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Barcelona and Back in 8 Days

April, 2011

To say the trip was “a success” would seem too modest. We arrived home in the early hours of the morning on April 29^th and were all pretty tired. After all, it was 6:15am Barcelona time. The fifteen players were still slightly smiling, although purely through the dreams of what they had just experienced. The parents were also all very groggy, but smiling at what was surely an experience neither they nor their children will ever forget. Then there was Jim DiNobile, our Director, looking over the group from a distance. It was then that I knew “success” was not a strong enough word. Jim smiled from ear to ear as he left the airport with one arm in the air, fist pumping the group, as to say, “Way to go team.” Jim DiNobile has been on many trips but to quote him directly, “Never have I been on such a well executed and much appreciated soccer and cultural trip!” This trip was far more than just a success for this group of parents and players; it was huge for the whole Fusion Futbol Club of Tampa Bay and women’s soccer in general.

The soccer was incredible having played 4 very competitive games (1 win, 3 losses) and playing two of the teams from the Youth Super Liga of Spain; Saint Gabriel and FC Barcelona (losing 3-0 and 4-0 respectively). We lost another game 2-1 in the final minutes to a team from Sitges, Spain and then won 6-0 versus a traveling team from Sweden. The training sessions were equally incredible with three of the trainings being performed by “A” license UEFA Coaches representing RCD Espanyol. The sessions were fantastic and a true parallel to the way soccer is played in the Catalonian province.

Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas, our tour of the “Sheety Wall” in Tarragona, Easter mass at Montserrat, Casa Torres Winery, Nou Camp and the beaches are what we saw during our spare time. The shops, tapas restaurants, markets, vineyards and soccer kept us very busy. There was plenty to see, plenty to do and not enough time so the decision has been made to go back again. I hope everyone agrees and we can make it happen.

Thank you to everyone who helped along the way, but mostly to the Fusion Futbol Club for having the confidence to MAKE it happen to the benefit of all involved.

Our Fusion Futbol Players included:

Joelle Stewart, Laura Johnson, Natalie Ferrin, Alexis Theobald, Gabrielle Tremonti, Haillie Lower, Taylor Hubbard, Rachel Lopez, Zoe Morrow, Emily Brenner, Rocio Marciales, Carly Marple, Callista Ferrin, Emily Johnson and Sophia Tremonti.

Club Director: Jim DiNobile

Head Coach: Marco Ferrin

Assistant Coaches: Jeff Johnson and Shanna DiNobile

Team Doctor: Dr. Robert Theobald