Absolute Sports Travel, Football Tours, 2015

FooTBALL ToURS

■ Tournaments ■ Pro-coaching ■ Training camps

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FOOTBALL TO SINCE 1992URS

01279 647 566 www.absolutesportstravel.co.uk

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WELCOME We’ve been organising football tours, tournaments and training camps for more than 20 years since we started Sports Travel International back in 1992.

However, this season marks the start of an exciting new era for us under our new brand of Absolute Sports Travel.

We’re the same experienced and friendly team in the same office, with the same great tours – and a few more – but you’ll notice a new name and a new logo, which we hope you’ll like of course. With more choice and better value than ever before, now’s the perfect time to get the ball rolling!

What’s typically included...

■ Your choice of travel arrangements ■ Your choice of accommodation ■ Tournament entry and/or friendly match arrangements ■ Coaching at professional clubs ■ Tickets, stadium tours and theme parks ■ Free places and extra benefits

Call now to speak to one of our specialist team...

A wonderful weekend for all the touring party which the lads will remember all their lives Dronfield Town FC

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FOOTBALL TO SINCE 1992URS

COACHING & MATCHDAYS

The pro experience enjoy a fabulous professional package at home or abroad and experience Academy coaching, specialist seminars, stadium tours and big match action. With leading clubs, training venues and activity centres to choose from, these are the perfect tours for teambuilding and player development.

PRICeS FRoM

ÂŁ39

per person

We have always had fantastic tours with Sports Travel. The tours have allowed us to compete against top quality opposition at excellent venues abroad Jez George, Director of Football, Cambridge United FC

The trip to Newcastle was absolutely fantastic.

Thanks for everything, it was extremely well organised and I will recommend you to our other teams The Celtic Boys Club

This trip delivers on everything it promises Buckswood Academy

Contact us on 01279 647 566 or by email tours@absolutetravel.uk

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UK

Manchester

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Five Lakes

Enjoy a day trip or midweek tour to Manchester and you can combine a coaching session at the Platt Lane Complex – home of Manchester City Academy; a visit to the interactive National Football Museum and a guided tour of the impressive Old Trafford stadium. A selection of hotels is available in the region and we can include a friendly match against a local school or club on request.

This is a fabulous opportunity to stay at the luxury Crowne Plaza hotel resort in the Essex countryside. Here you can train on site at their immaculate grass pitch which hosts professional teams and FA coaching courses during the year.

Other facilities include fully equipped gym, swimming pool and golf courses. Private dining and meeting rooms can also be made available to our groups.

Highlights

Highlights

■ old Trafford Stadium tour

■ Immaculate grass pitch on site

■ Coaching at the Platt Lane Complex

■ Superb leisure facilities

■ national Football Museum visit ■ Choice of accommodation in the region

■ 4 star hotel accommodation PRICeS FRoM

£69

per person

■ Friendly matches in the region

PRICeS FRoM

£125 per person

Bisham Abbey

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UK

Lilleshall

Bisham Abbey itself is a spectacular manor house amidst 30 acres of Buckinghamshire countryside and home to one of the National Sport Centres managed on behalf of Sport England. After a recent £7 million refurbishment programme, as well as a new accommodation block on site, new facilities now include a Desso football pitch (an exact replica of the Wembley stadium playing surface).

Originally built in 1831, Lilleshall National Sports and Conferencing Centre is set in spectacular and secluded surroundings within the Shropshire countryside. Formerly the home base of the England football teams of course, today there are 8 grass football pitches on site for training or competition. Friendly matches can be organised with clubs and school teams within the region.

Highlights

Highlights

■ new Desso pitch (a replica of Wembley)

■ Former home of the england football team

■ elite venue used by British olympians ■ Football Academy Bisham professional coaching ■ Seminars on nutrition and sport development

PRICeS FRoM

£125 per person

■ 8 grass fields on site ■ over 60 years of sporting heritage ■ Friendly matches in the region

PRICeS FRoM

£125 per person

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UK

Stoke City

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The matchday package here is a genuinely unique experience. After a session with the Stoke City coaches you’ll be accompanied across to the Britannia stadium. As well as tickets for a game, additional possibilities include a pitch side parade and acting as the guard of honour! You might even meet the man of the match to round off an unforgettable day with your team.

Founder members of both the Football League and Premier League and former European Champions, this is a club that’s steeped in history and tradition. Your package includes a coaching session at Power League Aston in the morning followed by tickets for a game at Villa Park. Overnight accommodation in the Midlands is available on request.

Highlights

Highlights

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Premier League match tickets Training with Stoke City coaches Britannia Stadium tour Guard of honour and pitch-side parades Post-match hospitality in the stadium

PRICeS FRoM

£39

per person

Aston Villa

■ ■ ■ ■

Morning coaching session at Power League Return door to door coach transportation Premier League match tickets at Villa Park PRICeS extended stays in the Midlands FRoM also possible

£45

per person

UK

West Ham United

Fulham

Famous for developing young players, matchday and midweek packages are now available with West Ham United FC. Choose from community coaching followed by match tickets at the stadium or a real behind the scenes tour of this famous London club. Educational seminars are a fascinating optional extra. Spend an extra day in London and visit the Olympic Park and stadium too.

