The Trip of a Lifetime
How a junior football team from Winsford followed in the famous footsteps on Lionel Messi and Johan Cruyff….
Barcelona… famous for its sandy beaches, legendary tapas, fantastic architectureand its all-conquering football team!
And 24 young footballers from Winsford got to sample everything the famous city had to offer when they toured the Catalan region last month.
The Winsford over 3 Athletic JFC U12s headed out to Barcelona to take on two junior sides from the region, and also got the opportunity to watch the undisputed kings of European football in action at the historic Nou Camp Stadium.
The youngsters’ trip got off to the perfect start, with the Winsford side thrashing local side, CD Almeda 5-0! They followed it up with another impressive display in their second match, which they won 10-7.
But the undoubted highlight was the trip to the Nou Camp, where the youngsters got to see the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez in action. And they couldn’t have picked a better game - witnessing Barcelona lift the La Liga title after an action-packed 2-2 draw with Deportivo La Coruna.
It was a trip of a lifetime – and one that the team will remember for the rest of their lives. And it was all made possible thanks to the tireless effort of club secretary, Tony Mitchell, who has been involved with grassroots football for over 24 years.
Tony has organised similar trips in the past to the likes of the Netherlands, Ireland, France and Scotland, and has seen the positive affect it has on young people.
And despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease two years ago, Tony’s enthusiasm has never waned. Although he now has to take a backseat from day-to-day physical activity, Tony was instrumental in helping to raise over £7,500 towards the cost of the tour.
Tony said: “We’ve got a brilliant bunch of players at the club and this was a dream come true for them. I am restricted due to my illness, but I aim to do all I can to help young kids from all backgrounds in the community.
“The hospitality we received from the people of Barcelona was second to none. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and friendly, and their sporting facilities were first class.
“Then it was off to the Nou Camp and it was the stuff that dreams are made of. As well as watching an incredibly exciting game, the boys got to witness Barcelona lift the League title in front of 80,000 plus spectators, it doesn’t get any better than that.
“It is an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. It has been a long-time ambition of mine to organise a trip to Barcelona, so I’m delighted that it has finally come to fruition.
“Not only has this trip seen them grow and develop as footballers, but as young lads as well.”
Tony added: “The parents from our group have also been fantastic. They have made a lot of sacrifices to support this trip, both financially and in terms of the time and effort they put in to supporting this club.
“Since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, they have been brilliant. I can’t thank them enough for their support. I would also like to thank our U12s coach Colin Rose - his coaching is first class and has brought a lot of his knowledge to the kids from his professional days at Crewe Alexandra.”
The team has received grants and donations from the likes of Leighton Hospital Prostate Cancer Support Group, courtesy of Gary Steele MBE, Winsford Town Council, as well as donations from businesses such as Cavanagh Timber Winsford.
The trip has also received financial support from the Friends of Muir (FoM), a charitable trust set up by Muir which supports projects that make a positive difference to the wider community.
Les Paterson, Chair of the Friends of Muir said:
“Everyone involved with the FoM was impressed by Tony’s passion and his desire to help young people living in Winsford. A lot of the people involved with the club are Muir residents, and we were more than happy to support what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these young footballers.”
How the Friends of Muir could help you
Since it was established in 2002, the Friends of Muir have given over £500,000 to hundreds of Community projects over the country.
Whether you’re looking to hold a community fun day, help a local youth group, or looking to fund social events – FOM may be able to help.
If you are interested in applying to the Friends for funding, click here.