A Unique Football Experience: Our Players Train with Athletic Bilbao

Earlier this month, our team had the incredible opportunity to take part in an exclusive football training clinic with Athletic Bilbao, one of Spain’s most respected clubs in La Liga. This clinic allowed our young athletes to experience professional-level training firsthand, learning from some of the best in the football industry.

A Glimpse Inside the Athletic Bilbao Clinic

Over the course of several days, our players trained at world-class facilities under the guidance of Athletic Bilbao’s expert coaching staff. Each session focused on key elements of the club’s renowned philosophy, which combines technical precision, tactical understanding, and mental resilience. Players had the chance to sharpen their skills in a high-performance environment that mirrored what top European academies expect, and played matches against another club’s team.

Learning from the Best

More than just drills and exercises, this clinic was a deep dive into the culture of elite youth football. The Athletic Bilbao coaches shared valuable insights on their approach to building team identity, developing players, and fostering leadership both on and off the pitch. Led by Harry, our coach from the West Ham United Foundation, the clinic was a perfect blend of elite training and professional development. It also left the team with fresh ideas and new methods to enhance our training programmes back home.

Personal Growth On and Off the Field

For our young players, this was a truly inspiring experience. They embraced every challenge and pushed themselves beyond their limits. But the clinic wasn’t just about football; it was also about personal growth. Our players had the chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, learning the values of respect, teamwork, and responsibility, which will stay with them for years to come.

Lasting Memories and New Goals

From bonding with teammates to stepping onto a professional training pitch, the memories made in Bilbao will last a lifetime. One of our players summed it up best: “It was like living the dream. I learned so much and now I just want to keep improving.” Experiences like this don’t just create better athletes, they shape confident, motivated young people ready to take on any challenge.

What’s Next for Our Football Family?
This clinic was just the beginning. Inspired by what we saw and learned, we’re bringing new energy and ideas into our programmes for players, coaches, and families. As we continue to grow, opportunities like this will be essential in helping our athletes reach their full potential.

From unforgettable moments on the pitch to cultural experiences off it, this was more than just a trip, it was a journey of growth and inspiration.

A huge thank you to Santi and his team for making this opportunity a reality, to Harry for his guidance and expertise, and to Ian, whose leadership ensured the success of this experience.

Stay tuned for more updates, photos, and stories from our journey on our website and social media.