Winning has certain perks.

Just ask members of the Aurora Stingers under-16 girls soccer team.

After capturing the Central Girls Soccer League Cup title last season at the under-15 level, the team was rewarded for its efforts — with the trip of a lifetime.

That payoff is a 10-day trip to compete in the Copa Catalunya in Tordera, Spain starting Monday.

“We’re always telling the girls if they work hard and give us total effort, we will give it back to them,” said Stingers’ assistant coach Matt Rosati, who is in his fourth season with the team. “It’s a reward, which is why they don’t get it easy from us. Despite their success, we’re tough on them.”

The tournament will be the first taste of overseas competition for the Stingers team.

Twenty-three countries participated in the 2007 event at various youth age groups for boys and girls.

Aurora, which has five wins and one loss this season in CGSL play, is pooled with teams from Falkoping and Stockholm, Sweden, Juchen, Germany, and Trondheim, Norway. The team departed for Spain Friday.

“The competition is definitely up there but we can only assume what to expect, so they’ll play based on what they’ve been taught. Our strength is in our defence and midfield. We just want to focus on our strength and go with what we know and can do.”

The Stingers have three off-days and will have an opportunity for some sight-seeing, including a visit to Camp Nou Stadium, home to world-renowned Barcelona FC. There will also be a shopping day in Barcelona on the agenda.

“I’m just hoping they focus on the sporting aspect and not the shopping,” said Rosati, with a hint of a laugh. “When we mention that we get guilty smirks. We want them to have fun, too.

“I think they have a good understanding for the work that has gone into it.”