Cape Town parents distressed as children stranded in Spain after football tour

A EUROPEAN football dream has turned into a nightmare for a group of Cape Town parents, who have been left in a state of severe stress after their children were left stranded in Spain, following a soccer tour with the BT Football academy.

The children participated in the Donosti Cup 2025. Among them is a 13-year-old from Kraaifontain. He had been with the club for the past two years. 

His grandmother said: “Last year they were chosen on merit to join the tour. They told us what it was going to cost and we were given enough time to fundraise. Each child had to pay R50 000 and they started paying in September last year. That was supposed to cover the flights, food, accommodation and transport. 

“BT Academy is the first academy his father put in and he absolutely loved it. He says he wants to be a professional soccer player. My grandson was very excited about this trip” 

There were apparently three teams selected, including an under 14 team, an under 19 team and a girls team. Including the coaches who joined the trip as chaperones, there were 38 people. 

In Spain, everything was going well. 

“The under 19s made it to the finals. The under 14s went to the knock-out rounds, they won two games. It was teams from all over the world. He was excited, sending pictures of the opening marching onto the grounds, and fireworks; it was quite an experience for them.”

However, things took a turn when the children with their coaches arrived back at the airport in Madrid. 

“The chairperson was the one arranging all flights and accommodation. Everybody thought the return flights had already been booked. At the airport, the coaches were waiting for him to send the tickets and he kept saying, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, which eventually turned into hours. It went on from Tuesday until today, they’re still waiting.” 

She said at some point the chairperson then started asking the parents for more money, saying the prices of the flights had gone up. 

“Everyone was under the impression that everything was sorted, booked and paid for. This had been the academy’s third year doing these tours. They left Madrid for Portugal because the tickets from there would be cheaper home. The coaches said they have been using their personal funds to feed the kids, buying them food. They were chased out of one hotel. Thankfully now they have accommodation.” 

She said they had been again promised their child would be on a flight by 4pm yesterday, to no avail. She had tried reaching out to the Department of International Relations (Dirco) but was given a number to call, to no avail. 

“We feel traumatised, this was his first time going on an aeroplane, his first time leaving his parents even for two nights. It was a dream come true turned into a nightmare.”

Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said: "This is very unfortunate and we hope that all those involved will take responsibility and we encourage all South Africans with the means to assist where possible. Unfortunately this is not a case which would fall directly within the ambit of our consular services. But we will endeavor to explore all avenues to assist."

BT Academy did not respond to requests for comment by deadline. 

The parents are appealing to anyone willing to help or donate towards flight costs to ensure the safe return of the children. They can be reached via email at teelaw92@gmail.com.

Cape Times