FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.03.2010 16:37

Fukuoka football school visit

Vanessa Forns

Sixteen children from Barca’s football academy in Fukuoka, Japan, visited the Club’s Joan Gamper training grounds on Monday.

The Barca school opened in Fukuoka last September and today sixteen lucky children got the chance to visit the Club’s training grounds. The best part of the visit was, no doubt, when the first team players came out of the changing rooms after training.

A busy schedule 
 
Ivan Palanco, the director of the school, told www.fcbarcelona.cat that the children belong to an under-12 team that is currently here in Catalonia to play in a tournament and visit the Club. On Saturday they went to a Barca youth team match and watched a Barca Atlètic training session, where they got the chance to have their photo taken with reserve team manager Luis Enrique.

The children are also enjoying a sightseeing tour of the city, including such famous landmarks as the Sagrada Familia cathedral and the Güell Park.

A happy ending

The visit ended very happily for the sixteen Japanese children. As they waited behind a barrier for the players to emerge, pens and autograph books at the ready, they were waved through to mingle with the players.

Iniesta and Messi

Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi proved to be particular favourites and they, together with the rest of the squad, delighted the visitors by signing autographs, shaking hands and exchanging warm hugs. A moment these children will never forget.