A group of Braidhurst pupils have recently returned from the experience of a lifetime in Lisbon. The SFA under 14 perfomance group of footballers spent three days at the world famous Benfica Training Academy.

Whilst there, pupils had the opportunity to recieve training and advice from some of the top Portugesse coaches. They passed on some of the invaluable advice that they have shared with some of the top players in the world. The academy is used by all Benfica teams, from under 14, right up to the first team.

However, it wasn’t all hard work, as pupils were also taken along to a Benfica match so they could experience the wonderful Benfica “mystique”. This included lunch and a stadium tour.  Pupils got to see the Benfica eagle, which flies around the stadium at the beginning of every home game.

The climax of their visit was getting to play a series of matches against Benfica under 14s. Although Braidhurst did not win their games, they greatly impressed the opposition who said of them afterwards, that they were the best team that they had played.  This coming from a group of players who had only recently defeated Barcelona 5-0 is truly outstanding.

The visit was voted a roaring success by all involved. Coach Gordon Craig said he was delighted with the way pupils took onboard the advice given to them. He was thrilled when the Benfica coaches told him that the Braidhurst pupils were the best opponents that their team had played against in their six years with the club.