Ravsten Family: Viva España

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Viva España

There isn't any perfect way to record the most epic trip with Ethan and Alex to Spain where they played soccer amongst some of the worlds best soccer players. But, I will record highlights of the trip here and make a separate book with more pictures in an attempt. It truly was the most amazing, fun, educational, enlightening trip. The boys dealt with the time change surprisingly well. They both played defense in their games which were new positions for both and they performed well. They made new friends from the states and Spain. They experienced life outside of the USA and they are better for it.

I think both boys would say that playing soccer, with Spanish teammates, against the best the world has to offer was the highlight of the trip. They played soccer 24/7 whether on the fields, the beach, the pool deck or the halls of the hotel. They ate new foods, and saw some amazing places. It was a priceless experience.

Ethan aka Ravi had the most passionate coach from Spain; Ramone. He spoke minimal English. Ravi had four teammates from XR and four from Spain. The Spanish players were dominant on the team and were so fast and so strong. Erik could throw in a ball as far as one of our boys could kick one. Asiar, Roger and Jon were the other Spanish players. Ravi, Reed, Gian and Aaron were the XR players all from Colorado. They played so hard, every game. They played four games and won one. It was tough competition. They played FC Shalke 04 from Germany, Volta Redonda FC from Brazil, Rapid Quebec from Canada and CF Vila-seca from Spain. Ravi's team made it to silver division and lost in the first round to Cerezo Osaka, Japan. It was an amazing experience for Ravi.

Alex had a great team as well. Edgar and Wyatt his buddies from Rapids, Elan from Boulder, Bobby from Lafayette, Jude from Milwaukee, Luis, Joseph and Alex the goalie from Spain. Luis is already contracted to play with Barcelona youth soccer. He was really good. His coach, Carlos, was also from Spain and spoke little English. Fortunately both boys had XR teammates that were bilingual and their XR coach Xavi was around on occasion to assist as needed.

Alex played Fenerbahce SK from Turkey, Nastic de Tarragona from Spain, Aquel Atletico CF from the Canary Islands, EFB UD Salou from Spain and Sant Pau Apostol from Spain. His team won 3/5 games and came in third. Alex even had a goal playing defense! This team was placed in the Gold division and lost in the first round when they played Girona FC from Spain. Girona took 2nd in the entire tournament. Alex's team made it into the sweet 16 of the 2009 boys at this world wide tournament! Pretty incredible.

Aside from soccer, we had a day before and after the tournament to spend in Barcelona together as a three some. We had a great time at the beach, wandering the market and Las Ramblas and visiting the Sagrada Familia church. I loved spending this time with Alex and Ravi. I will treasure the 12 days together, forever. We also had the opportunity to go to a Barcelona soccer game and see the great Leo Messi play soccer along side one of my favorites, Luis Suarez. They won their game in a stadium that seats over 90,000 people. It was amazing.

Ravi's team parents from Spain were amazing cheerleaders

Ravi's team just missing Asiar

What happens in Spain, stays in Spain!

These boys played at a venue from the '92 olympics. The peladrone was here. They filled in the center and made soccer fields! All fields were turf too.