RISING stars with the Pars enjoyed the trip of a lifetime when they headed to sunny Spain to showcase their skills - taking them all the way to a final.

Members of the Dunfermline Athletic Community Club 2015s recently travelled to the Costa Daurada region of the country to take part in the 'Barcelona Experience', a two-day tournament which saw them play six matches.

The team, aged between eight and nine, progressed to the final, held at a stadium in Tarragona, and just missed out on bringing the cup home.

Alana Chesher, their coach since September 2022, explained: "I had a crazy idea early summer last year to take the team abroad to play against other cultures in different surroundings.

"I did a bit of research and found 'The Barcelona Experience'. I put it to the parents and quickly had nine players willing to go. We decided against fundraising for the event on this occasion, so it was fully funded by the parents of the players.

"The coaches, players and families had the privilege of experiencing football abroad. They had to learn new rules but enjoyed every minute of it. This was topped off with the opportunity to play in the final at the impressive Gymnastic Tarragona Stadium.

"We might not have come home with the trophy, but what we did come home with is so much more. They are memories to last a lifetime!

"Everyone had a great time and can't wait for the next adventure."

Alana added that the team were grateful to Valenco Ltd for kitting the players and coaches out for the trip, at short notice, after their new match day kit wasn't ready in time.