My Trip to France and Belgium with Boston United Academy - David Olubanjo

My trip to France and Belgium with Boston United Academy was an unforgettable and enriching experience that I will cherish for years to come. The tour took place from the 4th to the 7th of April and was filled with excitement, learning, and cultural discovery.

One of the most memorable aspects of the journey was the long bus ride. Although it was lengthy, it turned out to be quite enjoyable. We set off at 5:30 in the morning and arrived in Dover around 10:30 AM. There, we took a short break to relax before boarding the ferry to cross the English Channel. The ferry itself was a great experience—modern and well-equipped, with plenty of things to do, such as shopping and playing games. It added an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall journey.

Upon arriving in mainland Europe, one of the first things that struck me was the warm and welcoming nature of the local people. The atmosphere was friendly, and the weather was unusually warm for the time of year, which made the experience even more pleasant.

A major highlight of the trip was attending a live football match between Cercle Brugge and Beerschot. Although Cercle Brugge is a relatively small professional team, the atmosphere inside the stadium was absolutely electric. From the moment Cercle Brugge scored an early goal, the crowd came alive with energy and passion. Even when Beerschot equalised, the home fans continued to cheer on their team with unwavering support. The match ended in a 2-1 victory for Cercle Brugge, and witnessing such enthusiastic support from the fans was truly inspiring.

Another standout moment was playing a match against RC Calais. Competing against a foreign team was both challenging and exciting. Their playing style was very different from what we were used to—they focused heavily on possession and were extremely well-organised. Their compact formation made it difficult to break through the middle, and their intensity was evident from the very first minute. Despite these challenges, we managed to secure a win, which made the experience even more rewarding.

In conclusion, the tour was an incredible and memorable journey. From the cultural experiences to the football matches, every moment was filled with excitement and learning. The warmth and hospitality of the people we met, along with the exposure to different styles of football and new environments, made this trip truly special. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it, and these memories will stay with me for a very long time.