A GROUP of Southampton students embarked on a trip of a life-time to Barcelona. 

The trip for students at Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill consisted of two training sessions with Espanyol football coaches, a game against a local football academy, and sightseeing around Barcelona. 

The four-day trip was aimed at improving the youngsters' linguistic and sports skills but also help their personal and social development.

Once they arrived in Barcelona the group headed straight to the training ground for lunch and their first training sessions with the Espanyol coaches. 

After the training session pupils watched Espanyol Youth versus Barcelona Youth in a local derby where players from all over the world were involved. 

The next day involved a second training session where students were challenged both technically and physically.

We also had the opportunity to watch a small part of the Espanyol’s first team training. Students also had a chance to enjoy some ‘down-time’ including going to the beach.

Day three of the trip involved a more cultural affair with a sight-seeing in Barcelona. Pupils visited an impressive 

Gothic cathedral. After a long day sightseeing the team enjoyed yet more football with a fixture against U.E Sant Fost C.F. 

The girls played very well and lost narrowly 2-1. The boys' team also played very well and ran out comfortable winners 9-0. 

On their final day the students had the chance to shop for the all-important souvenir s which also gave them the chance explore the local area and shops. 

After leaving the hotel the group travelled to the Nou Camp stadium which was was as impressive as they anticipated.

According to staff, students were left “gobsmacked" by the size of the stadium and the 
trophy room. 

Pupils then had the chance to visit the museum and enjoy a tour of the stadium where they were able to access various different parts of the stadium including the media area, changing rooms, commentary position, tunnel and pitch side. 

See more at: www.oasisacademylordshill.org