SCORING BIG IN SPAIN
The U15 and U17 Hockey teams recently embarked on an exciting trip to Valencia, where they enjoyed a mix of sunny weather, cultural exploration, and competitive action. Despite the early start and bustling airport scene, the group landed safely and eagerly dove into the adventures that lay ahead.
After a smooth journey, the team kicked off their trip with a visit to the Oceanographic Valencia, a mesmerizing marine life exhibit. Following this, they explored the Science Museum and enjoyed a thrilling IMAX experience at Hemispheric, all before refuelling with a hearty dinner at the Neco buffet. The day was packed with excitement, and by the time they headed to bed, the group was eager to rest and prepare for the next day’s activities.
The first morning in Valencia saw the groups hit the training ground with Mario from CHV, who put the teams through a high-intensity session. The players gave it their all, honing their skills for the upcoming matches. After a bit of fun with a music quiz, the team headed to the iconic Mestalla Stadium for a tour, soaking in the history of Valencia FC.
That evening, the U15s and U17s kicked off their first competitive games. The U15s faced a strong U16 club side and fought valiantly to edge out a hard-fought victory. Meanwhile, the U17s took on a regional U16 selection and played admirably, showing resilience and problem-solving skills, even though they came up short in a tough contest.
On the third day, the U15s were initially disappointed by the absence of a scheduled match. However, the group quickly rebounded with a fun-filled beach football session that brought plenty of energy and team bonding. After a filling lunch featuring giant sandwiches at a local food court, the U17s geared up for a tough evening match against an U18 club team. Though they faced a challenging fixture, the U17s showcased their resilience, learning valuable lessons from the experience.
After an action-packed few days, the teams safely made their way back to Woollams. The trip to Valencia not only offered great weather and fantastic sightseeing, but also provided valuable hockey experiences that the teams will carry with them as they move forward in their training and competition. The Players of Tour were Hamish and Nikolai and the Top Tourists were Daniel and Tom.
The hockey tour was a huge success, blending learning, fun, and competition into an unforgettable experience for all involved!
