A group of primary school football players from around Bath visited the home of the World Champions over Easter as Bath Schools’ U11s took on various sides in and around Milan on their annual tour.

 

Although the Bath Schools’ team usually visits the island of Jersey at Easter for the National festival, a unique opportunity to play against international opposition was offered by Italian sides Monza and Bormio. 

 

With their base in Bormio, the 22 selected primary school football players from Bath and North East Somerset took part in 6 fixtures against local, county and academy opposition.

 

The first fixture against county champions Grosio proved to be a tough encounter and both Bath sides put on a display of excellent football to earn two 0-0 draws. Despite being nervous at first, and having to cope with playing at high altitude (1600mtrs), the young boys from Bath soon carved open numerous openings and could have broken the dead lock through Townsend or Pollard. However, they failed to capitalise and a fine save from James Walters late in the second half ensured that the spoils were shared.

 

A win against Bormio was then followed by a defeat against Serie B side Monza. With captain Henry Taylor and defender Cameron Allardice being rushed to hospital before kick off with head injuries, the Bath side seemed to miss their team mates and found it difficult to get themselves into the game which was played in unusually hot conditions. Monza emerged worthy 3-0 winners with the only good performance coming from the lively Jake Haynes.

 

Other fixtures included victories against US Bormiese and Sondrio with Jacques Miche and Joe Money in particular making huge strides in establishing themselves in the squad with some excellent performances. 

 

The tour was not just a success on the field of play, however. Being the first time abroad, and for some being the first time away from home, the young lads were also challenged by various activities presented to them by their hosts. Being a mountain resort, the boys enjoyed a cycling tour up and down the mountains, sledging at heights of 2000mtrs, dam building in the glacial rivers, and even a visit to an Italian school where they took part in lessons. Visits to the thermal spas of Bormio and the hot tubs were also permitted as a treat!

 

Coach Tim Kirk, “The boys are extremely lucky to have had such a wonderful opportunity. The football was fantastic and very different to what they have been used to in England, but they will probably be telling all their mates more about the off-the-field activities in the mountains. I cannot praise the young boys enough as it was lovely to receive a number of compliments from the Italians not just about the way the boys played football, but also about their politeness and team spirit. It was a great way to end another good season.”

 

County champions three years in row now, Bath’s season will come to a close this Saturday as they compete in the Cotswold 6-a-side tournament in Bristol.