Three players from the Weyburn Soccer Association's U-15 Division 1 Celtics team took the trip of a lifetime this spring, attending the Real Madrid training camp in Madrid, Spain, from May 24th to 31st, 2025.
Lexington Roy, Ranson Jordens, and Ethan Thiedig were selected for the camp during a Real Madrid camp held in Edmonton in the summer of 2024.
"I've coached these boys for several years now, and this was the second year in the Celtics program," Coach Rob Jordens shared. "We have very hardworking and talented athletes on our team. They're committed to soccer. They have futures in mind for soccer, and they have great attitudes as well to go with it, always keen on sportsmanship and dedication, and hard work. So we weren't totally surprised to see them selected."
He said it was a proud moment, which was also recognized locally and even provincially.
Those who supported the group's fundraisers, he noted, helped to make it possible for them to train at the Real Madrid training facilities.
"It was a big team effort. A lot of fundraising. It was great support from the community, from our local soccer association, from some foundations that donated as well."
"It was very much worth it, and I think if you asked them, they'd do it again in a heartbeat. They really enjoyed Spain, and they got a lot out of it."
Jordens said the camp introduced them to a different level of training, getting a feel for professional soccer.
"They looked at the stadium, and it really, I think, cemented maybe within them what needs to happen or what it might feel like to be at that level. As well as some skill development that went on there, I think really helped them come back with not necessarily renewed, but a stronger vision for their own soccer and helping their team out more as leaders."
He said he would also recommend the camps offered here in Canada for those hoping to gain more skills and exposure.
Lexington Roy said, "The highlights of the trip for me, I'd say, were going on the stadium tour and the city tour and also meeting players from different places and just training in the facility that pros train in, which was cool."
Ranson Jordens said, "My highlights were meeting players from other countries. That was really interesting getting to know them and the tours of the stadium and also of the cities just around everywhere, and the great landscape. It was really cool. And also where we trained, because we trained in the Real Madrid facilities, like where the Real Madrid team plays. So, that was really cool."
Ranson added that the experience helped him become a better leader, and he noticed upon his return home that having worked with higher-skilled players had made him a better player.
Lexington shared that the camp showed him what he needed to work on to grow as a player, noting it did improve his skills once he returned.
The U-15 Division 1 Celtics team would end up winning the Division 1 Championship for their season. Next, they will be taking part in a Celtics camp at the end of August here in Weyburn.
