Glinton United FC Tour to Belgium 2009

"On Friday 1st May 2009,a group of 37 including Glinton United U14’s football team boarded a coach on their long awaited tour to Belgium. They had been fund raising for a year, raising the required amount through sheer hard work and determination by themselves and their parents.

The itinerary had been put into place by the hard work Tours 4.com. Stuart George & Julie Thorpe had worked closely with Tours 4 staff, who despite having never met, forged a good working relationship.  Our tour manager was so helpful, nothing was too much trouble for him and each time a request was made by us he answered professionally & efficiently.

Our accommodation was great, clean and comfy with the hotel’s location being easily accessible to shops and opposite the magnificent train station. The staff were accommodating & pleasant.

Our first game against F C Schelle Sport resulted in a 7-1 win and whilst the lads enjoyed the game, the hospitality of the club was unbelievable. We were greeted off the coach and immediately after introductions, the players & staff were shown around the facilities, showing off their new clubhouse and the players walking in envy. We had requested post match hospitality- expecting maybe a sandwich, but the 3-course meal that was served to the entire party was astonishing and most welcome. The players, officials & parents from both teams thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon of socialising together and was only cut short when the time came to leave for our pre arranged bowling. An invitation has since been received from them for us to return next year and Geert had emailed photos across ready for our return. This is a truly special club and we would recommend any team going to visit, they will be made most welcome.

An evening of bowling & a meal in Da Giovanni restaurant followed- both very enjoyable for both players & adults too!

Sunday saw a journey across the border to Holland to play V V Hontenisse Kloosterzande. Once again, the boys enjoyed the game and came out 4-2 winners, with the home team welcoming us and treating the lads to drinks in the changing rooms and complimentary drinks for the parents at full time.

A journey onto to Brussels followed, with an on board presentation of a pennant & interview for each lad to pass the time. An arranged couple of hours in the Oceania Water Park were thoroughly enjoyed by the lads with some of the parents going into Brussels for a quiet coffee- and waffles- and chocolates!!!

The evening was rounded off with an exceptional meal at a rib/steak restaurant- AMADEUS. This can be recommended most highly by the entire party, great food at a great price and we were well looked after.

The weekend was a great success, made so by Tours 4.com and their expertise and professionalism. The timings on the itinerary were so accurate and we felt at ease knowing that the tour had been so well organised.

We would recommend anyone wishing to undertake a tour, to take advantage of this expertise and pass on our sincere thanks."

JT, GLinton United Football Tour Organiser, Belgium Tour 2009