English Schools' Football Association

North Kesteven Boys with Luis Figo

A lucky group of forty three school children from North Kesteven School recently returned from a once in a lifetime five day football development tour to the Spanish Football Association in Madrid.

The tour was organised by Gary Walters, a PE teacher at the school in collaboration with specialist sports tour provider inspiresport.

“The Spanish Football Association was the ideal location for our trip”, said Mr Walters, “not only is it located in Madrid – one of the world’s premier footballing locations, but the facilities and coaching staff are first class and the pupils even stayed at the official Spanish FA Residence. We chose the location of the tour after talking it through with the students – and we decided if we were going to do it, we were going to do it properly!”

“The trip not only developed the student’s football skills, thanks to the excellent coaching courtesy of the Spanish FA coaches, as well as competitive matches against local opposition, but for some it was their first time away with friends, in a different country. It was a complete educational and cultural experience”.

“Highlights are too numerous to mention. The Bernabeu behind the scenes stadium tour was pretty special, and watching Athletico Madrid versus Real Sociedad was amazing. Although I have to say when we met Luis Figo, Fernando Hierro and Vicente Del Bosque and had our pictures taken with them – that really stands out! All three are footballing legends, we couldn’t believe it!”

Tom Shorey, Managing Director for inspiresport said, "I was so pleased that North Kesteven School were able to experience an inspiresport development tour and that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves".

"I truly believe that our sporting development tours play a hugely positive role in a young person's education, offering not only a top class sporting experience but also providing a well rounded cultural trip, the memories of which will last a lifetime"

"Our main objective has always been to make a difference to young people’s lives through providing unique access for all standards of players to the top domestic and international clubs across the world”.

For more information on the ESFA’s official tour provider go to www.inspiresport.com