Football enthusiasts from The Portsmouth Academy recently visited Barcelona to compete in a tournament with exciting opportunities to explore a different culture.
More than 30 pupils from across years 8, 9 and 10 enjoyed a week in the sunshine for the PE department's first-ever overseas trip.
The time away was mainly focused on football, where the young footballers received professional sports coaching and more.
Miss Gomez, who leads PE at the academy and attended the trip, said the trip was an opportunity of a lifetime for everyone involved. She said: "Our trip to Barcelona was the first-ever abroad sports trip for the PE department, and it was a huge success; the students had a brilliant time. It was the first time abroad for many of our students, so it was a joy to play a part in that moment of their life.
"The time away was mainly focused on football. We were delighted to receive professional sports coaching from Norwich Football Club, which led a tournament for all the schools there. There was top-class coaching delivered at a Premier League standard, and you could see those tips shining through the game the students played."
The tournament was split in two, with teams from across the UK competing to win the cup and a shield. The Portsmouth Academy had three teams in the tournament, with year 8 having their own team and years 9 and 10 having two teams each. The year 8 players came third in their final, with the year 9 and 10 teams coming fourth in their final.
The group experienced some of the culture in Barcelona by visiting local shops and restaurants, with the final days being action-packed at the Espanyol Stadium for a tour behind the scenes which included pitch side, trophy cabinet and the media press conference room. They enjoyed a day at a water park too.
"I felt a little emotional to see the students exploring a new culture while making new friends. It was lovely to see pupils from across year groups engaging with each other. They wouldn’t normally cross paths day-to-day in school, so it was encouraging to see them interacting with one another. We found that the year 10s took the younger years under their wing, which was lovely to see.
"The memories made and the new friendships built made this trip one to remember, and I cannot wait to see what’s in store next."
