I'm Luke, Absolute Travel's Football Tours Account Manager and I've just come back from Spain where I accompanied UDA Soccer Academy's end of season tour with us to Barcelona....and what an experience it was! We stayed at a fabulous 4 star hotel in Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava, one of our favourite football tours destinations and travelled into the city for professional coaching, friendly matches and culture!
Behind the Tour: UDA Soccer’s Barcelona Experience
At Absolute Travel, we believe the best sports tours are about more than just the football. They’re about creating opportunities for young players to develop their game, experience different cultures, and make memories that will stay with them long after the final whistle.
UDA Soccer’s recent five-day tour to Barcelona was a perfect example of that philosophy in action with many of their players finishing their footballing journey with UDA soccer at the conclusion of this trip. From elite training sessions at RCD Espanyol’s renowned academy to competitive fixtures against Spanish opposition and time exploring one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, every day offered something new.
Professional Football from Day One
After arriving in Barcelona, the group headed straight to the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque, home of RCD Espanyol’s academy. Training at a professional facility immediately immersed the players in an elite football environment. The quality of the pitches, the coaching surroundings and the atmosphere gave the squad an authentic taste of academy football in Spain before they rounded off the day with a behind-the-scenes stadium tour.
(RCD Espanyol Training Ground)
“An unforgettable start to the tour as UDA Soccer trained at RCD Espanyol’s renowned Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque training complex.”
Learning from One of Spain’s Leading Academies
One of the highlights of the tour was the opportunity to work directly with RCD Espanyol’s academy coaches. The sessions challenged players both technically and tactically, encouraging them to think differently and experience the methods used within one of Spain’s most respected youth development programmes. For many players, this is the moment that inspires them to raise their own standards when they return home.
UDA Soccer at RCD Espanyol Training Ground - Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque
“Training alongside one of Spain’s leading academies gave players an invaluable insight into professional coaching and player development.”
International Football Experience
Football tours are about putting learning into practice. UDA Soccer faced local opposition during two competitive fixtures, giving every player the chance to experience football in a different country and against different playing styles. These matches are always about more than the scoreline. They help players grow in confidence, improve communication and adapt to new challenges—valuable experiences that stay with them long after the tour ends.
“Football brings people together. UDA Soccer and their Spanish opponents shared an unforgettable international football experience.”
Exploring Barcelona
While football was the focus of the itinerary, there was plenty of opportunity to discover everything Barcelona has to offer. Players enjoyed free time exploring the city’s famous streets, historic landmarks and local cafés, experiencing the culture that makes Barcelona one of Europe’s most popular sporting destinations. The balance between football and sightseeing is one of the reasons overseas tours leave such a lasting impression on young athletes.
“Beyond the football, players experienced the history, architecture and atmosphere that make Barcelona such an unforgettable destination.”
Creating Memories Beyond the Pitch
By the end of the week, the players had experienced professional training environments, competed against overseas opposition, explored one of Europe’s greatest cities and strengthened friendships that will last for years to come. At Absolute Travel, that’s exactly what every tour is designed to achieve. We’re proud to create experiences that combine football, education, travel, and culture into something truly memorable. Whether it’s training with professional clubs, playing international fixtures or discovering iconic destinations, every itinerary is carefully planned to give young players opportunities they simply can’t experience at home.
Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making UDA Soccer’s Barcelona tour such a success—from the players and coaching staff to our local partners and hosts. We look forward to welcoming many more teams on their own unforgettable football journeys.
“Five unforgettable days. Elite coaching. International fixtures. Lifelong memories. Another successful football experience delivered by Absolute Travel.”
Here are just a few of the many photos that I personally took during the trip, whilst looking after the group in destination.
Luke Worley, Football Tours Accounts Manager, Absolute Travel and Tours
01279 647566
