In early July, from the 2nd to the 6th of July, our family embarked on an unforgettable road trip from Barcelona to La Roda to support our son Damian in one of the most important international basketball tournaments for U12 players — the Torneo Internacional de Baloncesto de La Roda.
This tournament brings together elite youth basketball teams from Spain and other countries, offering young athletes the chance to test their skills, teamwork, and passion against some of the best U12 players in Europe. It’s an incredible platform for growth, exposure, and sportsmanship that many future professional players have passed through.
🚗 Our Road Trip: From Barcelona to La Roda
We decided to make the journey by car, driving our Tesla from Barcelona. The drive is about 6–7 hours, and to make it smoother, we stopped near Valencia for a quick charging break. This pause gave us time to stretch our legs and enjoy the Spanish countryside views before continuing our route to La Roda.
Traveling by electric car made the trip more sustainable, and planning charging stops along the way was easier than expected.
🏀 Inside the Tournament: Intensity, Passion, and Team Spirit
The intensity of the games was remarkable. From the very first match, every team brought energy and determination to the court. The atmosphere inside the sports halls was electric, with fans cheering, teammates supporting each other, and young athletes giving their all.
For Damian, playing at such a highly competitive level was both challenging and inspiring. He learned how to adapt quickly, work closely with his teammates, and stay focused under pressure — valuable lessons not only in basketball but also in life.
🏨 Where We Stayed
While Damian stayed with his team at the Hotel Flor de la Mancha in La Roda, we based ourselves about 30 minutes away in Albacete at the Palacio Albacete.
This arrangement allowed Damian to fully experience team bonding with his peers while we enjoyed the cultural and culinary charm of Albacete. We’ll share a full review of Palacio Albacete in our next post, so stay tuned if you’re looking for family-friendly accommodation in the region.
🌍 Why This Tournament Matters
Participating in international tournaments like this gives U12 athletes:
- Exposure to different playing styles and strategies
- A chance to test their skills under pressure
- Opportunities to build lifelong friendships and memories
- A deeper love and respect for the game
For young players dreaming of a future in basketball, tournaments like La Roda can be life-changing milestones in their sports journey.
❓ FAQ About the La Roda Basketball Tournament
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the La Roda Basketball Tournament take place?
It usually takes place in early July, with the 2024 edition held from 2nd to 6th of July.
Where is La Roda located?
La Roda is a town in the province of Albacete, in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain.
Who can participate?
The tournament is for U12 basketball teams from Spain and abroad, selected by invitation.
Why is this tournament important for young players?
It provides exposure to competitive basketball, encourages teamwork, and helps develop mental and physical skills under real game pressure.
How long is the drive from Barcelona to La Roda?
It takes about 6–7 hours by car, depending on stops and traffic.
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