In April 2023, Crosspool U18 Girls embarked on an exciting adventure to participate in the France International Tournament. This annual event, held at a Eurocamp in the beautiful South of France near Béziers, offered a unique opportunity for our players to experience international football while enjoying a well-deserved break from the pressures of GCSE and A-level mock exams. Our journey was filled with valuable lessons, unforgettable experiences, and countless memories that we’re eager to share.
Planning and Preparation
Like many other teams, our initial plans for this tour were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with careful planning, we managed to schedule the trip during an April long weekend, making it a perfect escape from the rigorous exam preparation period. The France Mediterranean Tournament promised decent weather, excellent facilities, and a friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for our tour.
After conducting thorough research, we were impressed by the tournament's reputation and organisation. Our communication with Fabien, the tournament organizer, revealed the event’s humble beginnings, similar to local tournaments in the UK, which have since grown due to the fantastic location and facilities. With nearly a thousand players and coaches participating, the tournament offered a mix of competitive football and social interaction, providing a perfect blend for our team.
Organising the Trip
The tournament was cost-effective, covering entry fees, accommodation, food, airport transfers, and all football activities, including transport. While there were multiple airports to choose from, we decided on flights from Manchester to Béziers via Paris, securing an early group booking with Air France for around £200 per person.
We booked 15 players for the trip, accompanied by both coaches and four additional adults, ensuring a good balance of supervision and support. Our preparations included ordering tracksuit tops and pennants for exchanging with other teams, and conducting a thorough safeguarding and risk assessment meeting with guardians to establish ground rules. This included agreements on supervision, social media use, and behavior, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved.
The Journey Begins
Our adventure started with a hiccup when our early morning train to Manchester Airport was canceled. However, thanks to the quick thinking and support of our fantastic parents, we arranged a last-minute minibus and carpool to the airport. Despite this minor setback, our spirits remained high, and we enjoyed the camaraderie and excitement of traveling together.
Upon arriving in France, we were warmly welcomed by Fabien and his team, who ensured our accommodation and meals were well-organized. The campsite provided a safe and friendly environment with access to a beach, pool, and various facilities, allowing the girls to relax and bond with other teams from across Europe.
The Tournament Experience
The tournament kicked off with an exciting mix of teams from France, the Netherlands, and Birmingham's Bournville FC. The competition was tough, featuring a blend of community, Junior Premier League, and academy teams from Europe. Despite the challenges, our girls gave a commendable performance, drawing one match and narrowly losing others, demonstrating their skill and determination against formidable opponents.
The second day of football saw teams grouped by their performance, allowing us to compete against teams of similar strength. This format worked well, providing competitive matches and fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among all participants. We finished strong, topping our group in the ranked games and earning a well-deserved trophy for our efforts.
Our trip was not without its challenges. A French air traffic control strike led to the cancellation of our return flights, requiring quick thinking and problem-solving to secure alternative travel arrangements. Despite these obstacles, our team remained resilient, and we eventually managed to get everyone home safely, even if it meant a few extra days in France.
This experience taught us the importance of contingency planning and flexibility when organising international travel. We learned the hard way about EU regulations on flight cancellations and the value of perseverance when dealing with airlines. In the end, we successfully recouped our costs, thanks to diligent follow-up.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
The France International Tournament was a rewarding experience that brought our team closer together and provided valuable lessons both on and off the pitch. Our girls showcased not only their football skills but also their maturity, resilience, and camaraderie throughout the trip. The support and involvement of our parents were invaluable, demonstrating the strength of our Crosspool community.
As we look forward to our next adventure in Spain this September, we carry with us the memories and lessons from France. Our girls, now 18 and moving on to new chapters in their lives, will have one final send-off to celebrate their decade of junior football. With matches against teams in Barcelona and Girona and the support of our dedicated Crosspool ultras, we are excited to see what the future holds.
Viva Crosspool! Spain, here we come!
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