🏆 HTX Soccer Competes in Spain at Real Madrid & Valencia CF 🏆

🗓️ March 19, 2026
📍 Houston, Texas

This past week, HTX Soccer traveled to Spain with a travel group of 95 participants that had 38 players, 53 family members, and 4 coaching staff members visiting the beautiful cities of Madrid and Valencia.

More Than a Trip: A Soccer and Cultural Experience in Spain
For most players, development happens through regular training sessions and league matches. Occasionally, there are unique opportunities that provide a different type of experience one that combines competition with exposure to new training and game day environments. Our recent trip to Spain was first class and was throughly enjoyed by the families that attended.

A Different Soccer Environment:
Traveling internationally to play soccer gives players a chance to experience the game outside of their usual setting and comfort zones. In Spain, soccer is deeply integrated into the culture, and that is reflected in how the game is played and taught. For our players, this meant exposure to a quicker speed of play, different tactical approaches, new expectations around movement and decision making.

Competing Against International Opposition:
Playing against local Spanish teams presented new challenges and players were asked to adjust to unfamiliar playing styles, increased speed of play, different levels of physicality all done under pressure.  While results varied, the primary focus was on gaining experience and understanding how to compete in a different environment.

Cultural Exposure:
A huge part of the trip was the opportunity to experience a different culture with the chance to explore new cities, sharing meals together, navigating daily and fun activities. For many members of the trip, this was their first time traveling internationally and it provided an introduction to different customs, language, and daily lifestyles.

Team and Community:
The trip also created opportunities for stronger connections within the group. Players spent extended time together outside of soccer activities, which helped build new relationships. Families had the chance to connect and share the overall experience and also got to know the HTX coaching staff that were on the trip.

HTX Coaching  Staff Present:

Diego Copa - Cypress & Tomball Location Director; Jake Magnus - GA2 South Director; Dwayne Marshall - Woodlands Head Coach and Michiel Van De Heijning - Competitive AGC The Woodlands.

“This experience went beyond soccer. It provided growth both on and off the field, while also creating meaningful relationships and shared experiences that will stay with us,” said Diego Copa, Cypress & Tomball Location Director. “I’d like to thank our HTX coaching staff, players, and families for contributing to such a positive trip, as well as our host clubs in Spain and InspireSport for organizing the experience.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who made this trip possible, from our players and families to the coaching staff and organizers. said Jake Magnus, GA2 South Director. It was an unforgettable experience, not just for the players, but for me as a coach as well. Seeing the growth, energy, and connections built throughout the journey made it truly special, and it’s something I’ll carry with me moving forward.”

“I truly enjoyed every part of this trip and am incredibly thankful to the club for providing such a unique opportunity for our players and staff, said Dwayne Marshall, Woodlands Head Coach. "Experiences like this go beyond the game, they open new perspectives and create lasting memories. It was a privilege to be a part of it.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and everything it offered our group, both on and off the field," said Michiel Van De Heijning, Competitive AGC The Woodlands. "It was a fantastic experience to be part of, and seeing the players embrace new challenges and environments made it even more rewarding. These are the kinds of moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.”

Professional Live Games:
Atlético Madrid 3 vs. Real Sociedad 2 (La Liga Match)
Atlético Madrid 5 vs. Tottenham 2 (Champions League)

HTX Matches:

• AGE GROUP	OPPOSITION (MADRID)	RESULT
  2012-2014	VILLARREJO	LOST 3-4
  2007-2011	VILLARREJO	LOST 1-3
  2015-2017	EL MOLAR	WON 7-1
  2007–2011	ACADEMIA ALCOBENDAS	TIED 4-4
  AGE GROUP	OPPOSITION (VALENCIA)	RESULT
  2012–2014	RIBA	TIED 3-3
  2007–2011	IDA VALENCIA	LOST 0-6
  2015–2017	ANTIC (CUMBRES SCHOOL)	LOST 1-7

   

To find an HTX Soccer program near you for any age or experience level, visit www.htxsoccer.com

About HTX Soccer

HTX Soccer is the largest youth soccer club in the Greater Houston area, with over 8,500 players ranging from recreational to elite levels, ages 3 to 19. Serving a 100-mile radius from Downtown Houston, HTX represents the true heart of soccer in the city and its surrounding communities. Since 2006, HTX has helped more than 800 players advance to collegiate soccer, more than any other club in the region. The club has also seen 67 players selected for youth national team activities, and 17 players go on to play professionally around the world.

HTX’s elite boys’ teams compete in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), while the elite girls’ teams participate in the Girls Academy (G.A.) League, both top-tier platforms in U.S. youth soccer.

HTX Soccer is proud to be home to:
🏆 2026 U13 Girls Academy Champions Cup Finalists
🏆 2025 U15 Girls Academy Champions Cup National Finalists
🏆 2025 U19 Girls Academy Champions Cup National Champions
🏆 🏆 Back-to-back USYS U13 Girls National Champions (2024 & 2025)

HTX continues to set the standard for youth soccer development and competition locally, regionally, and nationally.

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