By Tyler Aragao, staff writer

The Franklin Pierce Women’s Soccer team will spend eight days in August abroad in Spain.

The trip will span from Aug. 18-26, with head coach Jonathan Garbar and his squad looking to take advantage of an opportunity to travel and bond as a team.

“It’s ambitious for a program in our second season; most teams in the NE10 don’t take these trips,” said Garbar. His squad will head to Spain with a unique opportunity to watch, learn and train with some of the sport’s best.

Outside of the opportunity to learn and grow as a team, the trip will also provide the Ravens a chance to connect off the pitch. Spain offers a new culture and environment for a team with more moving parts coming in. The chance to bond away from the field is something Garbar also put a heavy emphasis on.

“Every player but one will be a visitor; this gives us an opportunity to immerse ourselves in a new environment,” said Garbar, whose team will welcome 12 new recruits for the 2018 season.

While in Spain, the itinerary will consist of a combination of culture and soccer. It will feature exhibition games, observing the first division team train, and attending seminars run by professional coaches and player development experts. But, it will also include bus tours, traditional Spanish dinners, and even an experience of Spanish nightlife.

With 12 freshmen and three seniors, Garbar once again has a new team on his hands. By traveling to Spain, the second-year head coach hopes playing against higher-end competition will help get his team ready. On the pitch, as well as off it, Garbar hopes the freshmen will bond with their new teammates while at the same time his senior players will establish their leadership roles as they enter the final stages of their collegiate careers.

For more information on the team’s trip to Spain, be sure to follow Ravens women’s soccer on Twitter: @FPUWSOC