The Motspur Park training ground hosts both the Academy and senior professionals in season. So as well as a top quality coaching session with Fulham FC staff, you may even get to see the first team squad as well. Group tickets will allow you to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Craven Cottage on a matchday. Extended stays in London and a visit to Chessington World of Adventure are popular too.

Highlights

Highlights

■ Matchday packages including tickets ■ Community coaching with West Ham United staff ■ Behind the scenes tours & educational seminars ■ olympic Park, stadium and sightseeing

PRICeS FRoM

£75

per person

■ Coaching at the Academy training ground ■ Professional coaching with Fulham FC staff ■ Match tickets at Craven Cottage ■ extended stays in London also possible

PRICeS FRoM

£69

per person

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UK

newcastle United

Sunderland

This is a fabulous opportunity to experience the incredible atmosphere generated at a Premier League fixture at the magnificant St. James’ Park stadium. The package includes a coaching session for your team with Newcastle United staff, a pre-match meal in the stadium and group tickets for a game.

Weekend tours can also include a behind the scenes visit to the stadium and a friendly match against local opposition.

Matchday visits and weekend tours at Sunderland AFC are a brilliant new option for your teams. An awesome opportunity at any time of the season, your hosts here will help ensure it’s an unforgettable experience for players and adults alike! Technical sessions with Sunderland coaches and friendly matches with the club’s development squads make this an excellent choice this season!

Highlights

Highlights

■ Coaching session with photo opportunities

■ Premier League match tickets

■ Pre-match meal in the St. James’ Park stadium

■ Tailored coaching sessions

■ Match tickets with personal nUFC group escort

■ Friendly match with SAFC Foundation

■ optional ball boy/girl possibility

PRICeS FRoM

£79

per person

■ Behind the scenes Stadium of Light tour

PRICeS FRoM

£60 per person

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Celtic

West Brom

The atmosphere generated at the Hawthorns is one of the very best in the Premier League so a match-day package here is always a great experience. Well looked after by your hosts, you’ll enjoy a mini-stadium tour on arrival followed by a coaching session in the Academy Dome and receive a packed lunch before you walk across to take your seats for the game!

Highlights

Highlights

■ Coaching session in the Academy Dome

■ SPL match tickets or stadium tour

■ Mini-stadium tour on arrival ■ Premier League match tickets at The Hawthorns ■ Packed lunch included in your package

Travel to Glasgow and enjoy professional coaching with Celtic Community and Academy coaches at fantastic facilities including Glasgow Green and Celtic’s very own Barrowfield or Lennoxtown complex. A behind the scenes stadium tour at Celtic Park or match tickets for an SPL game can also be included in your package. Accommodation is available in the region if you are looking to extend your stay in Scotland.

PRICeS FRoM

£50

per person

■ Coaching with Academy staff ■ Friendly matches against local opposition ■ extended stays in Scotland

PRICeS FRoM

£59

per person

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SPAIN

Malaga

Barcelona

This is a great chance to gain a real insight into life at the professional level at one of Spain’s top clubs. Coaching sessions can be held at the 1st team training ground with a programme tailored to your requirements and abilities. For some big match action, Primera Liga match tickets are also an optional extra in season.

Coaching packages are available at RC Espanyol at their sports complex in the city. Enjoy first class coaching and facilities as well as friendly matches in the region. You will love a visit to the incredible Nou Camp stadium or the chance to catch a Primera Liga match in season. See all the sights in Barcelona, the waterparks and the Costa Brava beaches.

Highlights

Highlights

■ Coaching at the 1st team training ground

■ espanyol’s 1st team training ground

■ Behind the scenes at the estadio La Rosaleda

■ The sights and sounds of Barcelona

■ La Liga match tickets

■ nou Camp stadium tour

■ Relaxation by the swimming pool and beach

PRICeS FRoM

£679 per person

■ La Liga match tickets in season ■ Popular Costa Brava accommodation

PRICeS FRoM

£399 per person

PSV eindhoven

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HOLLAND

AJAX Amsterdam

You can now enjoy a fabulous tour experience with the famous PSV Eindhoven club in Holland. As well as a professional coaching session at De Herdgang, you can also watch a first team training session here, subject to scheduling, during the season. Guided tours of the Philips Stadion are also included in your package with the possibility of Eredivisie match tickets in season.

The Ajax youth development programme has been revered throughout Europe since the 70s producing outstanding players over the years including Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, Marco van Basten and Rafael van der Vaart. Here’s your chance to enjoy coaching sessions at Ajax’s De Toekomst 1st team training ground, against the backdrop of their impressive Amsterdam Arena stadium.

