Day 3: Redlands United play their first game on Spanish soil!

Redlands are up early on Sunday morning for breakfast before travelling to their first international game against CE Jupiter.

CE Jupiter are a Spanish third division club who have a well established youth system. Over 400 players are involved in the youth system at all different age groups.

The group arrive at CE Jupiter stadium early to prepare for the game.

The parents take their seats in the stand as Dean and Gordon make it known the Australians are in town!

Action from the first international match against CE Jupiter!

Redlands open the scoring through Tom Ashcroft!

       

As the game wore on, the temperature increased and the game ended with beautiful sunshine!

 

After being 3-0 up at half time, CE Jupiter fought hard to get back into the game as the Redlands legs tired. A great first game for the boys which finished CE Jupiter 4 - 4 Redlands United.

Lachy Gorry presents the Man of the Match Award to Jupiters number 7 who was excellent in the second half and who played a big part in Jupiter's come back.

After the game the players and parents enjoyed lunch in the Stadium cafe.

Some of the players found that extra bit of energy to join in with the local Spanish kids in a game on the small pitch at the stadium!

The parents enjoy a fantastic afternoon at the Jupiter stadium, where they were treated to some real Spanish hospitality!

The group return to the Alimara Hotel to relax after a great day at Jupiter. There was free time to relax before travelling into the city for an evening meal. 

After dinner, the group went to Catalunya Square to see the beautiful Christmas lights.

An Ice Rink right in the middle of Barcelona city!! 

A great first game for the Redlands players who performed well.



Day 2 - Redlands experience Camp Nou!

After the long journey, the group had some time to get some much needed rest. The morning of day two saw the boys relax before their second training session in Barcelona.

 The second session was led by Sergi Gine Farre. Sergi is a well respected youth coach in Barcelona and is also a coach with the Catalan National Team.

The players played small possession games limiting them to two touches which allows the ball to move faster and make it difficult for the defender to win the ball.

Everyone enjoys lunch at the taixonera bar after training.

And so the group jump on the metro on route to the Nou Camp. The boys are excited to watch what is regarded as the best football team in the world at this moment!

Rob and Graham try and get to grips with the metro map, whilst Warren and Kev focus on the game ahead!

During dinner there is a surprise for the boys as they are introduced to Patrik Andersson, former FC Barcelona player. AMsportstours work with Patrik and the Swedish Academy who he is associated with on a number of international projects. 

Patrik also played with Bayern Munich, Blackburn Rovers and was capped 96 times for Sweden.

He was happy to meet with the boys and have photos!

The group enjoy their evening meal at a restaurant close to the Nou Camp before the live game.

After dinner the group head to the stadium to watch FC Barcelona vs Lavante live!

The boys pose with their tickets for the game outside the stadium. 

Kev, Calton and Tom inside the stadium. The group were near to the pitch allowing them to see the players up close and see Barcelona score twice from right behind the goal.  

The two teams enter the pitch!

Prior to kick off, the Barcelona team is announced over the tannoy! The crowd reaction is fantastic! 

A crowd just short of 80,000 saw Barcelona destroy Lavante 5-0 with some superb football! 

FC Barcelona players celebrate after one of the five goals scored!

Messi scores in front of the Redlands supporters! Teams must learn that you cannot give Messi that much space!

The group got to see Messi up close as he took a corner in the second half. This is a player who all the boys should watch closely as he will be one of the all time greats of the game!

DAY 1 - Redlands United touch down in Barcelona!

After the long flight from Singapore, Redlands United finally landed in Barcelona. The group were met at the airport by AMsportstours guide, Steve who will be with the group as they tour Spain.

Tired but excited, the group make their way to the bus to transfer to the Alimara Hotel on the outskirts of the city.

 After some much needed relaxation for the whole group, they all walked the short distance to Agora for lunch. Great food giving the boys the right fuel for the training session ahead.

After lunch some of the parents travelled into Barcelona city whilst the players got some more rest (only a little though!) before heading to the Vellodrome stadium for their first training session on Spanish soil!

The Redlands players meet with UEFA coach, Marc Ventura. Marc is one of the best youth coaches at RCD Espanyol and works closely with AMsportstours.

Rob, Graham and Kev watch the boys training from the sideline (itching to get on and strike a few balls!)

Half the players have a ball and they must keep possession from those who don't have the ball for as long as possible. They must protect the ball from the defenders.

Even though the boys were tired from the long journey, it didn't show as everyone put in get effort during training. Above the boys played a high intensity possession game.

Tom during shooting practice!

The players finish off with a game of crossbar challenge. When you hit the bar, you can finish the session!

Jet lag sets in as the boys sit down (or lay down!) to the first evening meal in Vaca Paca Spanish Restaurant. Dylan wasted no time in testing out the comfort of the restaurant tables!

A great start to the tour and after some much needed rest tonight, the group will be ready for the busy schedule ahead.