Valencia Tour
Day 1 – Arrival and Settling In
Our tour began with a very early start, but the group travelled to Spain in excellent spirits and arrived safely in Valencia ready for the week ahead. Despite the inevitable tiredness that comes with a 2:15am departure, the pupils handled the journey extremely well and quickly embraced the warmer climate and blue skies on arrival.
After settling into the hotel and meeting our tour representatives, the group enjoyed some swimming and relaxation time before heading out to experience the atmosphere of Las Fallas, Valencia’s famous spring festival. Seeing the city alive with traditional dress, music and celebration provided a memorable cultural introduction to the tour and set a positive tone for the days ahead.
Day 2 – Hockey, Surfing & Pro Football Game – Valencia CF vs Levante UD
Day Two required flexibility, as an orange weather warning meant adjustments to our planned fixtures. The pupils adapted brilliantly, taking part in a competitive in-house hockey tournament at the local hockey centre. Their energy and enthusiasm remained high, and it was encouraging to see strong teamwork and positive communication throughout.
The afternoon brought an unexpected highlight. Due to strong surf conditions, our paddleboarding session was transformed into a surfing lesson. For many, this was a first experience in the waves, and pupils showed real determination in learning new skills. In the evening, we attended the local derby at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia. The electric atmosphere and high-quality football made it a memorable occasion, particularly for those attending their first live professional match.
Day 3 – Coaching, Culture and Football Match vs American School of Valencia
The morning began with a professional hockey training session led by a local Valencia coach. The focus on passing, movement and shooting culminated in several pupils experiencing 11-a-side hockey for the first time. The standard and commitment on display were excellent.
Later, the group visited Mercado de Ruzafa to select fresh ingredients before taking part in a paella cooking workshop. Preparing and sharing the meal together was a cultural highlight and a valuable opportunity to experience authentic Spanish cuisine. In the afternoon, we faced the American School of Valencia in football fixtures. Both teams competed with determination and resilience, showing great character throughout their matches and finishing the day with a strong sense of camaraderie.
Day 4 – Professional Football Coaching, Bike Ride and Hockey Match vs Valencia Club de Hockey
Day Four began with a professional football session delivered by Levante UD coaches. The pupils experienced a structured Spanish-style training session, including technical practices and an 11v11 match. It was a valuable opportunity to see a different coaching philosophy and to challenge themselves in a new environment.
A guided bike tour through the Turia Gardens and past the impressive City of Arts and Sciences allowed the group to explore more of Valencia’s history and architecture. In the evening, three competitive hockey fixtures rounded off the day. The girls showed real resilience against strong opposition, the boys’ second team secured an entertaining draw, and the boys’ first team earned a well-deserved victory — a strong collective performance across the group.
Day 5 – Paddle Tennis, Beach Trip & Football Match vs Local Club Team
Our final day offered a slightly more relaxed pace. After breakfast, we travelled to the Valencia Tennis Centre for a morning of paddle tennis, where pupils both developed existing skills and embraced new challenges. Watching local players compete on clay courts was a new experience for many.
The afternoon was spent at the beach, enjoying time together in the sunshine before returning to prepare for our final fixtures. The girls finished the tour with a well-earned football victory played in excellent spirit. Although the boys’ scheduled fixture was cancelled, they concluded the evening with a lively seven-a-side match under the floodlights, full of energy and enjoyment.
We returned to the UK smoothly the following morning and were particularly pleased to receive compliments from fellow passengers regarding the pupils’ conduct on the flight. Throughout the tour, they represented the school with maturity, enthusiasm and excellent sportsmanship. It has been a truly rewarding experience for all involved.
