Amongst the travelling party were three talented Thai boys who were leaving their home country for the first time. Phuripat Wattano, Suttirak Taksin and Jirayuth Sutthikul are attending BISP on football scholarships and the Cruzeiro Academy was particularly excited for them to showcase their talents in Spain.
Upon arrival the team travelled to their hotel where they would be basing themselves for the duration of the trip. As well as playing football the boys were treated to tours of the Santiago Bernabeu and Vicente Calderon stadiums, the Spanish national team training centre, Real Madrid’s training ground Valdebebas and attended Real Madrid’s La Liga clash against Getafe and Champions League tie against Malmo of Sweden. Both Real games were runaway victories for the home side and provided plenty of goals.
However, the focus of the tour was to provide high level competition for the BISP Cruzeiro team. This was achieved with 9 games in 8 days. Competition included youth teams from Spanish professional clubs AD Alcorcon and Atletico Madrid as well as the Spanish national team academy and various other teams from the very competitive local Madrid league, most notably Deportiva Moratalaz, a team which has achieved great success against Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.
Despite the initial shock caused by the Spanish winter climate, the boys soon began implementing the Cruzeiro methodology in which they train with outstanding success. Out of the 9 games played the BISP Cruzeiro record stood at 7 wins, two draws and no losses.
Despite playing strong opposition the boys maintained their discipline and received glowing praise from all opposition coaches. A particular highlight was a training session held with Real Madrid youth team coaches at the Valdebebas training complex.
Here, the coaches were very impressed by the level of the BISP Cruzeiro team and were extremely complimentary. They especially praised the team’s understanding of footballing concepts and remarked that the team was of a much higher level than other touring sides.
For more information about the BISP Cruzeiro Football Academy, visit www.bisphuket.ac.th/bisp-cruzeiro-football-academy
British International School, Phuket would like to thank Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort (http://www.outriggerthailand.com/laguna-phuket-beach-resort/) for their kind sponsorship of this tour.