An action-packed football tour with training, matches and culture
An action-packed football tour with training, matches and culture
During the Easter holidays, students in Years 8, 9 & 10 had the amazing opportunity to visit PSV Eindhoven in Holland for an action-packed football trip with professional training, competitive matches and culture experiences.
This was Spalding Academy’s first-ever international football collaboration with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. The entire trip was a great success and created a promising relationship for future tours.
The highlight of the trip was training at PSV Eindhoven’s renowned De Herdgang complex, where our students participated in sessions led by PSV’s professional coaching staff. The experience was made even more special as students witnessed PSV’s men’s and women’s teams training at the facility alongside them.
They also had the privilege of watching an U17 academy match between PSV and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Adding to the excitement was the appearance of Liam van Nistelrooy (son of legendary striker Ruud van Nistelrooy) who played up front for the PSV team.
As well as professional training sessions, students took part in three competitive matches against local side Nivo Sparta. It was just like the international fixtures as there were handshakes between the players and they proudly sang their respective national anthems. Overall, we had one win as the Year 9 team had an impressive 4-2 victory, one draw as the Year 10 played out a thrilling 4-4 draw and one loss as the Year 8 team narrowly lost 3-2.
It wasn’t all hard work as students got to enjoy the atmosphere of top-flight Dutch football as they watched an Eredivisie clash between Fortuna Sittard and Feyenoord. They also had a guided tour of PSV Eindhoven’s stadium, where they learnt about the history and traditions of one of Europe’s most successful clubs.
The trip concluded with an awards ceremony recognising outstanding performances across all age groups. These awards celebrated not only technical ability but also sportsmanship, teamwork and personal development throughout the tour.
YEAR 8 AWARDS
Players’ Player
Dylan Green
Manager’s Player
Maksims Spicins
Player of the Tour
Jools Saterlay
YEAR 9 AWARDS
Players’ Player
Konrad Pacholski
Manager’s Player
Riley Green
Player of the Tour
Gustas Bunkus
YEAR 10 AWARDS
Players’ Player
Jacob Dani
Manager’s Player
Max Caller
Player of the Tour
Jake Brickles
Mr Favell, who organised the trip said “I am incredibly proud of all the student’s efforts and exemplary behaviour whilst abroad, especially when members of the public commented on how polite, respectful and courteous our students were. The benefits of the tour extended far beyond the pitch as the students gained a massive amount, not only in a sporting context but in social and cultural contexts as well. It is opportunities like this that will provide memories, experiences and skills that will last a lifetime!”
