Senior Football European Tour Provides Coaching and Cultural Experiences

In the early hours of Thursday 23 October, 30 Senior Football players, accompanied by staff members Mr Fleming, Mr Smith, Mr O’Reilly and myself, set out on a nine-day European adventure across Germany and Italy. With Storm Joshua sweeping across northern Europe, the group faced challenging weather conditions but remained undeterred as they embarked on a journey combining elite Football development with unforgettable cultural experiences.

The Tour began in Dortmund, Germany, where the squad trained at the renowned Borussia Dortmund Academy. Across four outstanding sessions, delivered by BVB’s professional coaches, the players developed their technical, tactical and physical skills next to the towering Signal Iduna Park. Despite relentless wind and rain, spirits remained high and performances impressive throughout. Both RGS squads then took to the pitch for competitive fixtures against local opposition, FC TUS Deusen and BV Brambauer, gaining invaluable match experience in testing European conditions.

One of the absolute highlights of the Tour came when the group attended the Bundesliga clash between Borussia Dortmund and FC Cologne at the famous Signal Iduna Park. In front of 81,000 passionate yellow and black fans, the players witnessed a breathtaking pre-match rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” echoing around the stadium. The atmosphere was electric from start to finish, culminating in Dortmund scoring a dramatic last-minute winner. It was a stunning evening that will stay in everyone’s memory for years to come.

Off the pitch, the team enjoyed a fascinating tour of the Borussia Dortmund stadium and club museum, learning about the club’s rich history and fan culture. An unexpected bonus was meeting several international darts players competing in the European Championships that weekend! The group also embraced local German cuisine, with schnitzels, pretzels, and bratwurst featuring prominently on the menu.

Midway through the Tour, the party undertook an epic 12-hour, 800-kilometre high-speed rail journey south to Verona, Italy. The Italian leg of the adventure offered a more relaxed pace, with the team based near beautiful Lake Garda. The final fixture took place at the Veronello Resort against US Badia Polesine Calcio, providing another excellent opportunity to test their progress. Beyond Football, the group enjoyed a scenic boat trip on Lake Garda, explored the picturesque town of Sirmione, and sampled authentic gelato and Italian coffee.

The Tour concluded in style with a visit to Gardaland theme park, where rides such as Oblivion, Raptor, and Blue Tornado provided thrills (and a few queasy stomachs among staff!). A stop at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, soon to be demolished, offered one final moment of reflection and awe.

While the Tour’s focus was firmly on Football, it was equally about growth, friendship and cultural enrichment. Experiencing new environments, competing internationally, and sharing unforgettable moments together strengthened the players both individually and collectively.

For the coaching staff, it was a privilege to accompany such a talented and enthusiastic group. The 2025 Senior Football Tour will be remembered not just for the goals scored or matches won, but for the lifelong memories created along the way!

Mr Gary Leeds, Head of Football