanksgiving in London
Thanksgiving is a time for connection, reflection, and gratitude. Whether you’re gathered with family, friends, or even teammates, the holiday offers a chance to pause and appreciate the people in your life. This year, the U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) is celebrating Thanksgiving in a unique way—abroad in London, as they prepare for two high-profile friendlies against England on Nov. 30 and the Netherlands on Dec. 3.
For head coach Emma Hayes and her squad, this trip is more than just a training camp. It’s an opportunity to strengthen team chemistry and build bonds that could carry them into a new era of success following their gold medal run in the 2024 Summer Olympics. And what better way to foster those connections than over a Thanksgiving feast?
A Feast Fit for Champions
On Wednesday night, the USWNT gathered for a celebratory Thanksgiving dinner, complete with all the trimmings. The menu was a mouthwatering mix of American and British flavors, featuring turkey, au jus, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, artisanal bread, American stuffing, British stuffing (made with breadcrumbs), and a sprawling dessert spread. It was a meal designed to make the players feel at home, even while thousands of miles away.
Planning such a feast was no small task. It was a collaborative effort between Hayes, a program director, a dietician, and USWNT chef Brandon Medley. According to Medley, Hayes was deeply involved in the process, understanding the significance of the holiday for her players.
“This one, I think it was really important for her because I think she knew how big of a sacrifice it was for the players,” Medley told ESPN. “She was really keen on reaching out to them [the players] herself … and was able to get certain dishes. So she sent us about eight side dishes, and that was really her big thing. She was like, the proteins are what they are, but I think the people really resonate with the sides.”
Players’ Favorites: Sides Steal the Show
For many players, the sides were the true stars of the meal. Emily Sams, fresh off an NWSL championship and Defender of the Year honors, shared her love for deviled eggs, turkey with gravy, and sweet potato casserole. “I’m a huge fan of deviled eggs. I don’t know if that’s a popular opinion or not, but I love deviled eggs,” Sams said.
Meanwhile, Sam Coffey of the Portland Thorns, a two-time member of the NWSL’s Best XI, admitted that turkey isn’t her main focus. “I like it, but I just think the sides are the main attraction, quite honestly. I’m a big sweet potato girl,” she said. Coffey also highlighted her family’s sweet potato and marshmallow dish, as well as corn pudding and stuffing, as her personal favorites.
Bonding Beyond the Dinner Table
The Thanksgiving celebration wasn’t just about food. Hayes brought along a British version of the board game Clue, called Cluedo, to add some fun to the festivities. On Thursday, the team had a day off to explore London, with no formal excursions planned. Hayes, a North London native, encouraged players to visit her home turf, which is conveniently close to the grounds of Arsenal. Fullback Emily Fox, who plays for Arsenal, acted as a tour guide for her teammates, leading them through the city’s sights.
“It’s just been a bit of a whirlwind since arriving, but we do have the day off,” Coffey said. “We have Foxy as our tour guide, so I’m hoping to get to see a little bit more. … It’s totally up to her; we’re just along for the ride.”
Eyes on the Prize
While the trip has its lighter moments, the USWNT is fully aware of the challenges ahead. England defeated the U.S. 2-1 in their last meeting in 2022, and the Americans are looking to bounce back after a disappointing round-of-16 exit in the 2023 World Cup. England, on the other hand, reached the final of that tournament and will be playing in front of a massive crowd at Wembley Stadium, with reports indicating over 80,000 tickets sold.
For Hayes, who previously coached Chelsea, this match is particularly meaningful as she faces her home country for the first time. But beyond the personal significance, Hayes is focused on building a cohesive team that can rise to the occasion.
“The chemistry and the bonding off the field translates so much on the field,” Sams said. “It’s fun to just have a good group of girls together and be able to spend a holiday [together]. It’s really special and a unique experience.”
Looking Ahead
As the USWNT prepares for these high-stakes matches, the bonds they’ve built during this trip could prove invaluable. Hayes’ meticulous approach, which extends to every aspect of the team’s preparation—including the kitchen—has already made an impression.
“She’s not just a technical soccer coach,” Medley said. “She really does look into every single department, how they impact the team, how they make the players feel. I’ve worked in sports for a few years now. I’ve never seen a coach as intuitive as she is on each department.”
Whether it leads to a victory over England, a strong showing against the Netherlands, or even future World Cup glory, this Thanksgiving in London is sure to be a memorable one for the USWNT. As Coffey put it, “Just being grateful that we get to do what we love, with people we love, and in an amazing place. … I’m sure this is going to be a Thanksgiving that I remember for a long time.”
Originally Written by: Cesar Hernandez
