For parents struggling to find ways to entertain sport-loving kids during the long summer holidays, football camps offer the perfect solution – and in London there are plenty to choose from.
(Photo: Train Effective)
Balls flying over garden fences and destroying flower beds is part and parcel of daily life with footy-mad kids – particularly in the UK capital where outdoor space is at a premium for many. That’s where soccer camps come in, offering respite for parents and the opportunity for children passionate about the game to develop their skills in a fun and friendly environment. We’ve picked out three of the best summer football camps currently available across London.
Train Effective
Train Effective offer residential summer camps for children aged 13 and over at Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club in Hertfordshire, northwest of London, with local hotel accommodation, three meals a day, evening entertainment, and sporting and cultural trips included. The heart of the camps are training sessions in small groups run by expert coaches – all of whom are former professional players and/or youth academy coaches. During the camp, players get the chance to be evaluated by coaches and scouts who have connections to clubs all over England and Europe. Additional to the on-pitch training, players will also have access to a state-of-the-art gym. All camp guests receive two full Train Effective, a Train Effective hoody, and a welcome bag with a water bottle, a notebook and a pen.
Chelsea FC Foundation Football School
(Photo: Chelsea FC Foundation)
The Chelsea FC Foundation football school runs football camps for children aged 5 to 12 of all abilities at three London venues: Battersea Park, Chestnut Grove School in Balham, and St Dunstan’s Jubilee Ground in Lewisham. Sessions are designed by coaches from the Chelsea FC Foundation, following the methodology used by the professional first team, all with the purpose of developing players’ individual footballing ability and teamwork in a fun and safe environment. There is a presentation ceremony on the final day of the camp which parents can attend.
Book at Chelseasoccerschools.co.uk
Samba Soccer Schools
The chance to learn the tricks of the trade of Brazil’s most iconic players will appeal to every young baller – and that is the opportunity afforded by Samba Soccer Schools. They run summer camps for boys and girls aged between 4 and 12 years.at three London venues – in Chelsea, Stratford and Camden – for anything from several days to weeks. Run by expert coaches, camps are specially crafted to offer engaging programmes, with each day focusing on a different Brazilian skill. Camps cater to all ability levels, so no prior experience is required.