The experience was made possible through the two players’ involvement in the Joeys Football Club and included 28games against German teams as well as continuous training and some sight seeing on the side.

The team returned on June 28. Jacob and Matthew said there was an evident difference between Australian players and what they came up against in Germany.

“It was definitely a lot harder, they were more skilful and we had to be more fit. Over there they held onto the ball a lot - if you gave it to them they would have it for the majority of the match,” Jacob said.

“There was a lot of fitness involved in the training and we definitely feel a lot fitter and have better ball control after coming back.”

The team toured Germany, competing against local teams along the way, and took a day off to visit France as well. Matthew said it was a highlight to visit a country on the other side of the world and experience the difference to Australia.

“It was a highlight seeing the different culture over there and also experiencing the different way that they play the game. Most of the people spoke English but we did have to learn the basics before we went,” he said.