Stevenson University Women’s Soccer 2016 International Trip – Barcelona, Spain Tour Organized By: WorldStrides Excel Stevenson University Women’s soccer traveled with WorldStrides Excel on a pre-season tour to Barcelona, Spain from August 4th-August 12th. This trip was a great tune up session before the start of their season on September 2nd. Their tour included four international friendly games, sightseeing in Santa Susanna, Girona, and Barcelona, a stadium tour at Camp Nou and attendance at the FC Barcelona vs. UC Sampdoria match. Follow along to learn more about their trip of a lifetime! The Mustangs departed Washington Dulles International Airport to start their journey to Barcelona, Spain. Touching down at Barcelona International Airport the team was met by their tour guide, Enrique and then headed off to the little town of Santa Susanna where they would be staying for the duration of their tour. The team checked into the hotel and took the pitch to shake off their jet leg with a technical training session. They worked on new formations and scrimmaged to prepare for their upcoming friendly games.
Day three was the team’s first full day in Barcelona and they made the most of it. The day began with time at the beach, which was right on the Mediterranean Sea, before heading to Camp Nou for a stadium tour. While at Camp Nous they were led through the interactive museum and were simply amazed by the number of trophies and signed memorabilia. Other tour stops included walking around the stadium and pitch and finished up with a tour of the visitors’ locker room. This evening was the first friendly match for the Mustangs against local team FE Grama. After ninety minutes of regulation Stevenson came out on top with a 6-0 victory. The players stated “it was an amazing opportunity to play in a country with such rich soccer history.” The Mustangs departed from Santa Susanna and headed towards Barcelona where they would be meeting their tour guide, Christina. Christina showed the team all of Barcelona with stops at the unfinished Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s amazing unfinished temple, the lively street called Las Ramblas, the gothic cathedral, the Picasso museum, and the old port. The team also visited Olympic Stadium which hosted the 1929 World Fair and the 1992 Summer Olympics. This was marked as one of the team’s favorite locations. After a day of sightseeing in Barcelona the Mustangs had to prepare for their evening match vs. CE Sant Gabriel. The club was very technically skilled. It was an even sided match with the final score ending with a 1-1 draw.
Stevenson University Women’s Soccer 2016 International Trip – Barcelona, Spain Tour Organized By: WorldStrides Excel Another action packed day full of soccer was in store for the Mustangs. Their morning started off with a futsal session on a local court followed by an evening friendly match. The team traveled along the Spanish countryside before ending at Penya Blanc I Blava La Roca for their match. After full time Stevenson came out on top with a 2-0 victory! Following the match the team was able to cheer on the US Women’s National team in their match vs. Colombia in Olympics play. Day seven was full of once in a lifetime soccer experiences and cultural opportunities. They day started off with the team meandering through the streets where they enjoyed the local architecture and shopping. Enrique, the team’s Tour Director led the team to Gustos Barcelona where they would enjoy a local Spanish dinner. The menu included a variety of dishes such as paellas, tapas, seafood and pastas. The girls loved trying the local cuisine. After dinner it was time to board the bus to Camp Nous to see FC Barcelona take on UC Sampdoria for the Gamper Trophy! The Mustangs described the game as an action-filled game and it ended with a 3-2 victory for FC Barcelona. “The chance to see these talents in person at their home stadium was an unforgettable opportunity.” The last full day in Spain for Stevenson quickly arrived. The team headed onto the bus for their final city tour of the Old Town of Girona. Girona is located halfway between the mountains and the sea with spectacular views of Catalonia. Their guided walking tour started through a town with colorful buildings that lined the banks of the River Onyar. They crossed the bridge into town, and were greeted by the Englesia de Sant Feliu, a 14th century gothic church. En route to the team’s final match they stopped at unique shops and street vendors while enjoying the charming views. After an afternoon of sightseeing it was time for the Mustangs to lace up for their final match against Penya Barcelonista Lloret de Mar. The last and final game was another hard fought match and was a great learning opportunity for the team. It was officially the last day in Spain and time for Stevenson to head home back to the United States. Overall, the memories that the team made together, the team bonding activities and the soccer experience that they took part will be remembered forever. Ultimately this trip helped prepare them for their upcoming fall season. WorldStrides Excel is excited to see what the fall season has in store for Stevenson. Good luck! “I would like to thank WorldStrides Excel for organizing this wonderful trip, Enrique for the being the best tour director we could have possibly asked for, and to all the teammates for making this trip so memorable. We are thankful to have shared this nine-day excursion of excitement, enlightenment, empowerment, and enjoyment together.” – Stevenson Women’s Soccer Team