California-based football coaches and officials get lowdown on several LaLiga academies

A 35-strong expedition from the Northern California football-development association NorCal Premier Soccer – headed by the organisation's president Benjamin Ziemer, who was joined by numerous coaches and coaching directors – enjoyed an unforgettable experience during a football-filled fact-finding adventure in Spain. During their time in the country, the group visited the cities of Villarreal, Bilbao, San Sebastian and Barcelona, where they had the opportunity to learn about several LaLiga clubs' academy work at close quarters.

The trip concluded in Barcelona, where the visitors were treated to a tour of the RCD Espanyol facilities and a masterclass from FC Barcelona's Methodology Department. They also got the lowdown on the workings of the Azulgranas' FCBEscola football-schools network, La Masia academy and Joan Gamper training ground.

Furthermore, the group got to attend two LaLiga matches. On Friday 16 December they were invited to watch CF Reus host Elche CF in LaLiga 1|2|3, while the highlight of the trip came on Sunday the 18th, when they feasted their eyes on the Catalan derby between Barça and Espanyol.