Written by: Ethan McLauchlan
On the 4th of March 2025, the Priestley College football team saw themselves getting their luggage ready as they went on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Lisbon, something that would be both incredibly rewarding and equally unforgettable.
This trip, which lasted over 5 days, would see the team playing games against other Portuguese teams and doing different activities such as training under the watch of world-class coaches like Nélson Veríssimo. This opportunity would not only be a nice break away from the dull and wet English weather but also a chance to improve their skills and learn from some of the best in the business.
As part of the trip also the lads got to go and watch the first leg of the UEFA Champions League tie between SL Benfica and FC Barcelona at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, which eventually ended in a 1-0 loss for Benfica.
We got to learn so many tactics and different perspectives on the game that we have never been taught before, but more importantly, the lads had an amazing time and an experience I’ll never forget.
I asked starting striker Alex Hoarty about his experience on this trip: “It was a great time in Portugal. We got to learn so many tactics and different perspectives on the game that we have never been taught before, but more importantly, the lads had an amazing time and an experience I’ll never forget.”
His enthusiasm reflects just how impactful the experience was, not only in terms of football development, but also in building team chemistry and creating memories that will last a lifetime. It’s clear that this kind of opportunity offers far more than just technical training.
While over there, the team got to play two highly skilled Portuguese teams that are considered well-known across the whole of Portugal. The first team the lads played at the Calcada Carrascal was Vitoria Clube, a 4th division side in the Portuguese football pyramid. The game ended in a 3-0 victory for the lads and a huge confidence boost for the rest of the season.
Lasting memories and strong friendships
On the 7th of March, Priestley got to play SF Palmense (a team in the 3rd Division of the Portuguese football pyramid) at the Sport Futebol Palmense. As reported by the team, they fought hard but ultimately came short, facing a 4-1 loss ending what could’ve been a magical way to end the trip.
Whilst you can say that the win could’ve been the real motivation booster for the rest of the season, many including myself, would say that this experience itself goes beyond that and will likely motivate them for whatever they do for the rest of their life. The memories and moments that were made during this trip will certainly build a strong friendship, that’s these players will have for a lifetime
It has nearly been 2 weeks since this trip and as you watch the team play, there is this feeling of excitement and rebirth in the way they play. They now go top of the table in the North West College Sports League, standing clear of second place (Winstanley) by 6 points. There is seemingly nothing that can stop this team and it can all go down to the experience they had in Lisbon all those weeks ago.
Sport Priestley football team at the Benfica training ground: Credit Sport Priestley
