2016 BARCELONA TOUR - May 2016

Unforgettable days of sport and fun in the Spanish sunshine

 

There are many sporting enrichment opportunities offered to students at Congleton High School, but not all trips provide unforgettable days of sport and fun both on and off the field in glorious Spanish sunshine.

But over sixty students experienced just that on a fun-filled sports tour to Barcelona during half-term. The school’s football and netball teams developed their skills during training and fixtures and had the added bonus of experiencing a different culture and exploring the iconic city of Barcelona.

After what turned out to be a mammoth coach journey (24 hours, 20 minutes to be precise) following air strikes in Europe forced the PE department to change their travel plans at the last minute, the staff and students enjoyed glorious weather and an action packed three days.

Not only did CHS have to adapt to the climate, but also the sporting culture and style that Spanish teams are renowned for. The “tiki-taka” style of play (short passing and movement, while maintaining possession) was a very different sort of contest than what they were used to back home in Cheshire playing against other local schools and local clubs.

CHS more than held their own, though, in what were, as expected, very competitive games. Year 8 particularly impressed and were reminiscent of FC Barcelona in an emphatic 4-0 victory in their second fixture with a brilliant performance to match. Off the pitch, The “Congy Ultras” were in fine voice supporting CHS’ boys and girls from the stands as can be seen here.

Meanwhile, CHS’ netballers participated in training sessions with England Netball qualified staff, who said that they “really enjoyed” working with the students because of the “high standard” of coaching and discipline the students have received back home, which is a testament to the PE department. They also took part in fixtures against local Spanish teams and modelled their new kit.

As well as the sporting fixtures, the students also experienced the Spanish culture including a day in Barcelona visiting the vibrant La Rambla, a Segway tour of the city and of course no football tour would be complete without a visit to the iconic Nou Camp stadium, home to Barcelona.

Written by Adam Bailey