The next generation of Inglewood United stars were treated to life as a professional footballer during last month’s successful tour of Spain. A sixteen-player Inglewood youth squad, consisting of players aged 15 to 18, were treated to a total football experience hosted by Real Valladolid, who compete in Spain’s second tier.

The twelve-day trip provided the opportunity for Inglewood’s youngsters to immerse themselves in football. “It was the trip of a life-time,” enthused Paul Zimarino, the squad’s 17-year old captain. “We lived the professional footballer’s life for two weeks, from what we ate, where we trained, how we were treated and everything in between.”

Central to the trip was a trio of games against professional youth teams. Aaron Simpson and Riaz Kelly were the scorers in a spirited 2-2 draw with Real Valladolid International. And the scoreline was the same a few days later against Club Deportivo Palencia, Bleron Mamudi and Zimarino finding the back of the net on that occasion.

Zimarino scored early against Real Valladolid’s Under-17 side to have Inglewood on course for an upset victory. And while Simpson also netted, the toll of playing three high-intensity games in seven days eventually took its toll with the Spaniards claiming the win by 4-2. “I was very happy with how we performed in all three games,” said Zimarino.

Away from the playing arena, the squad was able to draw on the experience of coaches from the Valladolid club. “The coaches were world-class,” said Zimarino. “They helped me improve my game dramatically.” Where practice can lead was brought into sharp focus by a visit to the 26,500-seat Estadio Nuevo Jose Zorrilla to watch Real Valladolid triumph 2-1 over Mirandes.

Football may have been the primary reason for the trip but it also served to enhance the players’ understanding of Spanish lifestyle and culture. “Valladolid is an amazing city,” commented Zimarino. “Every second of every day I was learning something new. And it wasn’t always about football, I learnt about Spanish history, culture, food and a lot more.”

Inglewood’s 2015 Spanish tour squad featured Brandon Aliphon, Jacob Da Silva, Shay Donovan, JJ Godfrey, BJ Grant, Riaz Kelly, Bleron Mamudi, Christian Miraudo, Kane Ottobrino , Daniel Potente, Lachlan Ryan, Domenic Sardi, Ryan Sardi, Aaron Simpson, Harrison Worton and Paul Zimarino. Travelling with the squad were club officials Goran Stajic, Luke Martin and Dave Ewen.