Rugby Tour to Portugal

Twenty boys from Years 7-9 and two staff took part in a tour to Portugal as part of activities week 2011. The venue, Brown’s Club, is a purpose built sports facility in Villamoura, Faro. With activities such as tennis, squash, swimming, 3G football, beach football, rugby, swimming and cross country, the boys were never short of something to do. Added to this, the nearby beach provided such options as crystal clear swimming waters, parasailing and banana boating, these were enjoyed by all. 

A competitive rugby match was played against a skilful Benfica side that eventually overwhelmed us. More importantly the camaraderie of an evening spent with these boys and their coaches and families, was an invaluable cultural lesson. Our planned football matches with fellow resort residents were put on hold when we found these were the Nigerian U20 national team (the African nations champions and all professionals) and the Aberdeen U19 academy. It was, however, a wonderful experience to meet them and watch them train.

A day at a massive water park was a fitting way to spend our last day, once again soaked in sunshine and being treated to excellent fare. This was a very positive and enjoyable experience and I firmly believe everyone learnt a little bit more about themselves and something of the Portuguese culture.