This year’s sports tour to Barcelona proved to be an unforgettable experience for our Under 14s and 13s football teams, who not only showcased their skills on the pitch but also embraced the rich culture and excitement of the city. From competitive matches to exhilarating outdoor activities, the trip was packed with unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come.
Day 1
Perched delicately on a hill in the outskirts of Barcelona is the very famous home of Juventud 25 de Septembre, sun kissed artificial grass gleaming, awaiting the arrival of the buoyant under 14s head to toe in glistening Emanuel white and blue. There was something almost romantic about the pitch backlit by the setting sun sinking beneath the hills. That is until the arrival of two portly Yorkshiremen coaching the 14As and 14Bs, both whose best footballing days are long gone but who won’t admit it, both also determined to be heard not just by their players, but by spectators, opposing players, and the rest of the neighbourhood.
14As
The tour kicked off with the 14As facing off against local team Juventud 25 de Septembre. The game was a fierce battle, ending in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Despite numerous chances and a brilliant header by Monty G from a Gabi J corner, the team couldn’t quite capitalise on their efforts. Nevertheless, standout performances from players like David Op, who was named Player of the Match for his composure at the back, kept spirits high.
14Bs
Meanwhile, the 14Bs enjoyed a spectacular 10-1 victory over the same opponents, with early goals from Spencer S and Oscar L setting the tone. The team’s dazzling performance and clinical play were highlighted by MOTM, Oscar L, with his superb attacking display.
13As
After a healthy warm up to get the blood pumping the mighty 13As donned their soldiering boots, ready for the hour of fighting which lay ahead of them. They set up with an easy-on-the-eye 4-3-3 formation: Osian; Oly, Philip, Sam, David; Remy (C), Charlie, Daniel; Jack, Lucas, Woody. Led by captain Remy, the team battled through physical challenges and weathered some tense moments. Jack’s goal, following a clever pass from Lucas, proved to be the match-winner. The team’s disciplined defence and tactical flexibility—switching from a 4-3-3 to a 5-3-2 formation—were key to their success. 1-nil.
U13B
A spirited performance from the Emanuel team, who went 1-0 up after some determined pressing work and a fine lofted finish from Dominic P. As if powered by the serene scene of a setting Spanish sun, FC Martorell roared back in the second half, and despite an array of highlight reel reflex saves from Freddie C in goal, the Iberian opposition ran out 3-1 winners. MOTM was captain Thomas S, who ran the show in the middle.
Day 2-3
As the trip continued, the focus shifted to fun-filled outdoor adventures. Despite chilly winds, the boys braved surfing and paddle boarding, with Tom W winning the unofficial “Longest Surf” award with a mighty four seconds. The day also included beach volleyball and kite flying, with students taking full advantage of the scenic coastline. After some free time in the local area, the group capped off their day with a visit to the iconic Camp Nou, where the boys immersed themselves in the history of FC Barcelona and even had a go at the robo-keeper arcade. See more on our Instagram.
One of the trip’s standout moments was a training session at Espanyol’s professional football facilities. Under the guidance of Espanyol’s expert coaches, the boys participated in high-level drills that pushed their physical and technical abilities to new heights. The experience of playing at a professional training ground was a highlight for many, leaving students inspired and eager to continue developing their skills. Check it out on our Instagram.
Reflecting on the trip, Year 9 student Oscar shared, “The highlight for me was visiting Camp Nou. It was amazing to see the trophies and learn about Barcelona’s history. The training session at Espanyol was also incredible—it was such a great experience to train at their professional facilities.”
For Year 8’s Remy, the trip was filled with adventure, despite the chilly weather: “The surfing and paddleboarding were a bit cold, but we got stuck in and had a great time. The Nou Camp visit was amazing, and the training at Espanyol was definitely something I’ll never forget.”
Day 4
14Bs
We had a very thorough warm up and shooting practice before we went through the logistics of the ‘Love Train’. Goals were flying in left, right and centre against the stationary manikins.
Kick off. The ball bounced around the opposition half for the first 15 minutes with the Martorell FC goalkeeper keeping them in the game. The infamous ‘Love Train’ tested him from close range but he would not be stopped. As we approached half time we thought the game was in our hands, but then a hand ball in the box against us led to a penalty in the 30th minute. They scored. Heads were down coming into the second half and even though we had some valiant efforts, a 2nd goal sealed our fate and we were defeated 2 goals to nil.
