Waltham, March 10th 2008; MPS recently sent a group of U11/12 girls to the Spanish city of Madrid on the trip of a lifetime.  Organized by XL Travel, the trip was arranged to provide the clubs School of Excellence players with both a soccer and cultural experience they will never forget.

The team faced some tough European opposition in their seven day tour of Madrid. During the week, the girls competed against some high class and very organised Spanish opposition.. The girls, who had never played together as a team, gelled quickly and developed both individually and as a team, scoring a total of six goals over three hard fought games to give their parents plenty to cheer about. 

The trip was a fantastic learning experience for all players, with a first hand insight into how the European soccer style differs.  The Spanish opponents were physically stronger, as the team played against players who were some three years older.

"I was playing people three times my size!" said Lexi Vocatura, Bay State West SOE..

With age and size aside, the girls fought well and showed great spirit and tenacity in each game. The experience will only benefit the players as they continue through the MPS player development system.

"I loved playing matches against the Spanish teams," said Catherine Williamson, Metro Boston SOE.  "It made me feel so professional,"

The trip provided the girls and their parents with an unforgettable week in Europe. The group stayed at the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (City of Football) Headquarters on the outskirts of Madrid.  This is the home and training location of the Spanish National Team.

Throughout the week, the group also made many cultural stops around Madrid, visiting the 17th Century Plaza Mayor, Madrid's 3 Art Galleries, the Monestary, the Fallen Valley and Palacio Real which was "so pretty inside," said Kyra Judge . The group also strolled through the Parque del Buen Retiro, Madrid's prettiest public garden, sampled lots of local food and drink and took in a traditional Flamenco show which everyone enjoyed.

The MPS Spain trip is an annual event offered to players from the SOE program.  For further information, please attend the MPS Education Day, details of which can be found HERE.