Our Football Academy played in the Nostrum Cup near Barcelona.
Young footballers from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) have returned home undefeated in their first international tournament in Spain.
Players from the College’s Football Academy, run in partnership with Leyton Orient FC, took part in Mare Nostrum Cup near Barcelona, which ran from 13-16 April.
Each year the competition attracts more than 200 teams from under-10s to under-19s from around the world, including the UK and Ireland, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Norway Finland, Kuwait, India and the United States.
The competing teams stayed at the Cambrils Park Resort, about 70 miles south of the Catalonian city, with matches primarily taking place a short distance away at the Complex Esportiu Futbol Salou in Salou.
During the tour the players also had the opportunity to visit Camp Nou, the home to European giants FC Barcelona, as well as time to relax and unwind at the PortAventura World theme park.
Players from the Football Academy had the chance to visit Camp Nou, the home of Europran giants FC Barcelona.
The CONEL team started well in the Mare Nostrum Cup, winning their first match 2-0 against Spanish side CD Iruña.
In the next group match the College grabbed an equaliser in the last minute against another Spanish team, CF Solsona, to draw 1-1.
Next up was English side and tournament favourites Tonbridge Angels FC, with CONEL showing real character to come back twice in the game to draw 2-2 with some chances to win the game.
The Football Academy has been in partnership with Leyton Orient FC since 2013 and offers professional coaching, physiotherapy, nutrition advice and technical analysis, as well as a free training kit and bag..
Head of Sport Jonathan Silman said: “The boys have had a great experience and performed very well against some tough opposition.
“Unfortunately, due to results from the other leagues we did not progress to the semi-finals, but to travel for our first tour and come away undefeated was a real coup for our Football Academy.”
Click this link to find out about our Football Academy.