Jacob thanks his family and friends for supporting his trip to Spain where he played in a soccer tournament. He visited Barcelona and Castellon, toured stadiums, met with city mayors, tried new foods like paella, and was scouted by major clubs. Though they lost in the quarterfinals in penalty kicks, Jacob scored goals and had assists in the tournament, calling it an amazing experience he was blessed to have.
2. Dear Family and Friends,
I would like to thank you for supporting me for my trip to Spain. It was an amazing experience and I could
not have gotten there without your help.
It was my first time on a plane and I really enjoyed flying. I visited two different cities in Spain. The first city
was Barcelona. I got to tour the Barcelona stadium and go down to the field and got to touch the field. I
hope to play there someday. The other city we went to was called Castellon. This is where I played my
tournament. The people of the city were very nice to us. We visited the city hall and the mayor came out
and greeted us.
I ate squid rings; I will not be eating those again. My favorite exotic food was paella. But the best meal I ate
was after our last soccer game. Our coach took us to the local Burger King and I ate a triple burger with 3
cheeses and a whole ton of bacon. And I ate it all!
My tournament went well. I got to play and room with one of my best friends. I got scouted by Athletico
Madrid, and Barcelona was watching me in that game as well. We lost in the quarter-finals. The game was
tied 4-4, so we went to penalty kicks. I was the first to take the kick out of both teams in front of about 200
people. I made it! We ended up losing in penalty kicks 5-4. During the tournament I made my first 2
international goals and had 4 assists, including the one to put us into penalty kicks.
I had an amazing experience in Spain. I was blessed by God and by all of you to help me go. Thank you again
for all of your support!
I have put together some slides and pictures to hopefully give you an idea of the great time I had. Enjoy!!
Love,
Jacob
3. This is me leaving and saying goodbye to my class.
Gonna miss my friends, but sure won’t miss school.
Off to the airport…
4. Mom said she wouldn’t cry…
Yeah right!
First time on a plane, just
happened to be 9 hours…
5. The eagle has landed… First day in Spain,
downtown Barcelona! Hola amigos…
6. View from our hotel,
Placa d’Espanya
Expanding my
horizons at the
Museo Nacional
d'Art de
Catalunya :)
7. Me at Camp Nou. Home field of the best team
in the world, Barcelona FC.
8. Leaving for my first
international game...
We beat Espanyol FC 3-
2 this game. Couldn’t
believe I was actually
playing in Spain!
9. We were honorary guests of Castellon and met the
mayor. We were the first teams from the US to ever
play there.
10. Marcos Senna played for Villareal and the Spanish National
team. I liked him because he wears my favorite number. I
had my picture taken in his locker, but didn’t know that
later I would meet and get my picture taken with him.
11. Found this baby in the parking lot at the Villareal fields and
couldn’t resist. Yes, I touched it but don’t tell anyone :)
12. Taking questions at my press conference… Not
really, but a kid can dream can’t he??
13. Opening ceremonies of the tournament. I was
honored to be asked to carry the sign for our
team. USA USA USA…
14. Time to go to work…
We had a pretty good tournament
and ended up winning 2, tying 2
and losing 2. Experience of a
lifetime!!
15. Last day in Spain, and we
had some time to tour the
Olympic park and village
from the Barcelona ‘92
summer games.
Montjuïc Communications
Tower which was used to
transmit the games. It also
works like a giant sundial.
16. Heading home. Hard to leave because I will miss
playing in Spain, but happy to be going back to
see my family and friends.
17. Thanks again for your willingness
to help me accomplish my goal.
It really was a chance of a
lifetime, and would not have
been possible without YOU!!
For more pictures of my trip,
please go to…
Jacob James - Spain Dropbox
