Following an early start, we made it to Manchester City’s Performance Centre for the start of their Academy’s fun day. It was here that pupils had the chance to challenge other schools at 5-a-side matches as well as practise their footballing skills, play bubble football or get photos taken with the Capital One League Cup, or the Women’s Continental Cup and FA Super League trophy.
From here it was across the walkway to the Etihad Stadium and Manchester City and Chelsea battle it out to be top of the Premier League. The game was very fast paced with end to end action as both teams struggled to find the back of the net. After squandering a number of chances throughout the first half, it was an own goal by Cahill that put the home team in front. The second half saw some great football played with Chelsea the more impressive of the two sides. Three second half goals meant that it was ultimately the visitors who bagged the 3 points before a dangerous injury-time tackle from Aguero saw ugly scenes erupt on the pitch.
After making our way back to the coach it was time for a quick transfer across to Leeds ready to see the home side take on Aston Villa. The Leeds’ anthems echoed around the stadium throughout the game and, after a slow first half, the home side ran out 2-0 winners.
After a comfortable night at the Mercure Bolton, it was back in to Manchester for a tour of the “Theatre of Dreams”. A visit to the Old Trafford museum meant that pupils could see memorabilia from Manchester United’s 138 year history, before heading out in to the stands to see the pitch for themselves. After a visit to the changing rooms, Director’s Lounge and the Dug Outs, the pupils had the chance to run out from the tunnel to the sound of the crowd roaring (unfortunately just a CD recording though).
Our final activity was to visit the National Football Museum in the heart of Manchester. A range of interactive exhibits kept the pupils (and staff) amused. Some tested their penalty kicks with Scott holding the record for making the ball travel at 57mph. Stuart recorded some match commentary in true Match of the Day style whilst others Kyle tried to learn some new tricks in the skills booth. There was also the chance to hold a Premier League trophy and FA Cup before heading back to the coach for a final time.
Many thanks to Miss Ritchie, Miss Malone and Mr Jappy for their help running this trip and to Samuel for his video of the Leeds fans singing at Elland Road.
