Platja D’Aro is a fabulous town situated on the Mediterranean coast just north of Barcelona. This is a very safe and attractive town that combines sport, culture and leisure in a natural setting, centred on a lovely seafront with impressive beaches and idyllic bays. The ease of access to the excellent local facilities and the opportunity for excursions to water parks, theme parks, Barcelona and the Nou Camp make this an ideal destination for school trips. After a long trip to get to Spain the pupils were given some well-earned time to get to know the hotel and its facilities. Fantastic weather meant that it was a perfect time to enjoy some time on the beach situated directly behind the hotel. The first night ended with a trip to the Magic Park Arcade where the pupils were treated to a ‘crash’ course in driving.

Following the first night, students were taken for their first coaching sessions. The boys heading to Calonge for some expert training from one of Europe’s top junior coaches and the girls heading towards St Antoni for the first taste of Netball action. Later on that day, both boys teams started the tour campaign with 2 fantastic victories. A perfect start! The U12/13’s winning 4-0 and the U13/14’s coming from 2 goals down to win 3-2. A game of bowling followed a wonderful dinner.  Girls showed the boys how it was done when it came to Bowling!

Wednesday was just as action packed with coaching sessions taking place in the morning followed by the day trip to Barcelona. The Nou Camp was the first destination which was undoubtedly one of the highlights for the children. A chance to see where their heroes played the game and soak up some inspiration before the final game the next day. It was an unforgettable experience for all which left them in awe and amazement.

After the Nou Camp we headed into Barcelona. A busy and beautiful day, we walked up Las Ramblas taking in the sights and smells Barcelona had to offer. A trip to the food market was a different experience for all. Opting out of the Karaoke night the children decided on a well-earned and needed rest for the evening, in preparation for the final day’s activities.

The final full day saw the girls take part in a Netball tournament with a number of different schools from across England. Unfortunately the girls didn’t win on this occasion but they put up some great performances against some tough opposition. By the end of the trip the girls had really developed a close bond towards each other, a bond of friendship and togetherness formed on experiences and memories from their trip to Spain. The boys maintained their winning ways with another 2-0 victory and also a 3-2 victory taking the boys tally for the trip to 4/4. Celebrations all round as the children swapped their sports trainers for their dancing shoes as they headed down to the disco later that evening.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. On the final morning, there was some time to shop for souvenirs down the strip and get some last minute mementos of their holiday that will last in the memories of both teachers and pupils for a very long time. Mr Hart