IFA Mexico stay at The Nest

This August, the International Football Academy from Mexico joined us for a residential stay at The Nest. The group spent a week discovering the very best of Norwich and its football scene, and were even lucky enough to get a surprise visit from some very special guests during their visit!

At the start of the week, the group hopped aboard the Canary Konect from The Nest and headed to Carrow Road stadium to watch Norwich clinch a 2-1 victory against Hull; the ultimate way to start a football residential trip! Day two was action packed and equally as football-filled, as the IFA immersed themselves in the Community Sports Foundation Summer Cup. The group played against a selection of local teams on the 3G pitches at our venue, going head to head in a bid to be crowned the winners of their age group.

Exploring the fine city of Norwich was next on the cards for our visitors, which of course wouldn’t be complete without going behind the scenes at Norwich City FC’s home turf. The group got an access all areas tour of the stadium, which included photo moments in the media suite, team talks in the changing rooms, and walking out of the tunnel like true professionals.

Football skills continued to be put to the test on The Nest pitches through the rest of the week, and the IFA Mexico team enjoyed more training sessions with both Foundation coach Jordan and their own coach Merrill. Excitement reached an all-time high, however, when the group met Norwich’s own Kellen Fisher and Onel Hernández. They waited patiently for the players to sign their new Norwich shirts and pose for some selfies, all whilst engaging in some Spanish conversation with Hernández himself.

When asked about staying at The Nest, IFA Mexico coach Merrill told us:

“I came to visit The Nest and fell in love with it. I was impressed as soon as I arrived. The facilities are great, the pitches in top condition. It was a no brainer to come and experience some time here with our boys.

“Our highlights would have to be the Summer Cup which our u12s played in, and training with the coaching staff which has been excellent. They have treated the kids so well and they’ve learned so much.

“I would definitely recommend The Nest to other international groups for the simple reason that everything is here. You don’t have to go somewhere else to sleep, play, or eat. The Nest has been extraordinary.”

As the week came to a close, the team were rewarded with a session at the Challenge Woods followed by some awards to congratulate a fantastic week.

If you’re looking for somewhere for your team to train, play, and stay, The Nest could be the spot for you. Our football tour packages provide an opportunity for grassroot or youth teams to enjoy a high-quality residential break.

For more information, click here.