Is your child a huge football enthusiast? Are you seeking an amazing experience to keep them engaged during the school holidays?
Have you thought about enrolling them in a football camp, but feel hesitant because you’re unsure where to start? No need to worry, we’re here to assist you in finding the ideal football camp tailored to your needs and those of your child!
In this article, we’ll first provide you with some guidance on factors to consider when selecting a football camp. Then, we’ll reveal our curated list of the top football camps worldwide for children.
Let us be your guide!
How to go about choosing a football camp for your child?
Whenever parents reach out to us for guidance in selecting the right football camp, our response remains consistent: you should first address the following questions. Once you have your answers, you’ll gain a good understanding of the type of camp, and possibly even the specific camp, that you want to enroll your child in.
Indeed, there are hundreds of football camps organized worldwide. However, not all camps are created equal in terms of quality, and each one has its own unique characteristics. To ensure your child has the holiday experience of their dreams, it’s vital that they feel comfortable in the camp you choose for them.
Here are the questions to consider:
Can my child sleep on site at the football camp?
As you might expect, there are football camps available worldwide offering both full-board and half-board accommodations. For some children, sleeping away from their own beds or without their parents can be challenging. While camps typically have a team of supportive staff members available to assist children with any sleep-related difficulties, it’s wise to consider this aspect beforehand to prevent any issues later on.
What language(s) does my child speak? Is he ready to travel abroad?
As we’ll delve into later in this article, football camps can be found all across the globe. Many of the major clubs worldwide now organize such events. However, not all camps offer bilingual programs or accommodate foreign children.
Therefore, before enrolling your child in a camp organized by their favorite foreign club (often due to their admiration for a specific player), it’s crucial to ensure that the camp offers programs in a language your child understands. For instance, if you’re considering sending your child to France, verify whether they offer an English-speaking camp or if your child is proficient in French. Effective communication with fellow players, coaches, and staff members is essential.
Additionally, it’s important to recognize that sending your child abroad entails long-distance travel. Ensure that your child is comfortable with the idea of traveling far away from home, especially if you don’t plan on accompanying them.
Will they be with other kids their age?
Another crucial aspect to consider is the age of the participants.
Occasionally, parents inquire: “My child is six years old, and the camp is for seven-year-olds and up, that should be okay, right?” Once again, our response remains consistent: if clubs establish maximum and minimum age limits, it’s to ensure that all participants are as alike as possible. This fosters cohesion and camaraderie within the group, and it helps maintain a similar level of football among the players.
Indeed, for children to have the most enjoyable experience, they need to feel comfortable and confident with others of their own age. Therefore, it’s important to select a camp with an age group that aligns with your child’s age.
Does my child’s footballing level match the level of the camp?
Within the array of available camps, it’s essential to distinguish between various types, including leisure camps, improvement camps, and intensive/high-performance camps.
We often receive inquiries from parents seeking to enroll their child in an intensive/high-performance camp. Naturally, it’s understandable for parents to aspire to provide the best opportunities for their child, particularly if their child is passionate about football and dreams of becoming a professional player. However, it’s important to recognize that intensive/high-performance camps may not be suitable for every child.
Most intensive camps require a minimum level of footballing proficiency for participation; it’s a prerequisite. Some may even mandate enrollment in a training center or a professional football club’s academy to ensure that participants possess similar levels of skill and experience. Maintaining a level playing field is essential for all children to enhance their skills and progress.
What is my budget?
Last but certainly not least, it’s crucial to consider the budget you’re willing to allocate for this football camp experience.
Football camps come with a wide range of price tags, spanning from affordable options starting at just tens of euros (often local half-board camps with local coaches) to more expensive ones costing over €2000 for a two-week program.
Naturally, the offerings and experiences provided during the camp often correlate with the price you pay. Some camps may offer optional language classes, while others might include exciting excursions such as a day at Disneyland Paris!
Therefore, your budget will determine the camps you have access to. The great news is that on Looking For Soccer, we’ve meticulously selected only the finest football camps, ensuring that you can provide your child with the holiday experience of their dreams!
The eleven best football camps in the world
Now that you know how to choose THE camp that is perfect for your child, we are ready to unveil our selection of the best eleven best football camps in the world.
The first three camps are leisure/improvement camps, the right choice if you want your child to have an incredible holiday, make lots of new friends and play lots of football. The other two are intensive/high performance camps: ideal for kids who are already very good at football to become exceptional.
