Two South Melbourne junior teams are about to leave for the trip of a lifetime, with 25 of our extremely fortunate young footballers about to embark on a ten day tour of Madrid.
The boys (aged between 11 and 15) will play five matches as part of the tour, including games against Spanish La Liga sides Getafe, Rayo Vallecano and Atlético Madrid, whilst also testing themselves against the Spanish national youth team equivalent to their age group. Their fifth opponent is one that all dreams are made out of, with the boys due to play against the might of Real Madrid.
In addition to enjoying the privilege of playing against some of the world’s best youth players, our boys will also spend their ten days on tour training like professional youth footballers. They will train in state-of-the-art facilities and be coached by some of both Spain and Real Madrid’s best coaches.
As part of the tour, the boys will also visit the two biggest stadiums in Madrid in the Vicente Calderón Stadium (Atlético Madrid) and the breathtaking Santiago Bernabéu (Real Madrid). They will also watch three La Liga matches, including seeing Real Madrid play at home in the Santiago Bernabéu.
Speaking with smfc.com.au, SMFC Technical Director Strati Xynas could not wait for the trip. “We are extremely fortunate that our footballing relationships throughout Europe enables our youth players to be part of this wonderful experience. To spend time in a professional environment, in world class facilities and to be coached by such highly regarded international coaches will be a brilliant experience for each of the junior players going on the tour.”
SMFC President Leo Athanasakis also spoke with smfc.com.au. “Our youngsters are about to embark on a very special once-in-a-lifetime experience. We will be able gain an invaluable insight into professional European football clubs. We are hoping to learn from each of the clubs we meet and possibly implement various aspects of what we will learn into our own club in the future.”
Keep an eye on SMFC social media and our official website for ongoing updates as they happen.
We wish the boys a safe trip to Madrid and hope they enjoy this magnificent opportunity!