With Euro 2016 now in full swing, there has never been a better time to visit Paris on a Sports Tour – especially if you’re a football fan.
Two groups who got to experience this first hand were Hertswood Academy and Denefield School, who made their way to Paris for their Easter Sports Tours. Andy Matthews, Rayburn Tours’ Ski & Sports Tour Co-ordinator, accompanied the groups and has penned down his thoughts…
To say the weather was bad could be an understatement, rain, flooding and some more rain all looked to cause problems as 112 students from Hertswood Academy and Denefield School made their way to Paris for their Sports Tours. However both schools refused to let the weather dampen their spirits as they set out to play football and netball fixtures against local Parisian opponents.
For Denefield School, well fought netball fixtures were played at the British School of Paris whilst both girls and boys football teams played at local Conflans FC. The games were played in superb spirit with the U14 running out the biggest winners of the day in a superb 6-0 victory. A second round of fixtures were played versus Puiseux-Louvres FC, despite two last minute water-logged pitches changing our initial plans!
Hertswood Academy played brilliantly through the week, a tough defeat versus Aubergenville was followed up with a superb 2-1 victory over Fontenay en Parisis in less than ideal conditions, leaving the boys in great spirits for the rest of their tour.
A fortunate break in the sunshine allowed for both schools to enjoy the ‘Magic’ of Disneyland Paris, a great day out which was enjoyed by all. The students also couldn’t miss out on the fun and culture that the French capital had to offer taking in the sights of the Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, the Montparnasse Tower, as well as embarking on a Bateaux Mouches Boat Cruise along the Seine.
One particular highlight for both schools was a visit to the Musée Gourmand du Chocolat, otherwise known as Choco-story. Students were given a demonstration into chocolate tasting, a 2 hour interactive session learning to make their own chocolates and of course, many, many tasters! An ideal excursion for chocolate lovers!
Another highlight was for Denefield School, who even had the opportunity to train with academy coaches from Paris Saint Germaine FC at the first team training centre – a once in a life time experience for all the players involved.
For both schools the week was jam-packed with activities, sports, sight-seeing and shopping leaving the bad weather a distant memory. The wet weather didn’t dampen our spirits and I hope both Hertswood Academy and Denefield School enjoyed the trip as much as I did!
