Hillsborough Boys visit Valencia

It’s not every day you can say you were trained by Valencia coaches at their own premier facility in the sun, and the club have reflected on what they described as an out of this world adventure.

A club official said: “Not only did the kids and coaches receive second to none training from experienced and friendly staff, but some of them even got to meet the first team players.

“This might have been the main reason for the trip but the fun didn’t stop there, we had an amazing tour to one of Europe’s top stadium facilities ‘the Mestalla’ and everyone left impressed, it was certainly a sight to see.

“Players and parents also attended a La Liga match, Villareal vs Espanyol, but unfortunately the score line didn’t favour the home side.

“There were two main highlights, first of which was the four matches played where all our players got to pit their wits against Spanish opposition and competed well with players much older than us.

“Then the second, which in our opinion completed the tour, the day at the beach where parents and coaches beat the kids 2-1 at beach football.

“This tour could not have happened without you, the players, the coaches and the parents and we would like to thank you not only for attending but for the respect and behaviour shown from everyone on the tour, it truly was “second to none”.

“Also a huge mention has to go out to Jed and Inspire Sports for the smooth organisation shown and the fact they kept us interested and alert the whole time we were there.

“The biggest thanks possibly has to go to the IFA, who over a year ago sent two delegates from Hillsborough on a fact finding mission to Levante and Villareal and out of that trip came our tour to Valencia, so big thanks to all at the IFA.

“If this tour is anything to go by, bring on the next one. LA Galaxy 2017, what do you think?!”