Barcelona 2013

After a year of hard work, both in the classroom and on the football pitch, the ReachOut Year 9’s got their just rewards, jetting off to Barcelona for four days of fun, culture and football on the 28^th of May.

The flight from a grey Gatwick to sunnier climates marked the start of a trip filled with new experiences which the boys are certain to never forget. For some it would be a first time flying, a first time abroad, a first prolonged period away from family and even a first opportunity to swim in the sea.

Charles in the dance off

After arrival in Badalona, a picturesque coastal city adjoined to Barcelona, the boys got their first taste of the city soaked in culture. Following dinner by the beautiful port, the boys themselves became the attraction entertaining tourists with a ‘dance off’ on Barcelona’s most famous street, ‘La Rambla’.

Albert, Habib, Josh, David and Charles - the future of FC Barcelona?

On our first full day, there was nowhere better to start than with a visit to one of the world’s most famous sporting arenas, the ‘camp nou’, home to F.C Barcelona. The club’s moto ‘mes que un club’ is famously spelt out in the chairs of the stadium, and whilst we couldn’t have been any further from the Hackney Marshes, the amazed expressions on the boy’s faces reminded me that we did have something in common with the world’s greatest club, at ReachOut, we too, are ‘more than a club’. After our visit to the stadium it was time to take advantage of the good weather and hit the beach for some relaxation before our first football match later that evening.

Albert, Ayo, Habib, Anil and Tarik chillin'.

The privilege of playing football in Europe is usually reserved for those who have enjoyed domestic success, so it was fitting that the boy’s first foray into Europe should come quick off the back of a league and cup double under the stewardship of Arrigo ‘Vialli’ Beino. The boys played two matches on a pitch set high in the hills with stunning views overlooking the city, winning comfortably in their first game (5-1) before losing out to a team of older players in the second.

Alan, Albert (again!) Reuben and Agit being forced to have a photo with Fran

The second day was spent exploring the city centre, where we visited the stunning ‘Sagrada Familia’ and shopped for souvenirs. Then it was back to the scenic pitch of our hospitable hosts F.C Brafa, where the home team ran out 5-4 in a thrilling encounter. The match ended with a friendly penalty shout-out, with the ReachOut boys keeping their cool to win 4-2. After the match we headed back to our hostel via the stunning ‘Casa Batllo’, another masterpiece of Gaudi’s.

Time flies when you’re having fun and before we knew it, it was time to head home, but not before a trip to Europe’s largest theme park, PortAventura.

It was a trip that the young people (and adults) will never forget. It was a deserved reward for all their hard work at the Academy, on the football pitch and in fundraising for the trip.

By Ewan Rothnie

ReachOut's Year 9s salute their fans.