Under 11 squad are in Barcelona, here is day two of their tour diary
The Northampton Town Academy Under 11 squad are on tour in Barcelona this week. Here is their second tour diary entry:
An action packed day for the lads started with a calm breakfast before heading to training. The complex at Salou is fantastic with 7 pitches in great condition. The lads trained and played games in the sun before the heat got too much, preparing for the game in the evening against a local team called CF Reus Deportiu, in the Spanish Segunda Division B.
Following training and the hard work the boys relaxed by the pool, all enjoying the different pools that Cambrils Park has to offer, whilst asking plenty of questions about the games and who we were playing.
The game came and the lads were soon under pressure to perform as CF Reus Deportiu had brought a lot of friends and family to watch. We played 2 games of 7v7 for 2 halves of 30 minutes. CF Reus were a very capable team showing good technique and physical abilities. Some our our younger lads found it difficult, especially as they were playing an age group above with the way that the European age groups are different to England. However we were really pleased with their attitude and play as they grew into the game and showed some excellent individual techniques and some good team play to match. The game ended in a narrow defeat for the boys but they definitely showed Northampton Town in great light with many of the people watching on complimenting the lads on their play.
To add to a great day Tony and Julie from Club Activo, who have provided the boys with everything they have wanted (and lots of water to go with it!), have arranged a game against a Northern Irish team, Moyola Park FC. One of their players has taken a shine to our lads as he originated from Northampton.
All in all a great day of fun, excitement and learning for the boys who are excelling themselves with their attitude. A special mention to Trent Oakes who managed to ask for a bottle of water from the staff in full spanish, even if he did say "thank you” in English before he quickly corrected himself!
Stay tuned as we embark on the Nou Camp for Barcelona vs Almeria, as well as a game and fun filled day planned for all.
Sam Seuke (Reporter of Day 2):
“Today has been amazing. I loved the breakfast, today we had egg, bacon, sausages and lots of different food. After breakfast we had a training session for our game tonight. The training session was fun though Mark’s decisions as ref were shocking. When we got back from training we went swimming for the rest of the afternoon. The game in the evening was a tough game but we got better as the game went on we played some nice football at times. I think Carney, Tariq and Keno played very well and everybody worked to a high standard. It was a good day for everyone, we are all enjoying the trip and I’m looking forward to the rest of the trip.”