The second half was uneasy for Emanuel with some suspiciously tall substitutes coming on to firm up their midfield. Trickery and quick play down their left and before we knew it a shot from wide snuck into the far post to make it 2-0. Some great defence and keeping from the Emanuel back line kept the score tight
14As
3-5-2 the order of the day with a peppering of pace in the channels and a seasoning of overload pressing. This match was a spectacle – terraces packed with bouncing Y8s, a local side with an unbeaten home record, and flood light providing a permissible amount of light, and not a smidge more. Emanuel started well, moving the ball through the phases quickly and immediately asserting dominance. Pieter coming in off the left was causing problems, so when his edge of the box effort flicked under the crossbar to make it 1-0, there were no surprises. CF Margarita were nowhere. Khalil was playing brilliantly wide left, seeing a lot of the ball, so when he was pulled down 30 yards out and Gabi J stood over the free kick, it was inevitable that something was going to happen. Captain Aitken, playing like Bradford’s Gary Jones circa 2013, rose highest to make it 2-0. A scramble minutes later saw Pieter latch on to a loose ball for 3-0 and we trotted in at half time very happy.
Luke and Jakob were dependable off the bench and kept to the script impeccably. A fourth came early in the half. Tenacity from Tommy W led to a clever flick from Dougie on to Alex whose volley fizzed into ‘top bins’ in slow motion. The score would’ve been more had Dougie not had two goals disallowed for offside. The game did take a turn when FC Martinelli responded with increased physicality, getting tougher and rougher as tempers flared. But Emanuel kept their cool. Osian S absorbed any late energy and repelled any late threats of a comeback. The referee blew for full time and Emanuel 14As, who behaved very well in the face of hostile opposition, conclude their tour unbeaten.
U13B
Bulk of the morning was spent being drilled in the art of the “fourth action” by an excellent RCD Espanyol coaching team; an eye-opening yet superb experience that had morale in the camp determined as the afternoon fixtures drew ever closer. The coach drew into the Juventud stadium – a crisp playing surface demarcated by towering cranes feverishly erecting a new stand, as yet incomplete – and we were greeted by the soothing sounds of a pneumatic drill and the wafting odour of competitive spirit. This was game on.
For the second consecutive match, Emanuel got off to a flyer. Some superb pressing from Amaius, followed by a deft pass to the left, opened up the eighteen yard box for newly-converted wing-back Dominic to fire home. 1-0.
At half-time the score was 3-1 and there was a job to do here in the final 30 minutes of tour. Daniel, Joa, Rodrigo & Woody joined the action to empty the fuel tanks after earlier exploits for the U13A: matching a tactic used excessively by the Spanish sides on this Iberian odyssey. The U13B side produced their best half of football on tour by some distance, impressing with their link-up play and piercing balls through the defensive lines. Captain for the game, Alex W – once again impressed on it, leading by example, and there were standout performances across the pitch from several others, not limited to Hasan T at CB and Freddie C in the sticks.
The conclusion to the match was incredibly frenetic, and two late goals from Daniel A – both super finishes – made the score line 5-4 as the scoreboard clock ticked 60:00. A late corner ensued and absolute mayhem broke out in the six-yard box as the opposition keepers grappled for control of the football, but the referee had seen enough and blew the whistle for full-time.
U13As
Following an excellent training session the previous evening and that very morning with Espanyol the boys were in a great position for this match. Coming off a win in their previous outing, they were ready for anything. Under the hot Spanish sun they took to the pitch looking to pick up where they left off with a 5-3-2 formation of: Freddie; Seb, Philip, Charlie, Sam, David; Remy, Joa, Oly; Jack, Lucas.
The game commenced and it was clear this was not going to be an easy one. Juventud sported a nippy left winger who seemed to be the crucial piece in their attacking puzzle. Every time they came forward the ball would inevitably end up at his feet. However, Seb was more than a match for this maestro, man marking him with such determination and skill that the winger was played out of the game. That being said Juventud adapted to this well, scoring two goals before half time. The break in play gave us a great chance to rebuild.
After rallying the boys and providing a new purpose they once again took to the field for their last half an hour of tour football. Very quickly we scored through Remy who tucked the ball neatly in the net. After an excellent goal line clearance by Oly, keeping us in the game, the boys were ready to get the win. Then an excellent save from Freddie, he kicked long, finding Jack who slotted away our second goal. 2-2 and the tides were turning.
Time ticked down and after getting a last minute awarding of a corner there seemed a chance for Emanuel to win. Unfortunately, the ball dropped to a Spanish boot and they were on the counter. The ball moved to the left wing, then back over to the right as they broke our lines. The striker then slotted it away on the turn of the hour.
It was an excellent game. This team has played wonderful football with a heart and spirit for one another which few professional teams can replicate, let alone at schoolboy level. The Emanuel 13As have a special bond and they will go far together.
This tour was not only about football but also about bonding, experiencing new cultures, and pushing physical limits. The boys returned home with stories to tell, new skills to build on, and memories that will last a lifetime. We look forward to seeing how this experience shapes their future endeavours, both on and off the pitch. Check out the trip highlights here.