Students enrolled in the Sports Diplomacy programme at Széchenyi István University recently took part in a professional study trip to Barcelona. During the three-day programme, they gained deeper insight into Spanish and Catalan sports life, sports diplomacy relations, institutional structures, and the practices of professional sports communication, all under the leadership of Dr Barnabás Kovács, former Consul General of Hungary in Barcelona and founder and head of the programme.

The sports diplomacy advisory postgraduate programme was launched at Széchenyi István University in 2016. Over the past decade, several prominent figures in Hungarian sports have graduated from the programme, including Olympic champions Attila Vári (water polo) and Emese Szász (épée fencing). Dr. Barnabás Kovács, the programme’s founder and former Consul General in Barcelona, organized this exciting study trip for the current graduating class of 2025. During the three-day visit, students not only explored the local sports scene but also deepened their understanding of professional sports communication.

Even the day before the official programme began offered unforgettable moments: several students witnessed the celebration of FC Barcelona’s La Liga championship. The victory parade through the city streets brought fans and players together, offering an exceptional experience that connected theoretical knowledge of sports diplomacy with direct engagement in sports culture.

As part of the official itinerary, students met Ferran Pastor, Deputy Head of Protocol for FC Barcelona (first from the left in the photo).

The programme officially began at the office of the Union of Catalan Sports Associations, where students spoke with Ramón Alfonseda, a former FC Barcelona player and past president of the veterans' association. They then attended lectures by Gerard Figueras, former Secretary General for Sports in the Catalan Generalitat, and Ferran Pastor, Deputy Head of Protocol for FC Barcelona. During the day, students also visited the museum at Camp Nou stadium and ended the evening with a group dinner at Barcelona’s Futballarium — a unique venue where sports and gastronomy came together in an informal yet professionally inspiring environment.

On the second day, some students chose to take a cultural excursion to the Montserrat Monastery, enjoying a spiritually and culturally enriching experience. That evening, their passion for sports took centre stage again as several students attended the Barcelona–Villarreal football match live at the iconic Olympic Stadium.

On the final day, the group first visited the headquarters of the Catalan Football Federation. They then toured the editorial office of the Mundo Deportivo sports daily, where they were welcomed by editor Xavier Díez Nolla. The trip concluded with a visit to the Consulate General of Hungary in Barcelona, where students gained valuable insight into international diplomatic practice and the responsibilities of local diplomatic missions.

During the study trip, the Catalan Football Federation also welcomed the students.