After what seemed like a lifetime of organising and fund raising, on Saturday 11th October 16 players and 3 coaches boarded the plane at Newcastle Airport for a journey none of us expected but one none of us will ever forget.
Saturday was travel day, a 5am meet in Johnstone to travel to Newcastle. We arrived in Barcelona around 3pm and were whisked away to our hotel in no time. Once we arrived it was dinner and chill night as we were all shattered. The girls scattered into rooms to chill and socialise before bed.
Sunday was a chilled start, quick team meeting and exploring Calella then bused off to the opening ceremony. All teams and coaches marched about 1/2 mile to the stadium, singing, chanting & waving our flags. It was amazing to see. Once in the stadium we were all introduced and fireworks went off followed by a mile long Conga. It was all high spirits. Once back at hotel the whole team and coaches headed up a seafront bar with templehall FC to take in the Scotland game and both teams and parents had a cracking night.
On Monday they serious stuff started and we headed off to play Boys & girls club of wales. We took an early lead from a corner thanks to Anna. The 2nd half Wales came on strong and managed to find an equaliser at the death to finish 1-1.
Later in the evening we travelled to Rocafonda, home of Lamine Yamal, to take on the local Spanish side. Again we managed to take the lead through a Gabby penalty. Roca managed to equalise just before half time. Second half we came out ready to fight and despite Nicole being denied 2 stonewall pens she managed to beat 3 roca players and slide the ball beyond the keeper to give us a 2-1 win against a very technical roca team.
We were starting to believe.
Tuesday we were up early, 1st game of the day vs Rossvale. A lot of tired faces from last nights late efforts but we managed to take the lead from a Gabby cross finding Nicole unmarked to nod home. Rossvale found their own headed equaliser and the game finished 1-1. Another great effort.
Later that evening we headed 45 minutes into Barcelona to face PBB La Roca. This team were a football team. Slick, pass and move football, playing out from the back, never panicking just playing their game. To our credit our press worked well at times and we stuck the post, bar and just about everything else in sight but with 5 minutes to go Millie produced a bit of magic down the wing, the cut back into the box missed Nicole, but there was Lauren to smash it home. The place went mental, players coaches, Rossvale in the stands. I’m glad no one videoed me celebrating ?. The celebrations both on the pitch, full time with Rossvale and the bus home will live in the memory for a long time. What a night we had to win to make the final and boy did we.
Wednesday, final day. We had most of the day to chill in the hotel. Weather was lovely at the rooftop pool, Lola ran a aqua aerobics in the pool spirits were high among the nerves. At 3pm we headed to the stadium. We gathered in the changing room and a pep talk from the coaches and out we went. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be but the girls gave their all and we couldn’t ask for more. Full time was emotional with even the coaches having a tear in their eyes. We couldn’t have been prouder of their efforts and we brought smiles to a few faces eventually. Back to the hotel to get ready for the closing ceremony and the girls appeared in reception in a much heightened mood and off we went.
The closing ceremony was amazing and all 4 Scottish teams were heard partying together. Just before our trophy presentation our amazing goalie Amber was voted goalie of the tournament and well deserved. She has been our rock for many years and we are lucky to have her.
The trophy celebrations on the pitch were phenomenal, so many photos between the teams and the fireworks capped off an amazing night.
To the girls, thank you for memories that will last a lifetime. You guys stood up against all the odds and shone. I know I speak for all coaches when I say we are proud of you young ladies and you should be proud of your achievements here. A trip of a lifetime and you played out your skin. You made your coaches, parents, friends and country proud. Memories to last a lifetime.
To everyone who helped out along the way we are forever grateful.
NO HOUSTON, NO PARTY
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