Live the Spanish Summer: Sports, Language & Culture in Barcelona (Ages 10-16)
A one-week immersion experience where students train, practice Spanish, and experience everyday life in Barcelona through sports, language, culture, and meaningful local connections.
Led by Pilar Martín DeNardo, M.A. Ed., a bilingual educator from Barcelona with a Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education and more than 20 years of experience serving students and families in Southern California. As a native of Spain and mother of two American-born children, Pilar brings both professional expertise and personal insight to creating a meaningful, authentic, and supportive experience for every participating family.
Barcelona Sports & Cultural Immersion
This is not a typical summer trip.
In partnership with Club Junior 1917, one of Barcelona’s premier sports and community clubs, students experience the city like locals — through sports, language, and daily life.
Participants don’t just visit Barcelona — they train, connect, and live within it.
Program highlights include:
• Daily sports training (soccer, clay tennis, pádel, and field hockey)
• Parent Stay or Host Family accommodations available
• Cultural exploration in and around Barcelona
• Authentic Spanish language practice in real-life settings
⚽ Special Soccer Opportunity
Selected soccer participants may have the opportunity to be invited by Club Junior 1917’s Director of Soccer to participate as a guest player within an existing Spanish team during tournament play. Invitations are based on age, ability level, readiness, and available roster opportunities.
Rather than competing against Spanish teams as visiting players, selected participants may have the opportunity to integrate into an existing Spanish team and experience Spanish fútbol from within.
Enrollment is intentionally limited to create a personal and supportive experience.
Why Choose Our Program
🌍 Cultural Immersion
Live the Barcelona experience through sports, language, and daily life.
💪 Confidence & Growth
Students develop independence and global awareness.
🤝 International Friendships
Train and connect with Spanish peers.
🛡 Safe & Structured
Programs take place at Club Junior 1917 with trusted local partners.
Program Highlights
🛡 Safe & Structured
A well-organized program supported by trusted local partners, clear expectations, and daily supervision.
🌍 Authentic Cultural Immersion
Students experience everyday life in Barcelona through sports, language, and meaningful community connections.
🗣 Real-World Spanish
Spanish is practiced naturally through daily interactions with coaches, teammates, host families, and the local community.
👥 Small Cohort
Limited enrollment ensures a personalized, supportive, and high-quality experience for every participant.
🤝 Host Family Welcome Gathering
Host and visiting families have the opportunity to meet, connect, and begin building relationships before the program begins, helping students feel welcomed, supported, and at ease from day one.
Who Can Participate
Ages 10–16
All Spanish Levels Welcome
From beginners to heritage speakers.
Southern California Families
Currently open to families based in Southern California.
Program Details
Program Dates
July 26 – July 31, 2026
Barcelona / Sant Cugat
Families arrange their own airfare. Preferred accommodations are available at QGAT Hotel in Sant Cugat, just minutes from Club Junior 1917. Participating families will receive booking information and access to Mama Maestra’s preferred hotel rate.
All participating families will receive a curated Parent Guide with recommendations for restaurants, shopping, cultural attractions, transportation, beaches, and optional day trips throughout Sant Cugat, Barcelona, and the surrounding region.
The program includes daily sports training at Club Junior 1917, scheduled program activities, on-site support, snacks, and lunch.
Students ages 10–16 may participate in the Parent Stay Option. Host Family Stay opportunities are available for students ages 13–16, subject to availability.
Enrollment & Next Steps
Enrollment is intentionally limited to maintain a personalized and supportive experience for every participant.
Following registration, families will be invited to a brief virtual welcome meeting with Mamá Maestra program leadership to review program details, answer questions, and support travel planning.
Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.