Why practical know-how makes all the difference at training camps
When amateur or youth teams start preparing for the season, the training camp is usually the highlight. These are days filled with intensive training sessions, team building and shared experiences. But what makes a training camp successful – and what is important for clubs to ultimately say: That was the perfect start to the season? The answers are provided by coaches who are or have been on the sidelines themselves – and who contribute their experience to SOCCATOURS. The advice here comes not from theorists, but from practitioners who have experienced and shaped football themselves.
Our coaches – your experts in training camp consulting
Whether in youth or professional football, whether with a fresh licence or years of experience: SOCCATOURS is backed by a strong team of employees who live and breathe football, not only professionally but also personally. Take Julian Dominguez, for example, holder of a UEFA B licence and current assistant coach at FC Zurich Women in the Women's Super League, who discovered his passion for coaching early on after his playing career. Stefan ‘Fasti’ Fastlabend is head coach at FCJ Alt-Ottakring and a newly qualified UEFA A licence holder. Philipp Brandl, UEFA B licence holder and most recently assistant coach in the U14 development league at SpVgg SV Weiden. Tobias Poindl is the current head coach of SV Horn Amateure and holder of the UEFA Elite Youth B and UEFA B licences. And finally, Daniel Kobl, active player at SV Ostermünchen and newly qualified UEFA C licence holder.
How to plan a training camp professionally
A successful training camp is more than just a series of sessions. It thrives on clear structure, short distances and an atmosphere that motivates. Fastlabend emphasises how crucial even small details are: ‘A smooth arrival day, good food and short distances – it sounds trivial, but it's hugely important for the mood.’
Kobl also underlines the importance of organisation: every team has its own needs – from the type of pitch to the budget and the supporting programme. That's why consultation in advance is crucial in order to ‘put together the perfect package from the multitude of possibilities’.
Why coaching knowledge makes all the difference in training camp planning
This is precisely where SOCCATOURS' strength lies: the coaches don't think in terms of brochures, but in terms of practicality. Poindl puts it bluntly: ‘It's not about glossy pictures, but about concepts that work on the pitch.’ Fastlabend adds that reliable commitments regarding pitches and accommodation are ‘worth their weight in gold’ because they give coaches real planning security.
Kobl describes his role as follows: ‘I put myself in the coach's shoes, filter out the suitable options and then honestly recommend the best solution.’
The result: advice that is not only given on an equal footing, but also gives clubs exactly the security they need.
Practical tips for a successful training camp
So how can coaches best plan their training camps? The consensus is clear: early. Planning often begins six months in advance in order to optimally coordinate content and processes. Kobl advises clubs to first draw up a list of the most important criteria – type of turf, catering, budget, supporting programme – and then make targeted enquiries.
What goals do our coaches recommend?
Despite their professionalism, the coaches have their favourite destinations. Dominguez is drawn back to Spain time and again – pure football culture and perfect conditions. Poindl raves about Turkey, where the climate and natural grass pitches offer ideal conditions. Kobl, on the other hand, is enthusiastic about the Mediterranean Sports Hub in Salou: ‘The colourful Villas Bonitas combined with top-class pitches – the feeling is something very special.’
Other coaches prefer destinations that are easily accessible by bus or car. Brandl raves about Lake Garda: ‘Good food, even better weather and a country that loves football.’ Fastlabend recommends Radenci in Slovenia, where top pitches, short distances and a relaxed atmosphere come together. Croatia, with its combination of Mediterranean flair and modern infrastructure, is also very popular with many clubs.
Conclusion: training camps are successful when they are planned with practicality in mind
Whether it's a youth academy or an amateur team, the requirements for a training camp often differ in the details, but not in essence. The key is to plan them in a practical manner. This is exactly what sets SOCCATOURS apart: advice from coaches who know what really matters.
Or, as Fastlabend puts it: ‘Only those who have been on the pitch themselves understand the real needs of a coach.’
