Bethany Football Tour to Portugal

The Bethany School Football Tour to Portugal in October proved to be an unforgettable experience for all involved, filled with competitive football, cultural exploration and plenty of team spirit under the Lisbon sun.

The squad arrived safely in a very warm Lisbon, ready to kick off their much-anticipated tour. After settling into the hotel, there was little time to rest as the players were straight to work with an afternoon training session, allowing them to familiarise themselves with the playing surface ahead of their first fixtures. The day ended with a well-earned evening of rest and recovery, as the group looked ahead to their opening matches the following day.

Afternoon training session.

Afternoon training session.

Afternoon training session.

Saturday was packed with action, and the boys represented Bethany superbly throughout.

The B Team started the day with a thrilling 11-goal encounter against UDAL B, finishing 7–4 to Bethany after being level 3–3 at half time. Henry was in outstanding form, scoring five goals, with Felix adding two more in a fantastic team performance.

After a well-deserved lunch on the Lisbon quayside, the A Team took to the field in the afternoon heat to face UDAL A. It was a close contest, goalless at half time, before UDAL took the lead in the second half. However, the boys showed real determination as Max scored a late equaliser to secure a 1–1 draw.

The day concluded with a visit to the Lisbon Expo Centre, where the group enjoyed a cable car ride with stunning views across the city and a fascinating trip to the Lisbon Aquarium, a perfect way to unwind after two excellent matches.

Bethany B Team before their match with UDAL B.

Battling for possession in a thrilling 11-goal encounter.

A half-time team talk by Mr Forde.

Henry was in outstanding form, scoring five goals, with Felix adding two more in a fantastic 7-4 victory.

Lunch on the Lisbon quayside.

Bethany A Team before their match with UDAL A.

A close game where Max scored a late equaliser to secure a 1–1 draw.

Players enjoyed a cable car ride.

The cable car ride offered stunning views of Lisbon.

Players enjoyed the Lisbon Expo Centre and Aquarium.

Taking in the sights.

Lisbon Aquarium.

Underwater at the Lisbon Aquarium.

Sunday began with an early breakfast and a sense of excitement, as the boys visited the world-famous Estádio da Luz, home of S.L. Benfica. The group enjoyed lunch at the stadium before taking a behind-the-scenes tour, which included seeing the players’ facilities and even getting up close to the club’s iconic Benfica Eagles that soar around the ground before kick-off.

Later in the day, both teams were back in action against Malveira de Sarra.

The A Team produced an excellent performance, with Noah and Jonah scoring second-half goals to secure a 2–0 victory after a goalless first half.

The B Team faced a tough Malveira de Sarra B side who showed great technical ability, taking an early 3–0 lead. Bethany responded brilliantly with goals from Henry and Harry to make it 3–2 at half time, but despite several chances to equalise, the home side finished strong to claim a 6–2 win.

The day ended with some well-earned rest and relaxation back at the hotel, ready for one final day of footballing adventure.

Arriving at Estádio da Luz, the home of S.L. Benfica.

Sam, Chris and Mr DeSouza pose with the iconic Eusébio statue outside the stadium.

Taking a break during the stadium tour to admire the view.

Pitchside at Estádio da Luz.

The players tunnel at Estádio da Luz.

The Benfica Eagles that soar around the ground before every kick-off at Estádio da Luz.

Max, Jonah and Laju face some tough questions in the Benfica press conference room.

Bethany A Team before their game against Malveira de Sarra A.

Mr DeSouza rallies the team after a goalless first half… it ended in a 2-0 victory to Bethany.

Bethany B Team done extraordinarily well to come back to 3-2 after being 3-0 down early on.

Bethany B and Malveira de Sarra B after the latter’s 6-2 victory.

The final day of the tour was one to remember.

The morning saw the boys take part in an inspiring training session at Benfica’s official training complex, led by a Benfica Pro Coach, a fantastic opportunity to learn from a top professional environment.

Afterwards, the group enjoyed a delicious lunch at a Brazilian buffet restaurant, followed by an afternoon of laughter and teamwork at an outdoor adventure park, where they tackled the tree-top challenge with great enthusiasm (and a few wobbly legs along the way!).

The evening featured the final match of the tour, with a combined Bethany team facing AD Conquistadores in front of an enthusiastic local crowd. A tight first half ended 1–0 to Bethany thanks to a sharp finish from Ollie. The hosts equalised early in the second half, but Bethany soon took control. Max netted twice, before Felix and Noah added the finishing touches to secure an emphatic 5–1 victory.

It was the perfect way to round off an incredible four days full of hard work, friendship and unforgettable memories both on and off the pitch.

Training begins at Benfica’s official training complex.

Goalkeeping masterclass training session with a Benfica coach.

2 v 2 keep-ball as the training session ramps up.

Buffet lunch at a Brazilian restaurant.

Tackling the outdoor adventure area.

Team building bridge construction challenge.

An emphatic 5-1 victory against AD Conquistadores ended the tour in style.

Throughout the tour, the Bethany boys displayed outstanding teamwork, sportsmanship and positivity, representing the school with pride and enthusiasm. From challenging fixtures to unique cultural experiences, the trip offered a perfect balance of football and fun.

A huge thank you goes to the staff, coaches and tour organisers who made the experience possible, and to our hosts in Portugal for their warm hospitality.