Spain: Julien Payen (Local Interactions)
Program: WIP Madrid English, Spring
One of the best parts of studying abroad in a country with a sport-crazy culture like Spain is the ease with which you can make friends at a soccer game. Last weekend, my friend Kevin and I took a train ride to Majadahonda, a suburb of Madrid, to watch Club de Fútbol Majadahonda, a fourth division soccer team, play their final game of the season, where they won the league championship.
Even though the game was in the fourth division, the stadium was packed full of passionate local fans, who created an atmosphere that made it feel as if we were one of them. Walking up to the stadium, there were crowds of people playing the drums and singing their favorite chants in support of the home team, and at the ticket stand, we found out that entry for the day’s game was free, to allow as many people as possible to cheer on the team and push them to victory.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was magnified. Our free tickets got us right behind the goal, where we stood with the most dedicated fans as they unfurled a banner dedicated to the neighborhood and the team that represents them. Throughout the game, the fans kept the energy high, and even though we had never heard the chants before, it was easy to clap along and repeat the chorus, which made us feel like a part of the community.
As the final whistle sounded and Majadahonda celebrated their league title, the fans ran onto the field to celebrate right alongside the players, cementing the connection between the community and the club, something unique to neighborhood teams and the most special part of attending lower-division soccer games here in Spain.
Julien Payen
Program Name: WIP Madrid English
Major: Journalism & Spanish
Hometown: Montgomery Village, MD
One goal that I have for my program is to learn about Spanish culture from a firsthand experience. I’m looking forward to exploring Madrid and visiting museums around the city.