TOP 1 – PSG Academy Paris football camp – Evian Thonon les bains – France
If your child is intrigued by the daily regimen of elite athletes such as Neymar or Mbappé, then the special PSG football camp is an excellent choice for them. This camp provides a combination of tactical and technical training sessions, complemented by physical and mental conditioning. It’s ideal for young football enthusiasts aspiring to catch a glimpse into the realm of professional football or merely seeking an unforgettable holiday adventure.
Why is this football camp one of the best?
- A football camp organized within the vibrant atmosphere of the French capital.
- Engage in video analysis sessions aimed at refining your positioning on the pitch and enhancing your gameplay awareness.
- Benefit from the expertise of coaches trained and certified by PSG, bringing extensive experience to help all campers improve.
- Enjoy a week of total immersion open to girls and boys between the ages of 7 and 20, promising an unforgettable football journey.
Camp Characteristics:
- Language: English and French
- When: during all the school holidays (Autumn, Christmas, Easter and Summer)
- Length: 1, 2 or 3 weeks
- Modality: Half board and full board both available
- Age: For 10 to 19 year olds
- Level: High level
- Accessibility: Boys only
- Location: Evian-Les-Bains, France
Interested in this football camp for your child? Find out more about the PSG football camp
TOP 2 – The Manchester City football camp – Manchester – England
If your child is a football enthusiast, it’s likely they can easily name a few players from Manchester City’s squad. With substantial investments from Abu Dhabi investors, the club, often referred to as the Citizens, has reached unprecedented heights. Some of the world’s top players now call City home, much to the dismay of traditional powerhouses like their fierce rivals Manchester United, as they accumulate an impressive array of trophies.
Excitingly, your child has the chance to spend one (or two) unforgettable weeks at the official Manchester City training center, where all professional City teams refine their skills. Unlike many other clubs, Manchester City offers camps exclusively for both girls and boys, ensuring that their girls’ camps receive equal attention and resources.
Why is this football camp one of the best?
- All training sessions will take place within the Etihad Campus, the official training centre of Manchester City Football Club. Who knows, your child might even be lucky and run into a star City player.
- A camp adapted to all levels: whether your child wants to become a professional or is just playing for fun, you will definitely find the right formula for your child
- Tour of the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City’s stadium that can host almost 56 000 fans
- A version of the camp with language lessons so that your child can combine the enjoyment of football with language lessons
Camp Characteristics:
- Language: English
- When: exclusively during summer
- Length: 1 week, or 12 or 14 days (depending on your selections)
- Modality: Full board only
- Age: For 9 to 17 year olds
- Level: all levels
- Accessibility: For girls and boys
- Location: Etihad Campus (the Citizens’ official training centre)
Interested in this camp in Europe? Discover on this page the details of the Manchester City camp.
TOP 3 – The Arsenal FC football camp – England
Offer your child the chance to join a training program at Oundle School, situated on the outskirts of London and associated with the Premier League club Arsenal. This program comprises 30 hours of football training, split into morning and afternoon sessions lasting 3 hours each. Perfect for improving technical, physical, and tactical skills, this program allows children to embrace the same playing style and philosophy as the professional Arsenal team.
Why is this football camp one of the best?
- Choose the Arsenal FC football camps program, carefully crafted by the Technical Director in charge of development.
- Your children will get the chance to train on natural grass football pitches as well as on smaller-sized pitches, guaranteeing a diverse and thorough training experience.
Camp Characteristics:
- Languages: English
- When: exclusively during the summer
- Length: 1 or 2 week
- Modality: Full board only
- Age: For 12 to 17 year olds
- Level: all skill levels
- Accessibility: For girls and boys
- Location: Several locations, near London
Interested in this European football camps? Discover on this page the details : football camp Arsenal FC.
TOP 4 – The Atlético Madrid football camps – Spain
Atletico Madrid offers high-level camps specifically designed for boys aged 12 to 19. These camps are solely dedicated to football and are supervised by coaches who have received training and adhere to the methodologies endorsed by Atletico Madrid. While open to all, this camp is particularly suited for experienced players, as the training sessions are intense and mirror those of the Atletico professional team.
Why is this football camp one of the best?
- Indulge in a training program crafted to attain elite-level performance.
