Barcelona, Spain – The Lonestar U13 Boys from the National Program recently showcased their skills at the renowned International Carnaval Cup. Two teams, Lonestar Austin and Lonestar San Antonio, were formed to bring together top players from the program, allowing them to compete at an elite level while experiencing the culture of Spanish football.
The tournament, established in 2012, was initially created to fill the gap during the carnival season, but has since grown into a prestigious tournament that offers young players a platform to showcase their skills. With the main goal of promoting football values, the event provides players the opportunity to learn and compete against Europe’s best. To view past participants, visit here.
In addition to the competition, the trip offered players a chance to immerse themselves in Spanish “football” culture. Highlights included a tour of Girona Stadium, where they experienced football history, and attending the thrilling Copa del Rey match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, which ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw.
The trip also allowed for downtime, with visits to Barcelona’s beaches, fostering team bonding and relaxation. Coaches Lorne Cameron and Alfie Gutierrez for Lonestar Austin, along with Sergio Torres and Vijay Dixit for Lonestar San Antonio, provided essential guidance throughout the journey, ensuring that players gained football experience while embracing the cultural aspects.
For these young athletes, being surrounded by the likes of Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Real Betis, Villarreal CF, FC Barcelona, Sporting Lisboa, and many others, and getting to play against Arsenal FC and RCD Espanyol was a rare and precious opportunity. It was more than just a competition; it was a chance to learn from the best and witness firsthand the culture, intensity, and talent that goes into European football.
Ultimately, the trip was a success in terms of growth, exposure, and creating lasting memories. The Lonestar U13 Boys returned home with a deeper understanding of the global game and enthusiasm for their ongoing development.