DORTMUND, GERMANY – The Birkdale School football first team kicked off their exciting overseas tour in style, arriving in Dortmund to a warm welcome and a packed itinerary filled with training, football and unforgettable experiences.

Upon arrival, the team wasted no time getting into the spirit of the trip, eagerly anticipating their first fixture. They didn’t disappoint — storming to an emphatic 6-1 victory on their opening day. Spirits were high as the squad celebrated this fantastic start.

The next morning brought an incredible opportunity as the team trained at the world-renowned Borussia Dortmund academy, soaking up the sunshine while honing their skills under expert guidance.

Later that day, the footballers enjoyed an exclusive tour of Borussia Dortmund’s iconic stadium, taking in the view from the pitch, exploring the players’ changing rooms, and standing on the legendary Yellow Wall — an experience sure to inspire any young footballer.

On Saturday afternoon, the group joined a passionate 54,000-strong crowd to watch Borussia Mönchengladbach take on RB Leipzig. A tight 1-0 win for the home side made for an electric atmosphere, and the evening was rounded off with a delicious Italian meal.

But the footballing spectacle didn’t end there. The following day, the team were among 81,000 fans at the famed Signal Iduna Park, watching Dortmund defeat Mainz 3-1 in a match that left everyone buzzing with excitement. The pre-match build-up, non-stop chanting, and post-match celebrations made it a truly unforgettable afternoon.

From there, the squad continued their journey to Amsterdam, where they explored the legendary Johan Cruyff Arena on a guided tour, gaining insight into the proud history of Ajax. That evening, Birkdale took to the pitch once more, this time facing a skilled local side, ASC Volewijckers. Rising to the challenge, the first team delivered another polished performance, winning 2-0.

The trip concluded with a perfect final day of sightseeing in sunny Amsterdam, complete with a two-hour guided bike ride taking in the city’s famous canals and historic landmarks. Finally, the team headed to Rotterdam to catch the ferry home — tired, happy, and full of memories.

With two impressive wins, world-class experiences, and plenty of inspiration gathered along the way, it was a fabulous, memorable, and truly inspirational five days for all involved.