Wellbeing - Middle School

An Unforgettable Overseas Football Tour

During the holidays, I embarked on an unforgettable overseas Football Tour with 28 of our students along with Mr Falzon, Mr Bottalico and Mr Youssef that combined world-class sporting experiences with valuable team development. Travelling to the UK and Spain, we not only had the opportunity to watch top-tier professional football matches but also tested our skills against high-calibre local teams. From the buzz of massive stadiums to the challenge of intense on-pitch battles, the tour delivered excitement and growth at every turn.

The tour kicked off with a visit to two of the most iconic and developed football academies in Chelsea and Manchester City, and also to one of the most iconic stadiums in Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, where we were treated to a live game featuring Lyon FC which finished as a thrilling 5-4 win to Manchester United. Sitting among tens of thousands of passionate fans, we soaked up the electric atmosphere, marvelled at the elite technical play, and gained new appreciation for the tactical nuances of top-flight football. For many, it was their first time experiencing a game of this magnitude – and it didn’t disappoint - one of the greatest football matches ever played as assessed by pundits.

In total, we attended four professional matches during the trip, including watching Real Madrid and Barcelona, both victorious in their respective matches. Visiting their football academies also, these experiences were more than just entertainment – they were learning opportunities, allowing our players to observe the tempo, spacing, and composure of some of the best footballers in the world.

The competitive side of our tour was equally rewarding. We played a series of friendly matches against local academy and club sides, many of which featured players with experience in regional and national setups. These games tested our fitness, teamwork, and tactical awareness. Our opponents played with different styles – some emphasised quick passing and possession, while others brought high-pressure intensity and physicality.

Each game was a learning experience, pushing our squad to adapt and elevate their game. Our coaches provided post-match feedback sessions to reflect on performances, highlight areas of improvement, and celebrate key moments – from stunning goals to resilient defensive efforts. In a great effort, we won six of our eight matches on tour.

Beyond the pitch, the tour offered incredible opportunities to bond as a team and immerse us in the local culture. We explored historic sites, sampled authentic cuisine, and even took part in a guided tour of a professional training facility, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how elite teams prepare and recover. These experiences brought the team closer together and broadened our appreciation for the global football community.

This overseas Football Tour wasn’t just about the results on the scoreboard – it was about growth, exposure, and inspiration. Our players returned home more confident, more connected, and more committed than ever. They’ve seen the heights the sport can reach and now understand what it takes to get there.

A massive thank you goes out to the coaching staff, particularly Mr Falzon, our Head of Football, who organised this amazing trip, our parents/carers and of course, our students who all collectively made this truly unforgettable experience possible.

Alexandros Sinadinos

Director of Middle School