Senior Boys’ Hockey Tour – Madrid 2023
The morning of Friday 10th February saw Grosvenor’s Senior Boys’ Hockey squad depart for Spain to begin its much-anticipated tour to Madrid, which saw the group participate in a wide range of worthwhile activities over four action-packed days.
On Saturday morning, following an early departure from the team’s hotel in the Alcobendas region of the city, the squad made its way to Carabanchel Hockey Club to participate in a training session ahead of its two tour fixtures: the boys engaged in a variety of game-based drills and activities, with Harry McMullan taking the prestigious ‘King of the Cone’ title. Afterwards, they made their way to the Valdebebas area of the city for a behind-closed doors visit to Real Madrid F.C.’s training complex. After a walk around the complex and an opportunity to see the stars of the future in action for Real Madrid’s U16s, the squad headed back to the hotel for a workshop on ‘Preparing to Meet The Physical Demands of the Modern Game’. In addition, the squad received a presentation from USA Women’s Head Coach David Passmore, who provided them with practical advice on how to successfully progress from school Hockey to international level.
Saturday evening then saw the squad play its first fixture of the tour, against Carabanchel Hockey Club. The game proved to be exciting and competitive, with both teams playing some great hockey. Goals from Matthew Peel, Harry McMullan, Zach Kidd and Jason Mackay were enough to secure a 4-3 victory. Following a post-match dinner, it was back to the hotel to rest up ahead of the team’s second fixture the following morning.
San Sebastion de los Reyes was the opponent for the second and final game of the tour. This again proved to be a highly competitive contest, played in great spirit. Jason Mackay added to his goal tally to open the scoring, before goals from Andrew McDowell and Alfie Stone saw the squad secure its second win of the tour with a 3-1 victory. Following some pitch-side refreshments, the squad was on its way to Estadio Coliseum Alfonzo Perez to attend a La Liga fixture between Getafe F.C. and Rayo Vallecano: a great pre-match atmosphere in the stadium set the tone for an exciting game in the Madrid sunshine. The experience resulted in Getafe F.C. gaining 15 new fans, while Zach Kidd stayed loyal to underdogs Rayo Vallecano. Supporter scarves were purchased and the squad then made its way to Heron Diversia complex for a bowling competition, with Jason Mackay claiming the bragging rights.
Monday began with a Segway tour of Madrid’s Retiro Park, which proved to be a real highlight of the trip. A tour of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium followed before the boys returned to Madrid to take in the sights of the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor.
On the journey home, the squad was in agreement that, in addition to providing many memorable moments, the tour experience had been hugely beneficial in developing the team ethos of a young playing squad. This is something that should stand them well as they look ahead to next season.
Well done to everyone involved in the tour; we wish the squad the best of luck in its remaining encounters this season.