Highlights

Highlights

■ Coaching at the 1st team training ground ■ Matches against top Dutch club teams ■ Philips stadium tour and match tickets ■ Great Dutch football tradition and facilities

■ Famous youth development programme ■ Coaching at 1st team training ground PRICeS FRoM

£295 per person

■ Fabulous football pedigree ■ Amsterdam Arena stadium tour

PRICeS FRoM

£295 per person

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ITALY

AC Milan

Juventus

Enjoy the glitz and glamour of northern Italy and learn about ‘calcio’ the Italian way. Enjoy expert tuition on tactical and technical aspects of the game with the club’s approved coaching staff and learn more about youth development in Italy. Don’t miss the incredible atmosphere of a Serie ‘A’ match here at the San Siro. Stay here in the city or in the lovely Lake Garda region.

The Old Lady of Italian football is steeped in style, success and tradition. Travel to Turin and train with one of the giants of European football in this Olympic city by the Alps. The expert Juventus coaching staff will create a balanced and comprehensive programme tailored to the age and ability of your squads. Enjoy competitive matches with Academy teams and some typical Italian hospitality.

Highlights

Highlights

■ Flexible coaching programmes

■ Visit Italy’s most successful club

■ Friendly matches with local Italian teams

■ Fantastic training facilities and coaching

■ Famous San Siro stadium tour ■ Serie ‘A’ match tickets available in season

PRICeS FRoM

£399 per person

■ Friendly matches with Juve development squads ■ Serie ‘A’ match tickets available in season

PRICeS FRoM

£449 per person

PORTUGAL

Benfica

Sporting Lisbon

Winners of the Portuguese Championship on an incredible 32 occasions, Benfica have also twice lifted the famous European Cup. Your fantastic tour to the vibrant city of Lisbon will include a visit to the awesome Stadium of Light and a programme of coaching at the 1st team training ground.

Staying in hotel accommodation on the coast you can also enjoy the fabulous beach in your leisure time.

Stay on site in accommodation at the Academia – Sporting’s 1st team training ground and Academy complex for a totally professional immersion. Under the guidance of the professional staff at the club, the tour is highly recommended for teams looking for an intense and rewarding experience. A visit to the Sporting Stadium where Luis Figo and Ronaldo once played is also included with match tickets an option in season.

Highlights

Highlights

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Coaching at the famous Benfica Academy Matches against Academy or feeder club teams Use of Benfica academy facilities PRICeS 4 star hotel accommodation by FRoM the beach

£679 per person

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Coaching packages with Sporting Lisbon Matches against the Academy teams on site Academia Sporting accommodation Player seminars on match preparation & diet

PRICeS FRoM

£679 per person

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FRANCE & HOLLAND neW

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French Training Centre Clairefontaine

Dutch Training Centre Papendal

The National Training Centre at Clairefontaine lies in the heart of the Rambouillet Forest, 30 miles west of Paris and housed the French National team during the 1998 World Cup. This is a superb destination for teams looking for a truly professional environment. Private and secluded, you will still only be an hour from central Paris for matches, sightseeing or a visit to the Stade de France.

National Sports Centre Papendal lies in 300 acres of sports grounds in a wonderfully secluded environment. With 5 immaculate grass football fields and 1 artificial turf pitch on site, the facility is also used throughout the week by the academy teams of top Dutch Eredivisie club Vitesse Arnhem. With top quality accommodation options on site, you too can join the many top European clubs that have stayed here.

Highlights

Highlights

■ Immaculate fields for training

■ Immaculate fields for training ■ Friendly matches on request

■ French football HQ ■ Professional environment ■ Choice of accommodation on site

PRICeS FRoM

£369 per person

■ Professional environment ■ Choice of accommodation site

PRICeS FRoM

£349 per person

SPAIN & ITALY

Spain Training Centre La Manga Italian Training Centre Antares Committed to being the best football training complex in Europe, La Manga offers a wonderfully professional facility in an ideal climate at any time of year. This vast 1400 acre sporting paradise has immaculate fields, superb golf courses, dedicated staff and first class accommodation. Friendly matches with local Spanish teams can be organised on request.

The 4★ Antares hotel is a fabulous base for a training camp or tour in northern Italy. The excellent on site facilities here include 4 grass pitches, a small gym, an outdoor pool and indoor wellness centre. Located close to both Verona and Lake Garda, there are fantastic excursion possibilities in the region and we have superb contacts with many of the top Italian clubs who are keen to host friendly matches.

Highlights

Highlights

■ Immaculate grass fields

■ Daily allocated field time for training

■ Dedicated professional staff

■ Friendly matches with top Italian clubs

■ Fabulous leisure facilities ■ Choice of the professionals

PRICeS FRoM

£599 per person

■ english/Italian speaking representation ■ Fantastic excursion and leisure options

PRICeS FRoM

£450 per person

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GERMANY

Bayer Leverkusen

German Training Centres

From grass roots to Academy, here’s a great opportunity for your team to enjoy a fabulous tour to Germany.

Your itinerary can include any number of sessions with the Bayer Leverkusen coaches at their excellent Academy complex. We’ll also include a tour of the BayArena stadium and competitive friendly matches in the region. Match tickets to enjoy some Bundesliga football can also be organised on request.

