Adelaide United’s Youth Team have been in Spain for three days preparing for the upcoming International Cup 2014 (MIC) tournament held in the Catalonia region.
Adelaide United-s Youth Team have been in Spain for three days preparing for the upcoming International Cup 2014 (MIC) tournament held in the Catalonia region.
Upon arrival they were taken on a behind-the scene tour of FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou where they were embraced with history and culture of one the greatest football clubs of all time. That same night, they attended the Matchday 33 La Liga clash between Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano, which ended in a 2-2 draw at the Cornellà-El Prat.
Two friendly training matches followed, which saw the Youth Team play against local Spanish side, Club Esportiu Premià and Qatar National U18 Team (Aspire Academy).
In both matches, all players got a run and were rotated to give everyone game time in preparation for the tournament. The players were able to get use to the environment and it also gave the coaching staff a chance to have a final look at positions.
“We are very happy with how the boys have adjusted to this new environment and are pleased with the effort put in for the two friendly matches,” said the Youth Team coach Michael Valkanis.
“The football played has been good. We even received great feedback from both opposition coaches, very impressed in our style of play.
“Our objective, is about playing our style against quality opposition that will test us and improve the players in the long term, showing Adelaide United plays good football.”
The tournament Opening Ceremony has been completed and the Youth Team-s first match is today against Second Division B side Terrassa, 5:00pm kick-off local time (12:30am ACST).
To view the Youth Team’s full tournament schedule, visit MIC Schedule
