Surf Coast talent takes his soccer game to Spain

A once-in-a-lifetime soccer opportunity has taken Torquay youngster Charlie Meyers all the way to Spain, where he trained with the renowned FC Barcelona academy.

The nine-year-old recently returned from an 11-day tour of Barcelona as part of the Barça Academy program, completing training sessions and playing three matches against Spanish opposition.

Charlie, who plays for the Surf Coast Football Club, was one of just 11 players selected from Australia and New Zealand to participate in the program, after progressing through what he described as “very intense” trials.

The grade 4 student said the tour’s demanding schedule pushed him to improve, particularly his technical skills.

“The training was extreme,” he said. “We did rondos and speed drills to prepare for the matches.”

The Barça Academy squad trained at the same facilities used by FC Barcelona’s La Liga team, giving Charlie the chance to watch one of his soccer heroes, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, up close.

“It was very exciting and one of my biggest highlights,” he said. “He’s one of my favourite players and I look up to him.”

The tour also included a visit to the famous Camp Nou, where Charlie was able to immerse himself in the history of FC Barcelona, his favourite club.

The group attended Barcelona’s La Liga clash with Real Betis, watching from near the front row and experiencing the atmosphere of one of world football’s biggest competitions.

Charlie believes the experience will help him continue to develop as a player and has strengthened his dream of one day following in the footsteps of Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi by representing FC Barcelona.

For now, he is eager to take what he learned in Spain back to the Surf Coast Football Club and share his experiences with his teammates.