A group of weary boys met five fresh faced teachers at 3:30 am at the courage hall ready to take Portugal by storm. After a spontaneous detour to Bordeux was announced mid-flight and a coach trip along the longest bridge in the world, we arrived at the Sporting Lisbon Academy. The facilities were to everyone's amazement, several first class pitches and that was before we had tasted the food.

Time waits for no man, straight to our rooms to unpack, a quick bite to eat and then our first competitive match awaited us. It was clear from the warm up that all the lads couldn't wait for the match to start. The team started well creating many good chances and tackling strong. We scored two goals to make it 3-1 at half time, one from Rob Edkins and one from Henry Ballard. Heavy dominance in the second half resulted in 3 more goals from Sean Worricker, Jasper Read and I.

After a good night's sleep and a welcoming breakfast, everyone couldn't wait to get out onto the pitch for the first of many training sessions. It was clear from the off that the Sporting coaches were excellent. The afternoon consisted of lunch and a friendly but fierce game of water polo.

Thursday's routine was mostly similar to Wednesday's. The morning training session focused on more complex attacking and defending principles, another successful and valuable session was followed by lunch! Just like Wednesday, the afternoon free time was mainly occupied by an epic match of water polo. I was told (by the teachers) that they destroyed the pupils, but I think we all know who the real winners were. The evening consisted of some corner routines and then a training session involving different aspects of attacking, mainly from wide areas. Everyone needed to get some rest before the big match against the Sporting Lisbon Academy the next day.

The two squads and the teachers woke up excited and ready for the challenge. After breakfast, a thorough warm up ensured everybody was physically and mentally ready for the task. The first minute of the game showed us what we were up against, a well drilled, strong, fit and clever team. They moved the ball around quickly and accurately, but our defence stood firm restricting the Sporting team to long shots and long balls. Our defence was breached after 20 minutes when a strong run from their centre midfielder resulted in a 20 yard unstoppable strike into the bottom corner of our net. This did not deflate the team. Team talks from Mr Wignall, Mr Kayne and Mr Cleaves inspired every team member to push themselves as far as possible in the next 45 minutes. The second half started as the first finished. Again we resisted until one of their players found his way into our box and was brought down, conceding a penalty. The penalty was struck well into the side netting to make it 2-0. The team worked their socks off for 90 minutes and although defeated, we produced an outstanding performance which every member of the team and the coaches can be proud off.

Later that afternoon after a spot of lunch and a shower, we travelled to Lisbon. We had a tour of the Estadio Jose Alvalade and visited the club shop. Then we set off to the beach where many lads braced and enjoyed the cold Atlantic sea. Even though I sat out of the fun in the sea, I heard Mr Kayne found it hard to come to terms with the sea's temperature. After the beach we took a trip to the local shopping centre. The coach journey back consisted of a few classic songs and a few out of tune songs, but was a good way to end a pleasing and successful day.

Saturday morning brought our last training session which contained a few small sided games to end with. The presentation of medals and prizes followed with Rob Lee winning best player of the B squad and Sean Worricker winning best player of the A squad, and not forgetting tourist of the week George Ward!

The 7-a-side tournament followed. Mr Kayne, delighted the on looking crowd with many mind blowing pieces of magic, namely one piece of skill which left Danny Marshall not knowing where to look and the crowd absolutely gobsmacked!

Then we embarked on the sad, homeward journey. Although tired and glad to be home, many memories remained of what was a successful and extremely enjoyable tour. I speak on behalf of all the upper sixth formers when I say that I couldn't have wished for a more enjoyable last football tour. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the five members of staff, Mr Wignall, Mr Kayne, Mr Cleaves, Mr Kiff and Mr Hardie whose dedication and hard work made the tour possible, made it great fun and gave everyone who went a tour to remember!

Please click here for a gallery of images taken on tour.