Alongside their games and training sessions, the students had the opportunity to explore two iconic cities—Paris and London—each brimming with history, culture, and world-famous landmarks.
In Paris, the team immersed themselves in the city’s rich heritage, visiting the Louvre Museum, the Champs-Élysées, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. They navigated the chaotic Arc de Triomphe roundabout and wandered the charming streets of Montmartre, where they admired the breathtaking Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. A standout moment was climbing the Eiffel Tower, taking in sweeping views of the city from 276 metres above ground—a memory that will stay with them for years to come.
London provided just as much excitement, with visits to major landmarks such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the London Eye. The group also toured Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and the Palace of Westminster—experiences that brought British history to life and added cultural depth to the tour.
A particularly memorable aspect of the trip was the atmosphere during matches played in France. The students faced talented teams, some with national-level players, and navigated the challenge of a language barrier. Despite this, they found creative ways to connect with their opponents—one French team even communicated using English learned through Duolingo, leading to fun exchanges and moments of shared understanding. Opposing coaches provided helpful feedback, and the supportive environment helped the players grow in both confidence and skill.
One of the trip’s major highlights was attending a Premier League match between Chelsea and Fulham at Craven Cottage. The stadium buzzed with energy as fans sang and cheered nonstop. Watching elite players in action was inspiring, especially as Fulham opened the scoring, only for Chelsea to equalise in the 83rd minute and clinch the win with a dramatic 93rd-minute goal by Pedro Neto. Witnessing the intensity and pace of a professional match up close added a new level of excitement and motivation for the students ahead of their own fixtures in the UK.
The tour also included professional training sessions at some of Europe’s top clubs—Paris Saint Germain, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur. Each session introduced the students to new tactics, drills, and warmups not typically encountered in New Zealand. Training in a professional environment pushed them to refine their techniques, enhance their game awareness, and gain insight into the standards required at the highest levels of the sport. These sessions stood out as some of the most inspiring and memorable experiences of the tour.
Overall, the Europe football tour was an extraordinary blend of sport, culture, and personal growth—an experience that left a lasting impact on every student involved.
