Bedales footballers inspired by Benfica tour

PETERSFIELD, U.K. - Sept. 10, 2013 - PRLog -- Students from Bedales School were inspired by a pre-season football development tour to Benfica in Lisbon, Portugal, where they enjoyed the opportunity for coaching and playing with the Benfica Academy and match experience against FC Arrentela.

The 32 boys, from different age groups at the school, trained daily with the academy and enjoyed lectures on football methodology, intelligent play, coaching theories and diet and nutrition.

The Bedales players observed the Benfica U19 team in a league game, which included a number of players who were in the Portugal national U19 side. They also watched another team from Lisbon, Estoril Praia win an evening Europa League game 2-0 in a lively atmosphere.

At the academy, Benfica first team players appeared after a training session, which gave the boys a brief opportunity to talk to some of the top players in Europe. The Bedales footballers had a tour of the Benfica Stadium ‘Estádio da Luz’, which put them pitchside, in the changing rooms, the press office and up in the stands,  as well as having a stroll around Lisbon on the final day.

Commenting on the tour, Alan Wright Head of Boys’ Sport at Bedales, said: “The level of coaching throughout the week was exceptional, with both squads and goalkeepers having individualised coaching.The tour was a great success, and I hope the players will be able to put into action in their forthcoming fixtures some of the Benfica ethos that they have been fortunate to experience first hand.”