Manuden JFC U12s in Spain
From quintessential Essex village to the bright lights of Barcelona, Manuden JFC flew down to the Spanish Costa Brava at Easter on their second overseas tour. After an enjoyable first tour to France and Belgium a couple of years ago, the group decided on a Catalan adventure this time around and chose the lively tourist resort of Lloret de Mar. Indeed, no sooner had the lads finished opening up their Easter Eggs, they were heading south to Girona on the Ryanair flight from Stansted. After a short transfer they were soon settling in at the Hotel Casino in the heart of the busy town. "The food was good and everyone loved the hotel pool," said Vaughan Atkinson, Chairman of this friendly Essex club! With plenty of bars, arcades, crazy golf, bowling and the beach all within an easy walk, Lloret de Mar has long been a favourite with British touring teams.
The hotel was situated adjacent to the fantastic new artificial pitch of FC Lloret. Designated a "Vila esportiva" (sports town) in recognition of its excellent sports facilities, Lloret de Mar boats football fields, sports halls and leisure activities to keep you entertained. The Manuden team enjoyed guest coaching followed by a Dads and Lads match in the lovely Spanish sunshine. "The boys said the highlight of the tour was the coaching session in Lloret" added Vaughan "but they loved the Nou Camp stadium too!" While the rain dampened the experience of their first game with La Penya, the sun shone for the match in the Barcelona suburbs at Sant Cugat. "We lost, but it was a great learning curve for everyone. The tour was a brilliant experience and has resulted in a fantastic start to the new season for us" said Vaughan. Manuden JFC is busy planning the next tour with a bigger group already and is looking to strengthen and grow in the future. They are an excellent example of a small club making waves at home and abroad!!
With tournament entries, waterparks and match tickets also possible for teams travelling to the region, Lloret de Mar will be popular again with groups in 2006 and 2007. Like Manuden, teams can benefit from inexpensive flights from regional airports and enjoy the delights of a football tour to Spain whether for a long weekend or during a school holiday week.
Debden Sports in Portugal
The Portuguese sunshine beckoned and the Debden Sports Veterans squad headed off to the Algarve during April for their annual tour. After the delights of France and Spain in recent years, the lads decided to try a new destination…..and Portugal was the perfect answer.
After an EasyJet flight to Faro, the lads were met at the airport and transferred to their hotel in the swish resort of Vilamoura. "This was probably the best hotel we have stayed in over the years" said Mark "and the great weather helped too". After checking in, most of the lads went into town and enjoyed a few cold beers and something to eat. "This was followed by more and certainly too many for those playing football the following day" !
Saturday, and after a short transfer to Faro, their hosts from Sporting Club Farense awaited the team. "What a nice stadium " ! The squad had requested good pitches when they had booked the tour, but had not been expecting such impressive surroundings ! The night before was about to take it's toll though and the lads lost 12-1 !! "Needless to say, the left back had played for Lyon and at least 4 of the players had been at Porto!!" said Mark. "Anyway, after the match we drank the club bar dry before heading back to the hotel and then out on the town".
It's Sunday now, and nursing injuries and hangovers, the lads are ready for another game. This time it was a much tighter game against Ginasio Clube de Tavira. It ends all square at 2 – 2. "After the match the home team took us to a local restaurant and fed us lots of local dishes and snails (yum)". Again, there were plenty of beers of course and lots of good hospitality.
Vilamoura is a golf-mad resort and with plenty of superb courses to choose from, some of the team naturally enjoyed a round on Monday. Others just went into town and took in the atmosphere. The marina, bars and shops make the resort a great place to hang out and enjoy the views!
After a great tour, it's back to reality but plenty of good stories to tell until next time round. So where next ? The lads are off to Majorca this year, so watch this space !
