In May, Blackpool FC Sports College students and staff travelled to Barcelona to celebrate the academic year coming to an end. Throughout their stay in Barcelona, the students experienced Spanish culture, and local cuisine as well as visiting sights in the city. For some students, this was their first time travelling abroad which further added to the development of independence away from home.
Day One
The students and staff arrived in Barcelona after a smooth journey from Manchester. Once arrived and checked in, both staff and students ventured around the surrounding areas before finding a venue to watch the first Champions League semi-final.
Day Two
The first full day in Barcelona started with a visit to Spotify Nou Camp, home of Barcelona FC. During their time there, the students learnt about the history of the club at the museum, saw the construction progress of the new stadium and tested their footballing skills against the ‘RoboKeeper’ before browsing in the official club shop. This was followed by an afternoon on the beach, where students showed off their volleyball skills and spent time enjoying the sun.
Day Three
The third day began with a trip to the Olympic Stadium where the students had a tour of the grounds and visited the Olympic swimming pool in Montijuci Park. The students also visited the Olympic Museum, to learn about the history of the Olympic Stadium and the 1992 Olympic Games. In the museum, students learnt about technology and the impact it has on sports performance. Later in the evening, the students enjoyed a group meal at Flaherty’s Irish bar.
Day Four
On their last full day in Barcelona, the staff and students revisited the beach to sunbathe, play volleyball and swim in the Mediterranean Sea. This was followed by a second trip to Camp Nou to watch a basketball game, between Barcelona and Unicaja Málaga. Both staff and students thoroughly enjoyed the experience of a live basketball game.
Day Five
The last day of the trip had staff and students exploring the city further. They took the metro to see the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia and the Arc-de-Triomf and took their final chance to shop on Las Ramblas. They then headed back to the hotel to finalise their packing before beginning their journey back to Manchester.
This trip was held as an end-of-year celebration, with some students looking at moving to university in the coming months. The trip was an overall success and enjoyed by all who attended. Blackpool FC Sports College staff look forward to another European trip next year.
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