EUROPEAN football is the goal of any young player – and students at Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College had an early taste thanks to a development tour in Holland.
Fifty football mad youngsters from the school were trained by professional coaches at top flight Dutch football club PSV Eindhoven, where Bobby Robson spent two years as manager in the early 90s following his stint as England boss.
They then played a fixture against another touring school, winning 3-2.
For the duration of the trip, the students were based at a specialist sports hotel which had its own indoor football pitch, swimming pool and gym facilities.
They also had a behind-the-scenes tour of PSV’s Philips Stadion and saw the club’s first team beat De Graafschap 2-1 in the Eredivisie – the country’s top league division.
PE teacher Craig Hartfield said: “We had a brilliant times with PSV, whose coaches were amazing and facilities world-class.
“The students learnt a lot in the tailored coaching sessions and had a great time throughout the visit.”
Head teacher Alison Davies said: “It’s been wonderful to hear our football tour to Holland was a success and that the students enjoyed their time training and watching the match. I am very grateful to the staff involved for ensuring the trip was a success.”
