Football team to tackle Barcelona on tour
A FOOTBALL team supported by Muir is to tour Barcelona and play matches in the shadow of the iconic Nou Camp stadium.
Winsford Over 3 Football Club is taking its Under 13s team to the footballing mecca which plays host to international stars of the game including Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
But while the current La Liga champions won’t be taking to the field against the Winsford-based club, which includes a number of Muir residents, the Under 13s going on tour will have the chance to showcase their skills against some of the other teams in the area.
They will playing against the youth sides of CD Almeda and UAE Font as part of their five-day visit to the city in celebration of the club’s 25th anniversary.
Winsford Over 3 Football Club’s award-winning coach Tony Mitchell (pictured) took over the running of the three years ago but has been involved since its outset.
He recently picked up the Volunteer Coach of the Year Award at the Mayor of Winsford’s annual ‘Oscars’ and said: “All of the lads are very much looking forward to the trip.
“They are all from various backgrounds and some of them have never been away on anything like this before.
“They are a special bunch and the biggest reward you can have is to see the smiles on their faces when they are enjoying themselves.”
Tony revealed the club has been fundraising to help finance the trip, which goes ahead on May 30, and also thanked supporters and parents for the donations they have made.
“A number of the youngsters are residents with the Muir housing group and we have had some fantastic help in the way of grants for past trips from the Friends of Muir community investment scheme,” Tony said.
A total of 44 youngsters are going on the trip which will include a city tour of Barcelona and a visit to the Nou Camp stadium where the stars of FC Barcelona regularly grace the game.
“Our philosophy at Winsford Over 3s is to give the kids a chance and provide the best for less,” Tony added.
“We help instill values and principles and we hope they all have a fantastic time.”
The club has previously enjoyed trips to Holland, France, Ireland and Scotland, as well as across England.