Early in the 2016/2017 season, Mauro Morettin suggested a tour to Barcelona to play Gava Mar FC, for whom his son had previously played when they were living in Barcelona. Following several discussions / emails / calls a way forward was agreed. The dates of the 10th to the 15th April were agreed and the fundraising efforts began! During the season money was raised through the running of the tuck shop on Saturday mornings, a quiz night, a raffle, bag packing at the local M&S, a charity car wash, team photos and through other methods and close to £3,000 was raised thanks to the help of all the parents within the squad, to help subsidise the players trip.

On Monday 10th April the squad, and accompanying parents and siblings, arrived in Barcelona via various flights from Gatwick and Heathrow, and made their way to the Hotel Flora Parc in Castelldefels, which is a suburb of Barcelona located close to Gava and not far from the beach. After a few hours settling in we made our way to the ground of Gava Mar FC via the local bus for a Monday evening training session with their U15’s, who we would be playing later in the week. Their ground was a small stadium with a 4G Astroturf pitch and the training session lasted 90 mins, taken by the Gava Mar coaches in which the players and staff had to introduce themselves. After training we were left to get food and find our way back to the hotel.

Tuesday was a free day so the squad travelled into Barcelona and did the Camp Nou tour in the morning. The afternoon was spent either at the beach or absorbing some of the culture in Barcelona. Tuesday night we headed down to Castelldefels main town area to eat and watch Juventus beat Barcelona 3-0.

Wednesday was a busy day with a BBQ from lunchtime for the players of Woodley and Gava Mar FC, close to the beach in Gava. Food and the cooking were provided by the Woodley parents whilst the players enjoyed themselves. The evening was another training session at Gava Mar’s ground, this time taken by the Woodley Utd management team (Jon & Nick) but before training Gava Mar had hired a local hall and provided a football clinic, principally via a Powerpoint presentation, with input from their management team, one of their parents (Christian Gimenez) who had played for Boca Juniors and Basle, as well as many other clubs and a few words from the Woodley management team.

Thursday was the day of the tournament so the day was relaxing at the local beach, where the players bumped into a couple of players for Barcelona at the nearest beach café. Unfortunately they were not willing to take photos with the team although a few players got some selfies with Suarez as he headed back to his car. The evening tournament was between Gava Mar FC, Woodley Utd and another local team from Castelledefels. The triangular tournament was 3 matches of 40 mins one way between the three teams. Woodley played Gava Mar to open the tournament and did themselves proud against a very strong team, creating several chances but eventually losing 3-0, although the lack of linesman and lack of offside decisions caused Woodley many problems, including the 2nd goal which was several yards offside. The 2nd game was Woodley Utd verses Castelledefels and this game was a lot closer with Castelldefels winning 1-0 with a goal scored from distance. Again Woodley equipped themselves well in the sunshine but ultimately didn’t really create any clear cut chances. The last game saw Gava Mar beat Castelledefels 2-0 to win the tournament. All three teams were presented with trophies with the Gava Mar central midfielder winning player of the tournament. Food was provided after the tournament for the Woodley players who again mingled with the Gava Mar players.

Friday was another free day with the majority of the players / families heading into Barcelona to do the various tourist attractions, with the evening being spent eating out in various local restaurants.

With the return flights note until late Saturday afternoon, the morning was spent at a local Designer Outlet establishment where those with any money left, spent it on various sporting / clothing items before heading to the airport for flights home.

A number of BIG ‘thank yous’ are required to; firstly Mauro Morettin for helping organize the Spanish side of this adventure, along with the Gava Mar FC chairman (Dani) and coaches (Malcho & Jerry) for their hospitality and organization of the training / tournament / clinic etc.

The parents who travelled to Barcelona for their support and help, and the parents who didn’t for their support throughout the season and help with fundraising And finally, to the players whose behavior was a credit to themselves, their parents and the club.

Hopefully this adventure will live long in the memory of the players and help in their growth and development as young men.