St Christopher’s School Bahrain travelled to Spain recently on a once in a lifetime trip with Trans World Educational Experiences.
The group had the chance to experience life in two of the world’s most renowned football cities, Madrid and Barcelona, while taking in the local culture, walking in the footsteps of their heroes and testing themselves against the local opposition.
The trip kicked off in spectacular fashion as the St Christopher’s students made their way to the iconic Santiago Bernabeu to take in the Madrid Derby. A late Antoine Greizmann goal secured a point for the visitors Atletico meaning the Atelti and Real fans in the group went back to the team hotel in a good mood.
In the days to follow the group took part in coaching sessions at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex, an experience which will live long in the memories of those taking part.
St Christopher’s player Faisal feels that he and his teammates gained a lot from their time at the home of Real Madrid: “we learned that you should always look to cross and it’s good to pass very quickly.”
Midfielder Abboud also learned a huge deal from his time at Valdebebas. He believes the things he picked up from the sessions are going to add to his game when he returns to Bahrain.
“The Real Madrid coach was telling us to use the two wings, if you do that the opposition won’t have the ball. I really think that it’s going to improve my football performance.”
The group also took in the sights of Madrid and Barcelona and visited the iconic stadiums of the Bernabeu and Camp Nou.
Speaking inside the Bernabeu, St Christopher's’ Darian said: “It’s a once in a lifetime chance to really see everything how it is. I really want to enjoy this moment.”
The team represented their school valiantly during a series of challenge matches against Spanish opposition whilst on tour. Coach and staff member Mr Stephen was really pleased with the opportunities going on a trip to Spain had brought the students.
“We wanted to take them here where they can get new experiences and realise that there are other standards around the world.”
Stephen added that he is delighted with how his students fared against new opposition and believes the tour was valuable overall: “It’s been great to see how much they measure up to different countries and different players – it’s been a really opening experience for them.”