Highlights ■ Bayer Leverkusen coaching at their Academy ■ BayArena stadium tour ■ Bundesliga match tickets in season ■ Sports Complex and hostel accommodation options

Wedau and Hennef

Stay at one of our recommended German sports schools and enjoy the superb facilities you would expect from the recent World Cup hosts. Close to the cosmopolitan areas of Bonn and Cologne there is plenty of Bundesliga action in the region.

With quality grass fields on site, we’ll organise a training and fixture schedule to meet your team’s requirements. Choose from the excellent Hennef and Wedau venues in the region.

Highlights ■ Superb German sports school complex ■ A professional training camp facility

PRICeS FRoM

£299 per person

■ excellent competition with German teams ■ Top Bundesliga action in the region

PRICeS FRoM

£365 per person

Tournaments It’s a fantastic experience to compete in a foreign tournament whatever your age and ability, and we can help you select the most suitable event for your teams.

The tournaments we feature here are just a selection of the hundreds of events on offer through the year and include our very own pro club festival weekends here in the UK.

TOURNAMENTS

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PRICeS FRoM

£90 per person

The staff and players had a fantastic time and couldn’t speak highly enough of the staff, facilities and Crystal Palace Academy organisation of the tour On all fronts the tour was a roaring success Alexandra Park FC

The tournament was quite simply excellent. Hugely impressed and cannot recommend it enough Fulledge Colts FC

Contact us on 01279 647 566 or by email tours@absolutetravel.uk

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EASTER TOURNAMENTS

easter open

Paris Cup

The largest international football tournament in Holland, attracting boys and girls teams from all over europe, with standard and elite categories.

on the outskirts of Paris, this annual tournament regularly features teams from France, Italy, Switzerland and Holland. extend your tour and as well as the sights of the city you can enjoy a fantastic day out at the Disneyland Paris theme park. You can even stay on site at Disney too.

Location: Dates: Categories: Features:

North Limburg, Holland 4–5 April 2015 Boys U9–U19, Girls U13–U17 As many as 50 grass pitches at excellent facilities in the region Travel: Coach travel with different ferry options.

Flights are also available into Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Dusseldorf Where to stay: Center Parcs Het Heijderbos or Limburgse Peel (see p28–29) or nearby hotels/hostels PRICeS FRoM

£199

Location: Dates: Categories: Features:

Paris, France 6–7 April 2015 Boys U9–U17 2 day tournament, Paris and Disneyland theme park Travel: Coach travel with either ferry or Eurotunnel Where to stay: Choice of hotels or stay on site at Disneyland Paris hostels and hotels

per person

PRICeS FRoM

£259 per person

EASTER TOURNAMENTS

Rome International Cup

Milan easter Festival

Combine football and culture in Italy’s historic capital city at easter. With tournament matches at the impressive La Borghesiana complex where many professional clubs have trained, you can see the Papal address at the Vatican or catch some top Serie A action as Roma take on southern rivals napoli.

enjoy the passion of Italian football at this excellent annual tournament in Milan. As well as some great competition on the field you’ll also have the chance to catch the Serie A league match between Inter Milan and Parma at the famous San Siro stadium in the city.

Location: Dates: Categories: Features: Travel: Where to stay:

Rome, Italy 3–6 April 2015 Boys U7–U18 Roma v Napoli in Serie A Flight tours available from UK airports Selection of hotels in Rome

Location: Dates: Categories: Features:

Milan, Italy 2–5 April 2015 Boys U9–U18 4 day tournament with optional Inter Milan match tickets Travel: Coach and flight tours both available Where to stay: Selection of hotels in Milan PRICeS FRoM

£285 per person + flights

PRICeS FRoM

£279 per person + flights

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EASTER TOURNAMENTS

San Jaime Cup

Valencia C.F. Cup

Based in Lloret de Mar on the famous Costa Brava, from here you can enjoy the beaches and entertainment in resort and an excursion to Barcelona, including a tour of the incredible Camp nou stadium.

organised in conjunction with the Valencia C.F. Foundation, their easter tournament is played on the immaculate pitches at Valencia C.F. training complex. A behind the scenes tour of the Mestalla is also included.

Location: Dates: Categories: Features:

Location: Dates: Categories: Features:

Costa Brava, Spain 3–5 April 2015 Boys U9–open age, Girls U15–open age The beach and the sights of Barcelona including optional Nou Camp stadium tour Travel: Door-to-door coach travel or flights into Girona or Barcelona airports Where to stay: Designated 3★ tournament hotels in Lloret de Mar PRICeS FRoM

£245 per person + flights

SUMMeR oPTIon

ALSO Valencia, Spain AVAILABLE 2–5 April 2015 Boys U8–U19, Girls U16–open age Awesome opportunity to play at the Valencia FC training ground, catch a Primera Liga match and enjoy the fabulous sights of the city Travel: Flights are available from a number of UK airports into Valencia or Alicante airports Where to stay: Designated tournament hotels in Valencia

PRICeS FRoM

£265 per person + flights

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other easter tournaments

Football Cup Barcelona

Based at the superb new soccer centre in Salou on the Spanish coast south of Barcelona, teams from across europe will again be competing over two excellent tournament days in April. A tour to the incredible nou Camp stadium can be added on request and if you extend your stay then why not visit Port Aventura theme park too.