- Enjoy the privilege of utilizing four natural grass football fields, offering an ideal training setting.
- Obtain a certification of completion and a training kit, ensuring that attendees depart the camp equipped with valuable skills and resources.
CAMP CHARACTERISTICS
- Languages: English & Spain
- When: July
- Length: 1 week
- Modality: Full board only
- Age: For 12 to 19 year olds
- Level: High level
- Accessibility: For boys only
- Location: Palencia, Spain
Interested in this spanish football camps? Discover on this page the details : football camp Atletico Madrid.
Top 5 – IMG ACADEMY – FLORIDA
Internationally recognized and particularly esteemed in the United States, the IMG Academy is a prestigious sports institution that offers camps in a variety of sports, including football, tailored to athletes aged 9 to 18. Located on a deluxe campus with state-of-the-art facilities akin to those of prominent professional clubs, the academy offers an ideal setting for honing skills. With customized sessions and specialized training for different positions, IMG Academy’s football camps are crafted to aid youngsters in reaching their athletic aspirations.
Why is this football camp one of the best?
- The IMG Academy football camps are held on the west coast of Florida, in Bradenton, providing a charming coastal backdrop for your children.
- Situated by the coast ensures delightful weather throughout the year, creating perfect conditions for your children to engage in their football camp activities.
- Participants will have access to a cutting-edge gym furnished with modern equipment, allowing them to concentrate on strength, conditioning, and cardiovascular training.
CAMP CHARACTERISTIC
- Languages: English only
- When: Summer only
- Length: 1, 2 or 3 week
- Modality: Half board and full board both available
- Age: For 9 to 18 year olds
- Level: All levels
- Accessibility: For girls and boys
- Location: in Miami, USA
Interested in this football camp for your child? Find out more about the IMG Football camp
TOP 6 – PSG ACADEMY – MIAMI
Is a Paris Saint Germain football camp in the United States the ultimate dream holiday for your child? Does your child dream of donning the same jersey as their beloved football idols? Are you excited for them to partake in a week of training resembling that of Mbappe, Dembele, or Donnarumma? Do you long for them to have an amazing time at a remarkable campus nestled in the vibrant city of Miami?
Why is this football camp one of the best?
- Concentrate on enhancing every facet of their football skills, including ball control, passing, shooting, and positional play.
- Goalkeepers have access to a specialized program designed specifically for their requirements.
- Experience daily training sessions conducted at the renowned 7,000-seat Tropical Park Stadium.
CAMP CHARACTERISTICS
- Languages: English & French
- When: July
- Length: 1 or 2 week
- Modality: Half board and full board both available
- Age: For 10 to 18 year olds
- Level: High level
- Accessibility: For girls and boys
- Location: in Miami, USA
Interested in this football camps near Paris? Discover the details on this page : football camp PSG ACADEMY.
TOP 7 – The Liverpool FC football Camp – England
Offer your child an exclusive cultural and football immersion experience in the heart of England! They’ll feel a sense of pride wearing the iconic red colors of the esteemed English club, which has clinched the national championship (Premier League) multiple times, not to mention the prestigious and unparalleled victories in the Champions League.
Why should your child participate in this football camp?
- Presented by coaches from the International Academy of Liverpool FC.
- Designed for both boys and girls, ensuring inclusivity and personalized learning opportunities.
- Coaches offer personalized feedback to assist participants in comprehending and evaluating their football strengths and weaknesses.
- Engage with fellow young players from various backgrounds, offering a chance to discover new cultures and ways of life.
- Embark on a fully immersive camp in an exceptional environment.
Camp characteristics:
- Languages: English
- When: exclusively during the summer
- Length: 1 week
- Modality: Full board only
- Age: For 9 to 17 year olds
- Level: all skill levels
- Accessibility: For girls and boys
- Location: Several locations, between London and Liverpool
Interested in this England football camp? Discover the details of the camp on this page : football camp Liverpool FC.
TOP 8 – FC CHELSEA FOOTBALL CAMPS – ENGLAND
If you’re looking to offer your child the opportunity to train like professional Chelsea footballers, then this camp is the ideal choice! Created by coaches from the Chelsea FC Foundation, the program follows the methodologies utilized by the professional team.
This camp includes intensive training sessions and customized workshops designed to improve on-field skills and performance.
