ROY AND COACHES AT FC BARCA ACADEMY

Our recent visit to Barcelona went so much better than we had dared hope and we would like to say a big GRACIAS to all involved.

We have made some life-long friends and can't wait for our next visit.

On the first night we were at the FC Barcelona Ciutat Esportiva Joan Camper (Barcelona Academy) as guests of FC Barcelona.

On arrival we were greeted by a crowd but I'm not convinced they were there for us as the first team were training there too! We were ushered through by security and worked our way round to the indoor training facility where we witnessed a fantastic, high-tempo, disciplined display of pre-season training.

MERSEY FUTSAL REPRESENTITIVES WITH

THE MARTORELL TEAM

The following afternoon was a training session with our good friends at second division Sala 5 Martorell where we were made very welcome and once again, in the afternoon heat of the Spanish summer, another high-tempo 2 hour session. The fitness, skill and discipline was a sight to behold. At the end we were presented with a signed Futsal ball by the team.

PRESENTATION FROM MARFIL DIRECTOR GENERAL

Thursday afternoon was a session with first division team Marfil Santa Coloma featuring some of the top stars in Spanish Futsal and once again as you always find in this wonderful game we were humbled by the clubs hospitality and it was a wonderful touch when we were presented with a signed shirt and pendant by Juan Carlos Leon, the club's Director General.

WITH THE MARFILL SQUAD

To stand next to the pitch and witness the skill, pace and understanding these lads have and to see the dedication they put into everything they do was truely inspiring. This was a team who 2 days later played against Barcelona!

I cannot thank all the teams involved enough for allowing us this wonderful opportunity and special thanks goes out to our good friend Alberto and his wife Jennifer for all the hard work they put in to get this organized.

We have learned so much and can't wait for our next trip.

GRACIAS AMIGOS