Football Tours: The Complete 2027 Guide for Teams, Schools, Academies & Clubs

A football tour is one of the most powerful experiences a team can share. Players test themselves against new opposition, learn from different coaching cultures, watch elite football live and come home more confident, more independent and more united. Whether you are a school, an academy, a grassroots club or an adult side, this guide answers the most common questions about football tours.

Olimpia Tour designs and manages football tours for teams worldwide — from first-time school trips to professional pre-season camps. Every tour is tailored, so costs are always on request.

Key Takeaways

• •There are three main types of football tour: training camps, tournament tours and friendlies tours.
• •Popular destinations include England, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina and the Middle East.
• •A strong tour balances football, rest and culture — usually 3–5 fixtures in 8–12 days.
• •Squads of 16–20 players (11-a-side) cover rotation and injuries.
• •Book 12–18 months ahead for schools and 6–12 months for clubs and academies.

What is a football tour?

A football tour is an organised trip for a team to play, train and experience football in another country or region. It typically includes fixtures against local teams, coaching sessions, watching professional football, stadium visits, cultural activities and all the logistics in between.

What types of football tour are there?

• •Training camps — daily professional-level coaching plus a few friendlies. Ideal for academies and pre-season.
• •Tournament tours — built around an international youth tournament such as the Mina Cup.
• •Friendlies tours — hand-picked matches against clubs, academies or schools, with plenty of culture in between.

Where are the best football tour destinations?

• •England — the home of football, Premier League match days and iconic stadiums.
• •Spain — technical coaching, warm weather and world-class academies.
• •Italy and Portugal — tactical education and famous football cities.
• •Brazil and Argentina — flair, passion and South American football culture.
• •The Middle East — superb facilities and warm-weather winter camps.

What is included in a football tour?

• •Fixtures against age- and level-matched opposition.
• •Coaching sessions with UEFA- or CONMEBOL-licensed coaches.
• •Professional match tickets and stadium tours (subject to availability).
• •Flights, hotels, private transport, meals and insurance guidance.
• •A dedicated tour manager and 24/7 on-ground coordinator.

How long should a football tour be?

Most tours run 8–12 days. That leaves time for 3–5 fixtures, 3–6 coaching sessions, a professional match, rest days and sightseeing without overloading young players.

Who can go on a football tour?

School teams, academies, grassroots clubs, girls' and women's teams, university sides, adult amateur and veterans' teams, and professional clubs. We match opposition to your age and level so every game is competitive and enjoyable.

How do we choose a football tour operator?

Look for tailored itineraries (not one-size packages), honest advice on what is and isn't possible, a written risk management plan, 24/7 on-ground support, verified fixtures and transparent inclusions.

How is safety managed?

Every Olimpia Tour follows an ISO 31030-aligned travel risk plan: vetted accommodation, agreed supervision ratios, medical access, emergency procedures and a 24/7 on-ground coordinator. Read our duty of care guide and our 12–18 month planning timeline.

Ready to plan your tour?

Explore international football tours, pre-season camps, our football tour England guide and the football tour planning guide. Then start building your tour, message us on WhatsApp or contact us — every tour is tailored, with costs on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a football tour?

An organised trip for a football team to train, play and experience football in another country, including fixtures, coaching, professional matches, stadium visits, culture and full logistics.

What are the best destinations for football tours?

England, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina and the Middle East are the most popular, depending on your goals, season and budget.

How long is a typical football tour?

Usually 8–12 days, with 3–5 fixtures, several coaching sessions, a professional match and rest and culture days.

How many players should go on a football tour?

16–20 players for 11-a-side and 12–16 for smaller formats, plus coaches, a manager and a first-aider.

When should we book a football tour?

12–18 months ahead for schools and 6–12 months for clubs and academies, especially for tournaments and match tickets.

How much does a football tour cost?

It depends on destination, group size, length and inclusions. Every Olimpia Tour football tour is tailored, with costs on request.