Location: Dates: Categories: Features:

Salou near Barcelona, Spain 10–13 April 2015 Boys U9-U14s Tournament action, the Nou Camp and the beach Travel: Flights from regional UK airports to Barcelona or Reus Where to stay: 3★ tournament hotel in Salou

PRICeS FRoM

£225 per person + flights

As well as the featured events we’ve shown, there are many local tournaments in Holland, Belgium, France, Spain and Italy that are hosted by clubs in their villages and towns over easter. These range from small 1-day events to larger international competitions. In many cases you can add a visit to a famous stadium, theme park or enjoy the local sights in a wide selection of destinations.

Tournament Lloret Cup MIC Costa Blanca Torneo Mallorca Hoofddorp Hekelingen Easter Cup Nandy Audruicq Pordenone Claudio Sassi

Location Spain Spain Spain Spain Holland Holland Holland France France Italy Italy

Categories Boys U9–open, Girls U15–U17 Boys U10–U18 Boys U8–U18, Girls U16 Boys U7–U17 Boys U12–U15 Boys U8–U15 Boys U10–U16 Boys U11–U16 Boys U12–U15 Boys U13–U15 Boys U10–U18

Massive thanks Tech Academy

I cannot express how grateful the club is to Sports Travel. All of the Sports Travel team went far and above expectations in organising our Easter tour Bishop’s Stortford FC

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SPRING TOURNAMENTS neW

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Hageland Cup

Popular throughout europe, the Hageland Cup is a longstanding international event based in and around the village of Aarschot in Belgium. With the quality of Belgian football very much back in the spotlight at the moment, there’s probably never been a better time to travel here.

Location: Dates: Categories: Features:

Aarschot, Belgium 23–24 May 2015 Boys U8–U19 Popular international tournament in Belgium Travel: Door to door travel by coach and ferry Where to stay: Center Parcs Erperheide (see p28–29) or hotel options CeS PRI FRoM

£199 per person

north Limburg Trophy Play your own brand of ‘total football’ against teams from Holland, Germany and Scandinavia. enjoy the immaculate Dutch grass pitches and the fantastic leisure facilities at your Center Parcs accommodation.

Location: Dates: Categories: Features:

North Limburg (near Eindhoven), Holland 23–24 May 2015 Boys U8–U17 & Girls U12–U17 Grass pitches at excellent facilities in the region Travel: Coach travel is recommended. Flights are also available into Eindhoven and Dusseldorf Where to stay: Center Parcs Het Heijderbos or Limburgse Peel (see p28–29) or nearby hotels/hostels PRICeS FRoM

£189 per person

SPRING TOURNAMENTS

Barcelona Festival

Porte des Fagnes

After another successful event last year, this international boys competition is expected to be even bigger and better this year! Your tour includes 2 days of unforgettable football tournament action on the Costa de Barcelona combined with the chance to visit the famous Camp nou stadium!

now in its 22nd year, this friendly and well organised international tournament is set in a picturesque spot in the heart of the Belgian countryside.

Location: Dates: Categories: Features:

Barcelona, Spain 23–24 May & 30–31 May 2015 Boys U9–U15 Superb football facilities, the beach and Barcelona of course!

Travel: Door to door coach travel or flights into Girona or Barcelona airports Where to stay: 3★ tournament hotel in Santa Susanna PRICeS FRoM

£235 per person + flights

Location: Dates: Categories: Features:

Verviers, Belgium 30–31 May 2015 Boys U8–U14 Great hospitality with teams from Belgium, Germany, France and Holland Travel: The coach travel option is recommended for this tour Where to stay: Center Parcs Erperheide (see p28–29) or nearby hostel accommodation

PRICeS FRoM

£189 per person

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UK TOURNAMENTS

3rd Stoke City Festival Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 May 2015 Join us for the 3rd Stoke city Football Festival and you’ll enjoy a coaching clinic with the Stoke City Community team followed by premier league match tickets at the Britannia stadium. After a comfortable night’s hotel accommodation nearby, enjoy small-sided tournament action at the impressive Power League venue and a behind the scenes stadium tour and presentations.

Tournament categories ■ Boys U10s-U15s ■ 6-a-side matches

eXCLUSIVe

Match tickets Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur This year we’re delighted to say that the dates of the festival coincide with the visit of Tottenham Hotspur for what should be a cracking match at the Britannia Stadium. All weekend participants receive a match ticket as part of the festival package this year.

