A SOCCER star from Ottery has been selected by Sim Tours to participate in the upcoming Gateway to Madrid Soccer Tour in Spain from 18 June.
Matthew Barends, 18, will be among other talented ballers who will experience the Spanish football culture and compete in an international football tournament.
Barends said that he has been playing soccer since he was five years old and plays at centreback.
He is looking forward to going on the trip as this is the first time he will be leaving the country.
The teen says: “I am very excited to go on the trip. I love playing soccer because it’s my passion. I used to play soccer for my school as well as the local soccer clubs.”
The total cost of the soccer tour is R48 500 which includes return flights, accommodation, meals, transport, tournament fees, tour apparel, travel insurance, visa and a visit to Real Madrid’s home, Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, and rivals Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano home ground.
Dad Andre Barends said that despite hosting fundraisers they still have an outstanding balance of R35 000.
The pa says: “We had a few karaokes and some five-a-side soccer tournament, but the turn out of the karaoke was not well supported.
“Matthew is a very respectful young man who matriculated last year, but football has always been his life. He got the opportunity to play in Spain with Eagle Performance.
"We urgently need help as we are still in need of some outstanding funds to get him to play in Spain.”
As the only FIFA Agency in South Africa, Sim Tours offers trips of the highest calibre as well as domestic training camps with professional club coaches.
Sim Tours has provided hundreds of boys access the global tournaments as well as touring to football meccas such as Paris, Manchester, Dubai and The Netherlands to name a few.
If you would like to assist or donate towards Matthew’s trip please contact 081 020 5413 or 067 189 4451