MCSA teenagers to face Spanish champs

Over the years the likes of Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández and Cesc Fabregas have all come through Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy, so the chance to possibly come up against the next big thing for Maiden City Academy kids will be a great experience.

MCSA Under 14 squad have received an international tournament invite to take on reigning Spanish La Liga champions Atlético Madrid.

The U14 squad will certainly be looking forward to their Easter holidays this year as they will set off for an invitational tournament in Roquetas De Mar in the South of Spain.

The players will travel over the Easter holiday period and compete in an eight team competition against some of the most famous Spanish Youth Academies at the 9,000 capacity stadium home to the host club Deportivo Roquetas.

The host club have also confirmed that competing along with themselves and Maiden City Academy will be some of the biggest names in both Spanish and European football.

The reigning Spanish La Liga champions and Champions League finalists Atlético Madrid as well as Valencia, Villarreal and Sevilla have all confirmed their participation in what is sure to be a fantastic football and life experience for the Maiden City players.

The local players are sure to be up against some stiff competition with all the clubs attending having a rich history in producing quality players for their respective first teams and the Spanish national team.

Players such as current Barcelona full back Jordi Alba and current Spanish international and Arsenal and Chelsea target Paco Alcacer have both came up through the Valencia academy.

Fernando Torres, Koke, Jesus Navas amongst many others started their careers with Atlético Madrid and Sevilla respectively.

The trip was made possible when three coaches from the Spanish FA, Rafael Perales Ruiz, Jose Antonio Garcia and Jose Angel Garcia visited Maiden City Soccer Academy for the month of October as part of an educational programme in conjunction with Foyle International language centre.

The coaches spent time in the North West with the MCSA coaches observing and delivering sessions in both the community and academy programmes

The Spanish coaches we’re very impressed with the similarity and style of play between Maiden City Soccer Academy and their own clubs back home which is the reason for the invite.

The players and staff at Maiden City Academy would like to thank Jose Antonio Garcia and his club CD Roquetas for their invitation.