A training camp means more sessions, higher intensity and a much more structured daily routine than regular team training. That is why packing should not only be about boots, shirts and shin pads.
Especially in summer, recovery, nutrition, sun protection and time together away from the pitch also play an important role. With a well-planned packing list, the team can start the training camp more relaxed and better prepared.
The most important training equipment
The basis of every packing list is personal football equipment. This includes enough training clothing, suitable football boots and everything needed for several sessions per day. In warm temperatures, it is always worth packing a few extra changes of clothes.
Depending on the training pitch, firm ground boots, multi-stud boots or artificial grass boots may be the best choice. New boots should not be worn for the first time at the training camp, as blisters and pressure points can quickly become a problem with a high training load.
The basic equipment includes:
- football boots suitable for the surface
- shin pads
- training shirts, shorts and socks
- enough underwear and sports socks
- running shoes or casual shoes
- light training jacket or rain jacket
- goalkeeper gloves for goalkeepers
- tape, blister plasters and personal supports or bandages
Recovery: Higher intensity needs better preparation
A training camp is physically more demanding than a normal training week. That is why recovery should be planned from the start.
Tools such as a foam roller, massage ball or massage gun can help loosen the muscles and support recovery. Magnesium or other supplements may also be useful if they are already familiar and well tolerated.
Depending on the hotel, additional recovery options such as a sauna, pool, wellness area, massages or physiotherapy services may be available. Even so, it is worth bringing personal recovery tools with you.
Useful for recovery:
- foam roller
- massage ball
- massage gun
- magnesium or supplements according to personal needs
- compression socks for arrival and departure
- flip-flops for the wellness area, shower or pool
- comfortable clothing for the time between sessions
Food and snacks between sessions
Even if half board or full board is usually booked for a training camp, small snacks between sessions are useful. Quick energy can be helpful between two training sessions, after training or before a friendly match.
Good options include cereal bars, bananas, nuts, rice cakes or other easy-to-digest snacks. In summer, make sure that the food is not too sensitive to heat. Chocolate or products that melt quickly are usually not very practical on the team bus or at the training ground.
Useful options include:
- cereal bars or energy bars
- bananas or other robust fruit
- nuts or trail mix
- rice cakes
- electrolytes or isotonic drinks if needed
Free time and team evenings
A training camp is not only about the sessions on the pitch. Time spent together at the hotel, in the evening or between programme points is also important for team spirit.
Small items such as card games, compact board games or a portable speaker can help the team come together in a relaxed atmosphere away from training. Especially during longer stays or in bad weather, it is worth planning a few options for free time.
Suitable for free time and team evenings:
- card games or small board games
- portable speaker
- book or e-reader
- casual clothing
- comfortable shoes
- swimwear if there is a pool or lake nearby
Hygiene, travel documents and personal items
In addition to sport, recovery and free time, the organisational basics should not be forgotten. Especially when travelling abroad, ID, insurance card and important documents should be checked in good time. Personal medication should also be packed in sufficient quantities.
Important items include:
- ID card or passport
- insurance card
- personal medication
- wash bag
- towels, if not provided by the hotel
- charger and power bank
- headphones
- some cash or payment method
- small travel first-aid kit with plasters and personal basics
Sun protection at a summer training camp
If the training camp takes place in summer, sun protection should definitely be on the packing list. Otherwise, the sun can become an additional strain during the training week.
Important for summer:
- sunscreen with a high SPF
- after-sun or cooling skincare
- cap or light head covering
- sunglasses
- large, refillable drinking bottle
Suitcase, bag or backpack: Packing smart for the training day
For the journey, a suitcase, travel bag or sports bag can be suitable depending on the length of stay. At the hotel, it is also useful to have a small backpack or sports bag ready to take to training each day.
This can be used to carry the most important items for the session: drinking bottle, spare shirt, tape, blister plasters, light jacket, sunscreen and, if needed, a second pair of boots. That way, the team does not have to search for everything before each session and the essentials are always directly at the pitch.
Tip: Anyone travelling by plane should carry important documents, medication and one set of training clothes in their hand luggage. This way, they are prepared if a suitcase arrives late.
Additional packing list for coaches and staff
Coaches and team staff should also work with their own packing list. In addition to training equipment and tactical materials, organisational information is particularly important: travel schedule, room list, training times, friendly match details and local contact persons.
The better this information is prepared, the smoother the training camp will run. Especially for larger groups, it helps to have all important documents available digitally and offline.
Useful for coaches and staff:
- training plans and session overview
- tactics board or tablet
- whistle, stopwatch and marking equipment
- travel schedule and room list
- emergency contacts
- contact details for the hotel, bus company and local partners
- small medical basic kit
Conclusion: Well packed, better prepared
A good packing list means less improvisation during the training camp. In addition to classic football equipment, recovery, snacks, personal documents and the right sun protection in summer are especially important.
Teams that plan early start the training week more relaxed and can focus on what really matters at a training camp: better preparation, intensive sessions and a stronger team.
