La Roda International Basketball Tournament: Our Family Guide (July 2025)

From 2 to 6 July 2025, Damian (12) played the La Roda International Basketball Tournament in Castilla-La Mancha. We drove down from Barcelona, 6–7 hours each way. The teams slept at Hotel Flor de la Mancha in La Roda, and we parents stayed 30 minutes away at Palacio Albacete. Here’s everything we’d tell another basketball family before the trip.

• When: early July (2–6 July in 2025)
• Where: La Roda, Albacete province
• From Barcelona: 6–7 hours by car
• Teams sleep: Hotel Flor de la Mancha, La Roda
• Parents: Albacete (30 min) has more hotel choice

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.

Staying in Albacete during the tournament.

Albacete is more than just a convenient stop for tournaments. It offers a mix of family-friendly and couple-friendly activities:

• Parque Abelardo Sánchez – A large, green park perfect for a morning walk or letting kids play.

• Museo de Albacete – Discover local art, history, and culture; interactive for older kids.

• Albacete Cathedral – A beautiful landmark with impressive architecture.

• La Feria de Albacete (if visiting in September) – A vibrant festival with food, music, and activities.

• Local tapas tour – Sample traditional Manchego cuisine in cozy restaurants across the city.

• Shopping in Calle Ancha – A lively street with boutiques, cafés, and artisan stores.

La Roda Basketball Tournament: FAQ