From Passmore to the Bernabéu: Footballers Embark on European Tour of a Lifetime

In April 2025, 35 footballers from Years 10, 11, and 12, at St Augustine’s College laced up their boots and set off on an unforgettable journey through Europe. From the bustling stadiums of England to the pitches of Portugal and Spain, the tour offered a rare blend of elite football experiences, cultural immersions, and no doubt - a level of personal growth for each student.

We are proud of the boys’ integrity and the way they represented the College throughout their European adventure.

Elite Matches: Football on the World Stage

The students had the opportunity to witness world-class football across five matches:

• Burnley vs Norwich

• Manchester City vs Crystal Palace - A 7-goal thriller at the Etihad

• Aston Villa vs PSG - A gripping, electric, Champions League Quarter Final under the lights

• Sporting Lisbon vs Moreirense - Soaking up the energy of Portuguese fandom

• Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao - A fitting finale at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu

These games brought to life the passion, precision, and drama of European football, leaving the group in awe of the atmosphere, and the spectacular skill on display.

Training with the Best

Across three countries, the students participated in intensive training sessions with elite academy coaches. Each experience was a masterclass in the discipline, technique, and mentality required to compete at the top level:

• Crewe Alexandra (1 session)

• Manchester City (3 sessions)

• Benfica (2 sessions)

• Real Madrid (1 session)

• Atlético Madrid (1 session – widely regarded as the tour highlight)

These sessions exposed the boys to new standards of professional football, and gave them a glimpse into the pathways of elite player development.

Matches Played: Testing Ourselves Abroad

The tour also included competitive fixtures in each country - each one an opportunity to test their skill levels, whilst building resilience and their growth as a team:

• England: Both the U16s and U18s faced tough losses, learning firsthand about the high standards of English grassroots football.

• Portugal: The Juniors earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw - a great and proud effort after their earlier loss. Meanwhile the Seniors were defeated in a 4-0 battle, though, showed notable improvements in their game.

• Spain: A 2–0 loss for the Juniors and a well-earned 1-1 draw for the Seniors marked strong finishes to the tour, again with notable progress.

Though the results varied, the boys improved with every match, displaying maturity, sportsmanship, and determination.

Beyond Football: A Journey of Character and Connection

While football was the core focus, this tour offered so much more. The boys engaged with different cultures, adapted to new environments, and bonded as a squad - experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime. They came home with new insights into elite-levels of sport and deeper connections with their teammates, and we couldn’t be prouder of how they represented themselves and the College.