FOOTBALLERS from Downend School had a taste of football at a Champions League club when they visited Portuguese giants Benfica on a football tour.
The Lisbon club, twice European Cup winners, provided training facilities, professional coaching and a look behind the scenes at the Estádio da Luz for the students from Downend boys and girls sides across different age groups.
The pupils also experienced the “electric atmosphere” of a Primeira Liga match between Benfica’s city rivals Sporting Lisbon and Braga.
Their tour included fixtures against Portuguese sides at a variety of grounds, plus surfing and beach games away from the pitch.
Head of PE Huw Beaverstock, who organised the tour, said: “The tour was an unforgettable experience for our students, combining top-level coaching, competitive fixtures, and exposure to European football culture.
“The pupils were a credit to the school, and we look forward to building on this fantastic opportunity in the future.”