AMAZING FOOTBALLING EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS IN BARCELONA
04 November 2022 | Jill Lundberg | Posted in: Sport
Five of our students headed to Spain during the half-term break to represent to North Yorkshire Soccer Academy in the Barcelona International Cup in Salou. We are so proud of Tom Simpson, in Year 7, Teddy Brain, in Year 8, Archie MacLelland, in Year 8, Harry Davis, in Year 9, and Justin Hepper, in Year 10, who were selected for the U13, U14 and U15 squads.
We were delighted to hear that all the students had a fabulous time and played some fantastic football during the tournament.
Harry, who played for the U14 team, which won two and lost two games in the group, went into the B finals and won the semi-final but lost on penalties in the final. Harry received a special honour during the event as he was voted player of the tournament by his team mates. The coach/manager said: “Harry had a really good tournament and I was most impressed by how he got on with all the players off the pitch socially.”
Archie played alongside Harry for the U14 team and really enjoyed the incredible opportunity and the many learning experiences both on and off the field.
Teddy was goal keeper for the U13 team. They came top of their group on day one, playing against two teams from Sweden and Ireland. On day two, they won 1:0 in the semi-final against another team from Sweden to reach the final. Unfortunately, they lost to Sao Paulo, a Brazilian team.
Tom also played in the U13 team and had a wonderful time, not only enjoying the great footballing opportunity but also the team spirit and mixing with young people from so many different countries.
Justin represented the U15 team who were unbeaten throughout the group stage against teams from Sweden and Finland. They successfully made it through to the main final against a team from Finland but were just pipped to the post after being beaten on penalties. Justin described it as an experience of a lifetime and something he will never forget.
Throughout the tournament there were some tense and very close games and our students played with excellent teamwork, enthusiasm and professionalism. An awesome effort by all the students.