WORCESTER City's academy stars showed their Catalan counterparts a trick or two during a trip of Spain.

A youth development squad of 15 took to the resort of Lloret de Mar, near Barcelona, for their week-long end-of-season trip.

And it was City offering the Latin-style flashes of skill and team excellence associated in the region, as they crushed two local sides Lloret FC and Penya Barcelonista de Lloret.

They first thrashed Penya Barcelonista, the FC Barcelona fan club, 6-1 with strikers Troy Wood and Oli Clarke both netting twice and Nic Butler and Dave Reynolds also on the scoresheet.

FC Lloret, a much stronger club, presented a greater challenge but City ran away 2-0 winners, Wood again cracking a brace.

Two years ago, when City's youth team completed the same trip, they were unable to overcome their Spanish rivals.

But youth development officer, former City winger Ray Woods, admits his current crop were just too good.

"It was a great experience," said Woods. "The weather was fantastic and the lads were magnificent.

"We went there two years ago with a team including Shabir Khan and Liam McDonald. Then we drew with Penya and lost 4-1 to FC Lloret.

"The last time we played FC Lloret was against their reserves but this time we faced their academy.

"Also, we played on grass last time which was awful, but it's a good quality surface now.

"The local sides were very technically gifted, but not as strong as us. The pleasing thing was because of the pitch, we got the ball down and played.

"We completely battered them. Our passing and movement was exceptional and about four of the eight goals we scored were fantastic.

"Even the coach said afterwards `Magnifico!' We were delighted with that."

Captain Gary Walker, who has already broken into the City first team, was chosen player of the trip.

Woods added: "Gary was outstanding in the two games. He was an inspirational figure for the rest of the lads."

The trip, run in conjunction with the Worcester College of Technology, also allowed the players free time and the chance to soak up the atmosphere when Barcelona won the Champions League final.

Woods said: "The lads got some sun on their backs and let their hair down a little bit. We gave them a little bit of rope after a long, hard season.

"After the European Cup final, the scenes in Lloret were amazing. Barcelona fans were in the street celebrating and the whole of Lloret town centre was covered in purple. The lads enjoyed it.

"I don't know if we will do the same trip again. We have made some good contacts and good friends. We will look at it."

n Worcester City are offering talented youngsters a golden opportunity to break into their academy.

The youth development scheme are running their summer trial on Saturday, July 1, on Bilford Road, Worcester.

The trial is open to teenagers, ideally school leavers, who can benefit from two years with the club.

As well as football coaching, youngsters will study sports science at the Worcester College of Technology. The trial lasts for around three hours and youngsters should arrive with appropriate kit, footwear and a drink.

For more information, contact Ray Woods on 07876-069689 or youth development assistant Mark Owen on 07865-081998.