Planning a training camp is the basis for a successful on-site experience. If you plan early, define clear goals and realistically assess the organizational framework, you will create optimal conditions for training, team cohesion and athletic development.
This guide to training camp planning is based on SOCCATOURS' practical experience from organizing numerous football training camps for youth, amateur and performance-oriented teams.
The planning of a training camp includes all organizational and content-related decisions that are made prior to booking and implementation, such as objectives, time frame, budget, choice of location and coordination of accommodation, training grounds and travel.
In practice, the planning phase determines how smoothly the training camp runs and whether the set sporting goals can be realistically achieved.
The planning of a training camp should be started as early as possible, ideally several months before the planned date. Particularly in the case of popular travel periods and destinations, the time of planning significantly influences the availability and quality of the offers.
Experience has shown that the earlier the planning starts, the greater the choice of suitable accommodation and training facilities - and the better the budget and general conditions can be controlled.
Training camp planning takes place in several consecutive steps that take into account both sporting and organizational aspects.
Central planning steps:
This structured approach ensures planning security and avoids later adjustments under time pressure.
The planning of a training camp is primarily influenced by timing, budget, team size, age group and training goals.
Typical influencing factors from practice:
These factors should be taken into account at an early stage in order to make realistic decisions.
The goals of a training camp determine the content of the planning and have a significant influence on the location, duration and schedule.
Whether it's fitness development, tactical training or team building - clearly defined goals help to set priorities and focus the planning.
➡️ You can find out more about defining goals in the guide to training camp goals.
Common mistakes in training camp planning include starting planning too late, setting unclear goals and making unrealistic time or budget assumptions.
Typical planning errors:
Experience has shown that many problems that occur later on site arise during the planning phase.
In most cases, coaches or club officials are responsible for planning a training camp. Depending on the constellation, active players or officials may also get involved, for example if several teams from the club are traveling together.
Regardless of who is responsible for planning within the club, you are not on your own. Experienced training camp experts provide support with planning, advise on decisions and help to solve organizational challenges at an early stage.
SOCCATOURS supports clubs and teams throughout the entire training camp planning process - from the initial orientation to the selection of suitable destinations and the organizational coordination of all components.
Many of our contacts have practical experience as coaches or players themselves and know what is important when planning a successful training camp.
➡️ From planning to the actual preparation of the training camp.
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