Highlights ■ Small sided tournament matches ■ Stoke City coaching session ■ overnight hotel accommodation ■ Premier League match tickets

PRICeS FRoM

£90 per person

TOURNAMENTS

More Spring tournaments

More Summer tournaments

As well as the featured events we’ve shown, there are many local tournaments in Holland, Belgium and France that are hosted by clubs in the villages and towns over weekends during May and June.

These are often 1-day events with one or more age categories being represented. You can combine with another tournament, a friendly match or simply enjoy the rest of your free time at a theme park or stadium visit. Please see a selection below:

Many of the summer tournaments listed below are large annual events attracting as many as 1500 teams from countries all over the world. With spectacular opening ceremonies, parties and fantastic presentations, you can compete with a selection of fantastic foreign opposition. A wide range of accommodations are usually available to suit every budget and requirement. Please ask for further details and for other tournament options.

Tournament Cambridge Cup Catalonia Trophy Catalan Cup Amsterdam Cup Wijchen Heumen Delta Sports Gravelines Copa Ibiza

Location England Spain Spain Holland Holland Holland Holland France Spain

Categories Boys U7–U12 Boys U9–U19, Girls U15–U17 Boys U9–open, Girls U15–open Boys U10–16 Boys U8–U16 Boys U8–U18 Girls U8–U18 + open Boys U8–U16 Boys U8–U16

The group thoroughly enjoyed the tour and it has certainly provided memories that will stay with us all for the rest of our lives. We can’t thank Sports Travel enough for the support provided pre and on tour Bourne Town FC

Tournament Location San Marino Cup Italy Costa Blanca Spain Foyle Cup Ireland Dana Cup Denmark Cup Denmark Denmark Glasgow City Cup Scotland Norway Cup Norway Galway Cup Ireland TVG Cup Holland Ibercup Portugal Dublin Cup Ireland Liverpool Cup England Loch Lomond Cup Scotland

Categories Boys U10–18, Girls U13–18 Boys U10–U19, Girls U14–16, Women Boys U10–19, Women’s open Boys U10–19, Girls U12–19 Boys U8–U19, Girls U13–19 Boys U8–U21 Boys U12–19, Girls U12–19 Boys U13–18 (standard and elite) Boys U8–18, Girls U9–17 Boys U10–U16, Girls U17 Boys U9–U18, Girls U13–16 Boys U11–U18, Girls U10–16 Boys U9–U18, Girls U13–16

The Sports Travel staff couldn’t have been better, an excellent level of support and care Thomas Hepburn School

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SUMMER TOURNAMENTS

Gothia Cup The Gothia Cup (World Youth Cup) annually welcomes more than 1600 teams from 70 different countries to create the most spectacular youth tournament in the World. The week starts with the incredible Opening Ceremony in front of 50,000 people in Gothenburg’s Ullevi stadium and finishes with Finals back in the same venue. With discos, group leader parties and cosmopolitan competition, this is an experience of a lifetime.

Location: Dates: Categories: Features: Travel:

Gothenburg, Sweden 12–18 July 2015 Boys U11–19, Girls U12–19 Incredible international tournament Flights are available from many regional UK airports Where to stay: Choose from school, hostel or hotel accommodation

PRICeS FRoM

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Donosti Cup

Join us at the 24th Donosti Cup tournament in northern Spain and you’ll enjoy a fabulous event in the spectacular city of San Sebastien. With matches at Real Sociedad’s Zubieta training ground, Opening ceremony at the Anoeta stadium and excellent international competition, this is a great choice for our teams.

Location: Dates: Categories:

San Sebastien, Spain 5–11 July 2015 Boys U9–18, Girls U11–U18 & Womens open age Features: Fabulous international tournament Travel: Coach tours and flight packages both available Where to stay: Choose from school, hostel or hotel accommodation

£695 per person

PRICeS FRoM

£489 per person

TOURS

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european destinations Depending on when and where you wish to travel, you can enjoy friendly matches or tournament entry combined with loads of other resort attractions in a range of exciting european destinations. These include on-site water parks, theme parks, stadium tours, sightseeing and the beach. We will help you select the most suitable package for your group.

Can’t thank you and your team enough. Fantastico!

Musselburgh Windsor FC

It was a brilliant experience for the squad… which they enjoyed tremendously… We have bonded as a team to a level not imaginable before we made the trip Bilsthorpe Welfare Youth FC

The boys not only had a great tour, they gained valuable life skills Aldershot Town FC

CoACH ToURS

FROM ONLY

£169 per person

Contact us on 01279 647 566 or by email tours@absolutetravel.uk

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CENTER PARCS

Highlights ■ Free sub-tropical pool ■ Loads of activities on site PRICeS FRoM

£169 per person

Center Parcs

With comfortable self-catering accommodation and free Aqua Mundo tropical pools, these superb resorts mean fantastic fun for everyone at outstanding value for money. our selected centres are conveniently located within easy reach of the popular tournaments we feature.

■ Choice of destinations ■ Great value for money

Accommodation Standard Comfort cottages are available for 4, 5, 6 and 8 persons depending on the resort.

Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen including microwave oven, toaster and coffee machine as well as a family bathroom. The living room has a television and open fireplace, and the villa has a private terrace or balcony with garden furniture. Upgrade cottages are also available on request. Each Center Parcs resort has a host of superb on site activities including the Aqua Mundo sub-tropical water paradise, with wavepool, rapids and slides. excursions Many groups enjoy the opportunity of a stadium tour (Amsterdam Arena, PSV, Stade de France) or sightseeing and there are popular theme parks (Duinrell, Walibi World, Phantasialand, Disneyland) within easy reach for a day trip – whichever your chosen resort.

The Center Parcs brand is jointly owned by Center Parcs UK and Center Parcs Europe NV. However the UK holiday villages are owned and operated separately by Center Parcs Limited a company registered in England, whereas all other villages are owned and operated by Center Parcs Europe NV a company registered in The Netherlands.

CENTER PARCS

EH AMSTERDAM

ZV PZ

LONDON CALAIS

BF

DH

PARIS

LH EP BRUSSELS

HB DORTMUND

De eemhof (eH) – HoLLAnD About an hour from Amsterdam on the Flevoland Island and a short drive to Walibi World theme park, there’s a sunny Mediterranean flavour to the Eemhof resort with its plaza, shops and restaurants, olive trees, orangerie and fountains.

Het Heijderbos (HB) – HoLLAnD This is a flagship resort in the Maas Valley not far from the German border. The Sunken City theme pool and Jungle Dome are the main attractions here, while it’s well located for friendly matches and tournaments or an excursion to Eindhoven.

De Haan aan zee (DH) – BeLGIUM Wooded dunes and a lovely sandy beach make Sunparks De Haan aan zee one of Belgium’s very best seaside resorts.

A great short-break destination, De Haan is only 90 minutes on the coach from Calais. From here you can hop on the coastal tram and head out to Ostend or discover the delights of Bruges. erperheide (eP) – BeLGIUM In the beautiful Limburg countryside, this park is in a tranquil location just a few miles from the Dutch border. The main attraction is the Aqua Mundo with an Asian fishing village where you can watch piranhas safely swimming behind the glass.

(BF) – FRAnCe Les Bois Francs In the heart of Normandy, with its very own castle, this resort is an ideal base for a tour to northern France. The Water Playhouse at Aqua Mundo is a real aquatic paradise. There is an adventure trail through the forest for the energetic, and a golf course on site.

Port Zelande (PZ) – HoLLAnD On the beach and dunes of the Grevelingenmeer Lake and close to the North Sea coast, you can be sure of an active holiday here. Enjoy the Adventure Factory, Wild-water course and ‘Turbo Tunnel’ on site, or visit the local Delta Works, Middelburg or historical Zierikzee.

Zandvoort aan zee (ZV) – HoLLAnD Zandvoort is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Holland with forested dunes and a lovely sandy beach.

You can enjoy a real holiday atmosphere here, yet still be within easy reach of Amsterdam and the bright lights of the city and the tournaments of the region.

Limburgse Peel (LH) – HoLLAnD This is a comfortable resort near Venlo amidst Limburg’s Peel woodlands, and ideally situated for the tournaments in the region. Limburgse Peel is an excellent resort for families with plenty of activities for children.

other Center Parcs available: De Vossermeren (VM), De Kempervennen Le Lac d’Ailette (LA) and Sunparks oostduinkerke in Belgium.

(KV),

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HOLLAND

Highlights ■ Longstanding favourite ■ Visit 3 countries ■ Varied local activities ■ Dutch football pedigree

Valkenburg

PRICeS FRoM

£265 per person

The pedestrianised streets, cafes, toboggans and catacombs of Valkenburg create an atmosphere that British football groups have loved for a generation. From your base here in the Limburg hills close to the borders with Germany and Belgium, you can enjoy a tour of many european flavours.

Accommodation We use a selection of family run budget hotels in the heart of the town such as the Amsterdam and the Schaepkens. Having looked after our groups for many years, you can be sure of a friendly welcome and excellent local assistance. With many local leisure facilities, you can enjoy the swimming pool, mini-golf and bowling. More uniquely, you can ride the famous toboggans, visit the local caves or simply take in the charming surroundings. excursions A guided tour of the PSV stadium in Eindhoven is always a popular choice. Other favourites include the theme parks of Phantasialand, Efteling and Bobbejaanland. Alternatively you could enjoy a trip to nearby Maastricht or visit the famous cathedral in Cologne.

GERMANY

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Highlights ■ Stadium tours at the Dortmund Arena ■ Bundesliga match tickets ■ Coaching at Bayer Leverkusen ■ Phantasialand theme park

Cologne

PRICeS FRoM

£275 per person

The north Rhine region of Germany across the border from Holland incorporates Cologne, Duisburg, Dusseldorf and Dortmund. After another World Cup success German football is yet again a model that other countries aspire to. Tickets to Bundesliga matches are available during the season on request.

