I’ve done a lot of cool things throughout the year but this trip to Bilbao with the class is up there as one of the very best. Not only because we watched a football game at the San Mames (which was such a cool, clean, modern stadium) and not only because we got a private class and tour of the Athletic Club facilities but because I was with my friends I made in the course.
Because all of us are usually very busy working on the final project, doing extracurricular work or just traveling around Europe, it’s hard to find time to all come together. But this trip did just that. We all went on the bus together to Bilbao and experienced a new city, together. And sometimes, it’s not about what you do but WHO you do it with – and I’m so happy I was able to share these incredible moments in such a cool city in Bilbao, with my classmates.
Of all the things I found fascinating during this trip, the number one has to be hearing about the “Basque region rule” of Athletic Club. This team is not able to just sign any player – like every other European team in the world – their players have to have a connection with the Basque region. And you’d think this limits their successes but actually, they were and still are a major European team that competes for some of the biggest trophies in the football world. They rely heavily on their academy and I love how even in this day and age where football is so globalized and so money-dependent, this football club sticks to their roots and philosophy. I absolutely loved that and loved learning about their club.
Athletic Bilbao, you have earned yourselves a new fan! I will make sure to stay up to date with everything that happens at the club from now on – and hope the very best for them!