A group of 25 Sports students from Gower College Swansea enjoyed a two week training camp with Portuguese football giants, SL Benfica.
The students, who are all studying on Football, Coaching & Development Programme, were put through their paces by the Benfica coaching staff before taking part in four matches against local teams - with two wins, one loss and a draw.
The players also faced a tough test as they rounded off their fixtures with a game against an elite team which featured players who may sign for the Portuguese champions in the future. Unfortunately, Gower College Swansea slipped to a narrow defeat on that occasion.
Alongside playing experience, the team also took part in daily lectures and enjoyed a tour of the home of the Primeira Liga winners, Estádio da Luz.
“We think opportunities like this are vital for our learners to get experience of life as professional footballers - living as they do when involved in competitions and being based at the training ground," says tutor Richard South. "Benfica are one of Europe’s leading football teams and to be able to train under their staff was an invaluable experience our students will use as they progress their studies and, later on, their careers. All those who took part gained brilliant feedback from the coaches who said the group was ‘the best they had seen in terms of attitude and behaviour both on and off the pitch.’ We’re really proud of all their hard work.”
For more information on our Football, Coaching & Development Programme please email richard.south@gcs.ac.uk or contact 01792 284249.