At The School Travel Company, we know that taking students’ athletic abilities to the next level requires the perfect mix of top-notch training, effort, and time. But all too often, school sports and/or youth group lessons are too infrequent and short for pupils to live up to their full potential. To help peak their interest, hone their technique, and increase their confidence and commitment, we recommend three overseas tours that combine sports, sun, and even sightseeing.

What better land to practice dribbling, passing and shooting goals than in Italy, whose greatest passion – apart from food – is football? One of our most sought-after school sports tours is our Football Tour in Milan, the only European city that boasts not one, but two Champions League-winning teams: F.C. Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan) and A.C. Milan.

The city’s living and breathing enthusiasm for football is sure to motivate students as they enjoy two extensive training sessions with a celebrated Italian coach. During these sessions, participants will rapidly enhance their skill set with the help of the instructor’s expertise, as well as working on their sportsmanship in two friendly games against local teams. Thanks to the training’s intensive nature, students will receive an insight into the amount of effort and commitment that are required to play football at a more competitive level.

Along with two days of football sessions, our itinerary includes one day of sightseeing. After all, it’d be a shame to visit Milan without exploring its world-famous architecture, fashion scene and – of course – the Stadio Giuseppe Mezzo, otherwise known as San Siro. In the morning, students will receive a guided tour of the stadium, which is the largest in Italy, accommodates both home teams and has hosted four European Cup finals. Upon seeing the mix zone, changing rooms, the players’ tunnel, and the spectator stands with their own eyes, young athletes will not only gain an exciting peek into the life of a footballer, but will also gain a new level of respect for this challenging profession.

Following the tour, students will have the opportunity to stroll through Milan and visit its cultural landmarks, such as the stunning Duomo and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. If you’re looking for further sightseeing recommendations, our experienced team is happy to put together a bespoke itinerary for you.

If you’re a rugby coach, you’ll be well aware that Toulouse, situated in southern France, is undoubtedly one of the finest places for students to practice their ankle tap and blitz defence. In addition to boasting a charming old quarter and gorgeous river, this town is home to the Stade Toulousain, which has won the prestigious Heineken Cup a record-breaking four times and also boasts 19 French Championship titles. By exposing your athletes to this awe-inspiring legacy and environment on our Toulouse Rugby Tour, you’re certain to heighten their dedication to strengthening their skill set.

Over the course of two days, your group will receive master classes from a distinguished youth rugby trainer for Stade Toulousain. These rigorous training sessions will take your students’ abilities to a whole new level, providing them with the necessary experience and self-assurance to become more well-rounded and consistent players. To practise their newfound skills in a more competitive setting, players will participate in friendly games against local teams in the afternoons of both days, receiving helpful reminders and tips along the way. 

In addition to tearing up the rugby field, our itineraries treat students to one day of sightseeing in and around Toulouse. Along with strolling around the fairytale-like old town and treating themselves to authentic French cuisine, our past groups have enjoyed visiting La Cite De L’Espace, a twelve-acre theme park about space and the human conquest thereof. For years 10 to 13, our school sports tours in Toulouse usually include a thrilling tour of Aeroscopia, an aeronautical museum that introduces curious minds to the history and technology behind aviation and aircrafts. So, why not peak their athletic and intellectual interest? 

If you’re looking for a residential that strikes the perfect balance between intensive training and fun in the sun, our school sports tours in Costa del Sol are your best bet. This multi-sports trip caters to a variety of sports, including basketball, swimming, football, tennis, and netball. Whether you’re planning a trip for one or several athletic teams, our tailor-made programme is simultaneously ideal for team bonding and for socialising with other sports enthusiasts.

Depending on the sport(s), each group will receive two half days of training from a professional coach in either Málaga or Marbella. After intensive master classes in the mornings, players will put their honed skills into practice in games against local teams. This experience will not only expose students to new coaching methods and playing environments, but will also teach them the value of sustained and concentrated training.

Between the first and second day of master classes and games, we recommend taking a breather by uncovering the local attractions. For the morning, we can organise a guided tour of La Rosaleda Stadium for you, which the renowned Málaga Club de Fútbol (CF) is proud to call home. Whether or not you’re travelling with football fanatics, we’ve received highly positive reviews for this visit, as it gives all sports enthusiasts a glimpse into the hard work, motivation, mental toughness, and devotion that being a world-class athlete requires. Depending on your group’s interests and energy levels, you can either spend the afternoon sightseeing in Málaga or relaxing on the beach.