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Twenty seven Lambrook boys had the privilege of heading to Spain during the Easter holiday, for a Valencia Football Tour. Their days were filled with football training and matches, stadium tours and many other highlights too:

Tuesday

The group of boys started the day with a training and coaching session with Levante Unior Deportivo. The boys were put through their paces by their academy coaches in a challenging, but really enjoyable, session. They were also fortunate to catch a glimpse of their first team training at this beautiful facility.

The boys enjoyed a dip in the pool, cooling off ready for their first match against the American School of Valencia. The First Team was up first, with the seconds cheering on from the sidelines. The Spanish side were at the races from the get go and put the Lambrook defence under pressure from the first whistle. A slip at the back allowed the powerful ASV striker to get through and open the scoring. It was a tough first half for the boys as they battled against a strong team and the heat of Spain. ASV managed to score three further goals before the interval. The boys had found the first half a challenge but they didn’t give up and put in a much better second half performance and a goal at the end!

“I liked talking with the Spanish opposition as they were really funny and kind”Year 8 Pupil

Next, the second team were up. Despite the final score showing a 3 – 1 victory for the American School of Valencia, the match was filled with moments of excitement and passion from both teams. Lambrook started the game with high energy, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Lambrook took the lead deservedly but the American School of Valencia, proved to be a formidable opponent with their solid defence and quick counterattacks.

The second half saw both teams pushing for the win, with end-to-end action keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. The American School of Valencia managed to score with only a few minutes left in the game and the match ended with a 3 – 1 victory for the American School of Valencia.

Wednesday

It was a later start to the day and the boys took a bit of encouragement to get out of bed! The day began with a surfing lesson at the beach and they were spoilt with perfect weather and waves. They did an excellent job of trying to stay balanced, while attempting to push the teachers off in the process!

“My highlight on the trip was playing beach football on the beach making memories with friends”Year 8 Pupil

After lunch on the promenade, they spent a few hours by the beach enjoying some chill-out time on the sand in preparation for the next big match! The second team started first:

On a beautiful evening for football and on a beautiful surface, the boys were excited to play their fixture against their Spanish opponents. The opposition were technically very able and played some very nice football. UD dominated the possession but Lambrook showed fight and determination securing a win with a last minute goal which sent the crowd wild….well the British crowd anyway!

The match for the first team was an intense battle that had spectators on the edge of their seats. UD Pugia emerged victorious with a 5-3 win over Lambrook School and although Lambrook School faced a tough defeat, they displayed commendable sportsmanship and teamwork until the very last moment.

As the players shook hands and exchanged pleasantries at the end of the match, it was clear that both teams had given their all on the field, making the game a memorable experience for everyone involved. Lambrook School may not have secured the win, but their resilience and fighting spirit left a lasting impression on both their opponents and the spectators in Valencia.

Thursday

The day started with a training session with Mr. Graham at the local football club, followed by an afternoon spent exploring Mercado Central one of the largest food markets in Europe.

Later in the afternoon, the boys were very excited to have a tour around the Mestalla Stadium which has been the home ground to Valencia Club de Fútbol since 1923. The 50,000-seat stadium is known for its unique architecture and distinctive curved exterior.

“My highlight of the week was getting the opportunity to tour around the Valenica football stadium and seeing behind scenes and changing rooms”Year 7 Pupil

The final evening of matches did not disappoint and the Lambrook boys put in their all! It was the First Team up first:

“It turns out the Lambrook tour team are a second half team.” Three games, zero goals in the first half. Five goals in the second half. Playing against Caxton College, the first half was pretty even. There was only one difference in the two teams; Caxton converted their chances and Lambrook didn’t. Caxton had four chances and converted four. Lambrook had three and converted none. The half time team talk was simple; keep playing and try to convert your chances. The second half followed the same pattern as the first with the Spanish side dominating the possession but the Lambrook defence stood firm and withstood all attacks. The boys were creating their own chances and this time they were converting them. Sadly, the boys were unable to find the winner but a great 3 all draw.

The seconds impressed with their fight in their final match and although the score was 4-2 to the opposition, no one could question the brilliant football that was being played against a very strong team.

Friday 

The boys spent the morning having a cycle tour around Valencia, followed by time exploring Valencia and its rich history, visiting the Valencian Gothic-style civil buildings and the Valencia Sistine Chapel.

Our football tour to Valencia, Spain, was nothing short of amazing. The boys embodied the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. As ultimate ambassadors of the school, they left a lasting impression, spreading joy and enthusiasm wherever they went. Valencia will forever hold a special place in our hearts, thanks to the unforgettable memories. Trip Leader