Northfield School scores big with unforgettable Real Madrid adventure
The half-term break is always a cause for celebration; a well-earned break to kick back and relax, spend time with loved ones… and visit Real Madrid football club?!
For 110 pupils and seven staff at Northfield School and Sports College, this is exactly how they spend their October half-term. Score!
Once in a lifetime opportunities
The large group of lucky staff and students flew out from Edinburgh airport and returned to Heathrow airport, and stayed in an ideal hotel located not far from the Madrid airport and training ground.
While there, Team Northfield visited Madrid city centre and saw three famous landmarks, such as the Madrid Retiro Park, City Plaza and the King’s Palace. That’s truly bucket-list stuff.
The Inspiresport-led educational visit included three football coaching sessions at Real Madrid Valdebebas training ground, where pupils wore the Real Madrid training kit in their first session and were coached by Real’s high quality academy coaches. The facilities at the training ground were amazing and all pupils really enjoyed the sessions.
Most staff and students cite the highlight of the tour as the Real Madrid (Santiago Bernabeu) stadium tour closely followed by the Atletico Madrid (Metropolitano) stadium tour. Understandably, they say visiting two of the best stadiums in the world was an incredible experience, and as Real Madrid is the most successful club in Europe, displaying 15 European trophies, an honour, too.
They also really enjoyed watching the La Liga Getafe v Valencia game, which was a competitive game with an electric atmosphere thanks to Northfield pupils and the Valencia supporters.
A huge success that pupils will never forget
The trip involved some practical experiences as well as sight-seeing. Against local club teams, Northfield took part in six competitive games of football, putting their heart and soul into each one. Although they competed well, the Spanish teams won every game. Oh well, you’ll get them next time!
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “What an amazing trip to Madrid. It’s crucial our children and young people embrace these unique opportunities for personal growth and cultural development, and it sounds like a brilliant time was had by all.”
Staff member Mr Alderson would like to thank all parents for their continued support throughout the long process of organising the trip.
Northfield School and Sports College is a Schools North East Partner School . If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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