York College Men’s Soccer Heads to Spain for Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

The York College of Pennsylvania men’s soccer team is trading winter weather for world-class soccer when they head to Spain from February 28 through March 8 for an unforgettable international experience.

During their nine-day journey over Winter Break, the Spartans are experiencing the culture, history, and passion of Madrid and Barcelona, while sharpening their skills on some of the sport’s biggest stages. The women’s soccer team went on a similar trip to Spain in 2024.

The team will tour the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and Camp Nou, home to Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona. They will also attend two to three professional matches.

“I can’t wait to experience the culture in both Madrid and Barcelona, especially given their beauty and rich soccer history,” York College junior Gavin Huey said shortly before the team left for Spain. “Getting to take a trip like this with my college teammates is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I plan to make the most of every moment. By the end of the trip, I hope we can bring back lessons and experiences from Spain and its soccer culture that help us return as a stronger and closer group, with unforgettable memories that bond us even more.”

But this trip is about more than sightseeing.

The team will compete in two to three international “friendly games,” testing themselves against Spanish players and gaining valuable match experience in a different style of play. In addition, the Spartans will train with coaches from Girona FC, receiving feedback from professionals immersed in Spain’s player development system.

“Traveling abroad is a great educational and athletic opportunity for our student-athletes,” head coach Nate Gibboney said. “I have been fortunate to be a part of team international trips in the past, and each one provides a unique opportunity to embrace new cultures, experience new traditions, engage in new languages spoken in their truest form, and compete in unfamiliar environments. I'm excited to see our team learn and bond together while enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Off the pitch, players will explore historic landmarks, immerse themselves in Spanish culture, and bond as teams in a setting far beyond their typical spring schedule.

For the student-athletes, the trip represents a rare chance to see the sport they love in its purest and most passionate form.

“I am most looking forward to growing closer with my teammates as we explore new places and experience everything Spain has to offer,” said sophomore Aiden Hall. “We have been provided an incredible opportunity to engage with different cultures and see firsthand what the rest of the world has to share. I really hope to accomplish a stronger team bond and come back as a more unified team for next season as we attack our goals together.”

For Spartan men’s soccer, this journey to Spain is a celebration of the world's most popular sport and of how soccer is a shared language that connects fans around the globe.

When the team returns on March 8, they will bring home more than souvenirs. They’ll carry new insights, elevated expectations, and stories that will last long after the final whistle.