WHY IS THIS football CAMP SPECIAL?
- Experience camps held at one of Great Britain’s finest private schools.
- Access high-level sports facilities, including a day spent at the professional team’s training center.
- Embark on a trip to London, where they’ll visit iconic sites such as Stamford Bridge stadium, along with a tour of the historic Portsmouth dock.
CAMP CHARACTERISTICS
- Languages: English
- When: Summer only
- Length: 1 or 2 week
- Modality: Full board only
- Age: For 13 to 19 year olds
- Level: High level
- Accessibility: For girls only and boys only
- Location: Several locations, near London
Interested in this England football camps? Discover on this page the details of football camp Chelsea FC.
TOP 9 – Rangers football camp – Scotland
If your child is passionate about football, they probably understand the importance of legendary clubs like the Rangers in Scotland. The club’s passion is celebrated worldwide, and a visit to Scotland will allow your child to experience the remarkable enthusiasm radiating from this Scottish institution.
WHY IS THIS football camp EXCEPTIONAL?
- Engage in rigorous training sessions crafted by Rangers Academy coaches, ensuring comprehensive skill development.
- Benefit from access to a high-performance center designed to facilitate rapid progression and improvement.
- Receive specialized training tailored to your specific position on the field, allowing for targeted skill enhancement and refinement.
CAMP CHARACTERISTICS
- Languages: English
- When: April & Summer
- Length: 1 or 2 week
- Modality: Full board only
- Age: For 10 to 15 year olds
- Level: High level
- Accessibility: Accessible to both girls and boys
- Location: Largs, Scotland
Interested in this European football camp? Discover on this page the details of the Rangers camp in Scotland.
TOP 10 – AC Milan Football camps – Italy
If you were enthralled by the Milan dynasty during your youth and want to share that dream with your child, AC Milan, the famous red and black club, offers a special chance to give your child an unforgettable camp experience in Italy. Follow in the footsteps of legends like Maldini, Van Basten, Kaka, Pirlo, Ibrahimovic, and many other stars who have played on the iconic San Siro pitch.
WHY IS THIS FOOTBALL camp INCREDIBLE?
- Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of a seaside setting, complete with beautiful beaches and a plethora of sunny activities.
- Benefit from a training methodology established in accordance with the principles of the AC Milan academy, ensuring comprehensive skill development.
- Receive guidance and mentorship from supervisors hailing from AC Milan, providing valuable insights and expertise.
- Each participant will receive an AC Milan Academy kit provided by PUMA, sponsored by Fly Emirates, ensuring they’re fully equipped for the camp experience.
CAMP CHARACTERISTICS
- Languages: English, Italian
- When: Summer only
- Length: 1 or 2 week
- Modality: Full board or half board
- Age: For 8 to 16 year olds
- Level: High level
- Accessibility: Boys only
- Location: Several locations, near Milan
Interested in this Italian football camps? Discover the details of : football camp AC Milan.
TOP 11 – WEST HAM FOOTBALL camps – ENGLAND
Based on the program and methodology of its international academy, West Ham United offers Elite football camps situated in the vibrant heart of London. Tailored to enhance your child’s skills to a higher level, this West Ham United football camp also introduces them to the challenging standards of English football.
WHY IS THIS Football camp EXCEPTIONAL?
- Expert coaches from the West Ham United academy will oversee the training sessions, providing invaluable guidance and instruction.
- The camp’s methodology mirrors that of the West Ham professional team, ensuring a comprehensive and effective training experience.
- All facets of football, including technical, tactical, physical, and psychological aspects, are covered, ensuring holistic development and growth.
CAMP CHARACTERISTICS
- Languages: English
- When: Summer only
- Length: 1 or 2 week
- Modality: Full board or half board
- Age: For 10 to 17 year olds
- Level: All levels
- Accessibility: Accessible to both girls and boys
- Location: London, England
Interested in this European football camp? Discover on this page the details of football camp West Ham.
There are lots of football camps in the world: find the perfect camp for your child!
In this article, we have presented 11 camps that we can offer you. However, there are many more being organised worldwide, that could potentially be better suited for your child. If you are looking for the perfect football camp, do not hesitate to contact us: our team of advisors will accompany you throughout the process of picking a football camp!
Also read:
- Soccer camps for children in Europe
- Soccer camps for children in Spain
- Soccer camps for children in England