La Familia Davenpuerto

This last weekend saw us go on tour with FC Camarles to the quaint holiday resort of Lloret de Mar – quaint in the style of Benidorm. We took five teams in all – which with assorted grandparents, parents and younger siblings, we mustered a 250 strong force with which to invade the dubiously named Hotel Esplendide.
We finally arrived, after a five hour coach journey in the resort – the convoy of five coaches deposited all 250 of us at reception where we were informed that once we had checked in – we should have dinner, as the restaurant was closing in 30 minutes. Food is important here, so we had chaos. Bun fight is an apt phrase.
After this we retired to the bar, and ordered two beers – imagine our suprise when they tasted a little strange – it confirmed our suspicions that the ‘no wine at dinner rule’ was in fact hotel wide. We had checked into an alcohol free zone ……..aaarrrggh!
We had three games on Saturday – so breakfast @ 7.30 – coach @ 8.00am. I am not at liberty to say which mother was last on our coach – but I think you all know her and her time-keeping skills. The ‘ground’ was 11 pitches just outside Lloret – with beer tent, food etc, and upward of 50 teams – 6 year olds up to ‘Cadets’ or under 18’s. It was amazing – they really do these things well here. Jack’s first game started at 10.00 and was over within 10 minutes – they were unlucky to go in at the end of the first 20 minute half 5-0 – things did not get better in the second, and they ran out 11-0 losers. Not the greatest introduction for Jack.
The second gane was better – there were no 6 foot tall 11 year olds in this one – and they won 3-1, which was great. Coach back to hotel for lunch – less of a bun fight this time, and a siesta. Final game at 4.30 – drew 1-1 which was very entertaining as one of our fathers totally lost it when his boy was chopped down on the pitch. Ensuing verbals were definately strong – and said father stomped off for a sulk and a beer. This did set, however, a nasty precedent for the Sunday game.
Sunday – final game of the tournament – FC Camarles needed to win to come third – which would be a good result. Jen & I lost Jack – and arrived pitch side a little late – game had just kicked off, and we were ‘in the wrong end’ right next to their coach – Buster Bloodvessel. He was screaming at his side everytime something happened to gain his displeasure. Camarles were just edging it, and a lovely passing move enabled our left wing to slot home from 10 yards. Well, we were cheered and went mad – as you do – but then realised we were among the ‘oppo’ – not a good move. We were just getting our bags together to move down to friendlier climes when all hell broke loose.
Chopped down child from yesterday’s game was chopped down again – right in front of his father. It has to be said that it appeared to me that he fell down harder than was totally necessary – they teach this from an early age here. Father went ape – again – but this time the target of his vitriol was the ref, who would have none of it. After being called a particularly bad word – he blew his whistle to end the game and legged it off the pitch. I understand there were fisticuffs – but probably no more than handbags. Buster Bloodvessel charged the length of the pitch – popping arteries as he went – to remonstrate with anyone and everybody, whilst the chopped down child was still lying on the ground. Altogether too much drama fro a Sunday morning. Eventually the game restarted, and Camarles scored once agian just after half-time to run out 2-0 winners.
They take their football very seriously here – our under 6’s were in their final and the whole five coach loads of us were watching – howling with delight and derision. 1-1 at the end of the game – so a penalty shoot-out ensued. No touchy-feely ‘well done’ – every one wins here. I think we won 3-2 but it was unclear, as the occasion was too much for some of them with little ones bursting into tears whether they scored or missed.
Back to the hotel for lunch and a swim, before loading up to get back in time as Barcelona were playing an important match.
It was great fun.