SDB MIC Football 2025

Day 1: ¡Hola, Madrid!

After a mammoth 24-hour journey, the SDB MicFootball tour touched down in the vibrant heart of Spain—Madrid! Spirits were high despite the jet lag as players and parents reunited at the airport, buzzing with excitement. We quickly made our way to our hotel in the beautiful suburb of Las Rozas and were met with a pleasant surprise: the hotel was nice and just what we wanted! Smooth check-in, comfy rooms, and a warm Spanish welcome set the tone for our first day.

There was no time to waste - after a quick outfit change, our young footballers laced up for their first training session at the incredible “Tenple” facility. And wow - what a venue! World-class fields, crisp Madrid air, and kids shaking off the travel fog and fatigue like champions. Watching them push through exhaustion with determination was truly inspiring. Even the parents and coaches were struggling to stay upright—so imagine what these kids were feeling! Yet, not a single complaint. Just pure passion.

Both squads trained together, helping players bond across the tour and build early friendships. Afterward, it was back to the hotel for a well-earned buffet dinner, where plates were piled high and energy slowly started to return. The meal was great and consisted of Salads, Roast Beef, rice, potato Croquets (a Spanish specialty)…And just when we thought the day couldn’t get more “football,” the restaurant TV flickered to life-Real Madrid vs. Arsenal, Champions League quarter-final!

Being in Madrid, there was a clear favorite among the crowd… but Arsenal surprised us all with a brilliant display. As the game wore on, one by one, the little heads began to nod off-exhaustion finally winning. A long, exciting, and unforgettable first day came to a peaceful close. Rest well, champions—we’ve only just begun.

Day 2: Dreams, Drills & the Magic of Madrid

Day two began with early wake-ups - thanks, jet lag! Most of us were up by 4 or 5 AM, wandering blurry-eyed toward the breakfast buffet before it even opened. But when it finally did, we were greeted by a feast worthy of young footballers: eggs, bacon, sausages, fresh fruit, and—thankfully-strong coffee (a must for the Aussie parents!).

Our stomachs full and excitement building, we set off for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: training at Real Madrid’s official training village! Yes, that Real Madrid. As we rolled through the gates, the energy in the bus shifted—phones out, eyes wide, hearts full. It was interesting to note that the trip towards the venue was a noisy one with all players joining together and singing “Katy Perry” songs….yes you heard that right!!

The squad split into two groups, our players took to the fields under the guidance of Real Madrid’s own academy coaches. The session was packed with action: tactical drills, defensive moves, possession games—you name it. Every player soaked in the knowledge, stepping onto the pitch where some of the world’s greatest stars have trained. Parents watched proudly from the sidelines, cameras clicking and memories being made.

Post-training, it was time for some sightseeing. Half the group jumped on a train to Barcelona (lucky them—off to watch Barça take on Dortmund live at the Olympic Stadium!). The rest of us explored central Madrid, enjoyed a delicious lunch, and took in the sunshine from a stunning rooftop bar. A visit to the iconic “Futbol Factory” store had the kids (and parents!) shopping for souvenirs and jerseys to remember the day by.

As the sun dipped behind the city’s rooftops, we returned to the hotel, a bit sun-kissed and very tired. Some well-deserved siesta time gave us a second wind for dinner at 8 PM. Just like the night before, we gathered around the big screen for another epic quarter-final—this time watching Barcelona battle it out with Dortmund while cheering on our touring teammates who were lucky enough to be there in person.

By the time the half-time whistle blew, sleep had won once again as all players and most parents headed back to their rooms for a well earned rest, leaving only a brave few to watch the rest of the game. Another day packed with football, friendships, and unforgettable moments.

Tomorrow? More magic awaits. 💫⚽️