After Football Camp: How to Extend the Benefits at Home

Your child has just returned from their football camp, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm and motivation through the roof. For one or two weeks, they lived like a professional: intensive training sessions, expert coaching, camaraderie on the pitch. But now the holidays are over, school is back… and you’re wondering how to keep that flame alive. Good news: with a few simple habits and the right support, the benefits of a camp can extend well beyond the final whistle. A 2017 study published in PLOS ONE demonstrated that regular physical activity improves not only athletic abilities but also cognitive functions and academic performance. That’s reason enough to maintain the rhythm at home.

Why do camp skills fade so quickly?

We’ve all seen it happen: your child returns transformed, then two weeks later, they seem to have forgotten everything. It’s not that they lack willpower. The brain and body work on a simple principle: what isn’t repeated eventually fades away. Neurologists call this the “forgetting curve.” To permanently anchor a technical gesture or tactical reflex, spaced repetition is essential.

During an elite training camp, young players benefit from 20 to 30 hours of football concentrated into a single week. This immersion creates strong but fragile neural connections. Without regular stimulation in the following weeks, these connections weaken. That’s why the best coaches insist: the real work begins after the camp.

Creating a realistic training routine

There’s no need to transform your garden into a professional training centre. The goal isn’t to replicate the camp’s intensity but to maintain regular, enjoyable practice. Three to four sessions of 20-30 minutes per week are quite sufficient for a child between 8 and 14 years old.

A typical weekly programme

Here’s an example schedule suited to a school-age child’s daily life. On Monday, focus on individual technique: juggling, ball control, passing against a wall. Keep it to 25 minutes maximum. On Wednesday afternoon, if possible, organise a small match with friends or at the club. Nothing beats real play for applying what’s been learnt. On Friday or Saturday, work on fitness in a fun way: dribbling runs, slalom between cones, coordination exercises. And Sunday? Rest or a family kickabout in the park. Enjoyment remains the primary driver of progress in young players.

Technical exercises to replicate at home

During football camps in England and abroad, certain exercises appear consistently because they form the foundation of every good player. Juggling comes first. Ask your child to beat their personal record each week. It’s motivating and develops ball touch. Then wall passes: 50 with the right foot, 50 with the left, varying the distances. For goalkeepers, diving drills onto a mattress or reflex exercises with a tennis ball work wonders.

Fuelling the young footballer’s body and mind

Sports nutrition doesn’t stop at the camp gates. What your child eats daily directly influences their energy, recovery, and concentration ability. Professional clubs understand this well: at PSG or Manchester City, academy youngsters follow personalised nutrition programmes.

At home, a few simple principles make all the difference. A complete breakfast with complex carbohydrates (wholemeal bread, porridge) before school. A balanced snack after training: banana and yoghurt or homemade cereal bars. And in the evening, protein for muscle recovery (chicken, fish, eggs) with vegetables. Avoid fizzy drinks and excessive sweets that cause energy spikes followed by crashes.

Mental preparation deserves attention too. A child who doubts themselves will progress more slowly than a confident one. Encourage them to visualise their successes, set achievable goals, and accept failure as part of learning. High-level camps now systematically integrate these psychological dimensions, as explained in our guide on avoiding mistakes to progress in football.

Using technology wisely

Football applications can become valuable allies. Some offer personalised daily exercises, others allow filming and analysing technical movements. Your child can compare their technique to their idols and identify what needs improving.

YouTube also has countless free tutorials. But be careful not to overdo it: 15 minutes of video followed by 30 minutes of practice is worth more than two hours in front of the screen. Balance remains key. And if your child participated in a camp combining football and English lessons, why not watch match analyses in the original language? Double benefit guaranteed.

Maintaining connections from the camp experience

Did your child make friends during their stay? Encourage them to stay in touch with their camp mates. These relationships create positive motivation. They can exchange exercise videos, challenge each other remotely on juggling records, or simply chat about their shared passion.

If the camp provided a progress report or certificate, display it in their room. This visual reminder reinforces motivation. Some PSG camps or Manchester City camps provide detailed assessments with strengths and areas for improvement. This document then becomes a roadmap for the coming months.

Planning the next camp now

The prospect of another camp acts as a powerful motivation driver. Whether it’s for next summer, the winter holidays or Easter, planning the next event together gives them a goal to work towards. Your child will train more seriously knowing exactly why they’re doing it.

Why not vary the experiences? After a camp in England, discovering a camp in Spain or Italy adds extra richness. Each club has its philosophy, its methodology. Alternating approaches broadens your child’s technical and tactical palette.

FAQ: Your questions about life after camp

How long should my child train each week after a camp?

For a child aged 8 to 14, 3 to 4 sessions of 20-30 minutes per week are sufficient. Consistency matters more than intensity. Going beyond risks boredom or injury.

My child has lost motivation since returning. What should I do?

This is normal after the intensity of a camp. Vary the exercises, invite friends for small matches, watch videos of their favourite players together. Above all, don’t apply too much pressure. Fun must remain central.

Do I need to buy specific equipment for home training?

A few cones (or water bottles), a ball suited to their age, and a wall are enough to start. You can gradually add an agility ladder or small folding goals if the interest continues.

How often should my child attend camps?

One or two camps per year is a good rhythm. Too many camps without regular practice between them would be counterproductive. Ideally: one summer camp and possibly a shorter camp during another holiday period.

How can I tell if my child is really progressing?

Set measurable goals: number of juggles, passing accuracy, time on a slalom course. Film them regularly to compare. And observe their behaviour in matches: are they more confident? Do they take more initiative?

Are intensive camps suitable for all children?

No. Intensive or high-performance camps are aimed at children already registered with clubs and practising regularly. For beginners or occasional players, choose leisure or standard improvement camps instead.

My child wants to become professional. Can a camp help them get spotted?

Camps aren’t typically scouting sessions, but they do allow significant progress and sometimes help players get noticed. Official trials go through other channels, but a good level acquired at camp can open doors.

Returning from camp isn’t an ending—it’s a new beginning. With the right routine, balanced nutrition, and sustained motivation, your child can transform that exceptional week into lasting progress. And who knows, perhaps you’ll soon see them on the pitches of an Arsenal camp, at FC Barcelona, or with Juventus, ready to reach the next level.