Accommodation For those groups looking for a professional venue, then the SportsSchule centres at Wedau and Hennef offer great facilities including on-site fields for training. Our recommended hostel at Duisburg is another excellent choice for teams. With modern bedrooms and just a short walk from the MSV Duisburg stadium, there’s a 5-a-side field and sports hall for your leisure time here as well. excursions Many teams enjoy a coaching session at the Bayer Leverkusen Academy or Bundesliga match tickets in season at one of the many professional clubs nearby. As well as stadium tours at Schalke or Dortmund, you can also visit Phantasialand theme park, enjoy sightseeing in Cologne or a boat trip along the Rhine.

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FRANCE

Highlights ■ French football flair ■ All the sights of Paris ■ Stade de France stadium tour ■ Disneyland Paris

Paris

PRICeS FRoM

£265 per person

The flair of French football has been enhanced by their exceptional youth development programme based around regional training centres and the home of the national team at Clairefontaine. Paris needs little introduction of course and you can enjoy the sights of the city and Disneyland too.

Accommodation With a great choice in the region, groups can stay in hotel, youth hostel, Center Parcs, on site at Disneyland Paris or even at the prestigious headquarters of the French Football Federation at Clairefontaine. excursions You can enjoy a Bateau Mouche cruise along the Seine, a visit to the Eiffel Tower or a stadium tour at the famous Stade de France. We can also organise match tickets for big spending Paris St. Germain in season. For a great tour finale, why not book a fabulous day out at Disneyland Paris.

More tourists visit Paris than anywhere else and there’s something special here for everyone.

SPAIN

Highlights ■ Lively seaside resort ■ Great water park ■ nou Camp stadium ■ The sights of Barcelona

PRICeS FRoM

£299

Lloret de Mar

per person

The enormously popular Costa Brava offers the best of both worlds – the beach and attractions of Lloret de Mar, combined with the sights and sounds of Barcelona. With a passion for football, the region is a cracking tour choice for groups of all ages and remains one of our most requested destinations.

Accommodation We use several comfortable 3★ hotels in Lloret de Mar such as the Samba, Guitart Central and Garbi Park. Similar hotels are also available in other resorts along the coast. Rooms, all en-suite, are usually allocated for 3 players, with twin rooms typically available for adults.

With plenty of choice, food is buffet style in the restaurants. All the hotels have an outdoor swimming pool, bar, TV room and evening entertainment in high season. excursions Barcelona is a must for all groups staying in the region. Don’t miss the chance to visit the incredible Nou Camp stadium for a guided tour, or perhaps to see a match in season. Other attractions include the Ramblas, Montjuic and the unfinished cathedral. The water park in Lloret de Mar is great fun for everyone (May–Sept only).

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ITALY

Highlights ■ San Siro stadium in Milan ■ Italian history and culture ■ Great lakeside setting ■ Serie ‘A’ match tickets

PRICeS FRoM

Lake Garda

£349 per person

Arguably the most popular of the Italian lakes, Garda is ideally situated a short drive from Verona and within reach of both Milan and Venice for excursions. The Garda Village complex is located on the southern tip of the lake, close to the popular resort of Sirmione, with direct access to the lake itself.

Accommodation The Garda Village bungalows sleep 4 or 5 persons, all of which include kitchen corner and bathroom with shower. Groups stay on a half board basis here. As well as a private beach onto the lake, there is a large swimming pool on site (open May–Sept only). Other leisure facilities include tennis courts, basketball, table tennis, windsurfing and evening entertainment show (in high season only). There is a supermarket and bar/restaurant. excursions There’s so much to do, you really are spoilt for choice. Choose from fun days out at Gardaland theme park or Caneva water park (May–Sept only) or enjoy the glamour of Milan and the famous San Siro stadium. What’s more the spectacular cities of Venice and Verona will add more than a touch of culture to your tour.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SPECIAL THANKS: We’d like to thank the tournaments, schools, tourist offices, accommodation centres, clubs and agents who have supplied photos for use in this brochure.

Bonding, Insurance and why your tour monies are safe with us...

Tour companies are bound by local and European legislation to ensure that your monies paid to us in respect of your tour are fully protected.

While our reputation and experience mean that your monies are in very safe hands, you should also carefully read the following sections which confirm the financial protection of money paid to us. Please do not travel with a company that is not fully bonded.

Air holidays and flights (flight-inclusive packages only) The air holidays and packages organised by us are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 5675. Please see our booking conditions for more information.

The price of our flight-inclusive tour packages includes the amount of £2.50 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. For further details about ATOL visit www.atol.org.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to all the holiday and travel services we offer. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.

Coach or land package tours We are fully bonded for the package holidays organised by us which do not contain a flight element. Our membership of ABTA means that if you are travelling by sea or land or even if you have booked your own flights, your holiday package booked with us will have full financial protection. Note: the flight element is not covered in the event of the failure of the airline with which you have booked your own flights directly. For further details visit www.abta.co.uk

School Travel Forum Sports Travel International Ltd. is an Assured Member of the School Travel Forum (STF) and in booking with us you can be secure in the knowledge that we: • Understand and facilitate the needs of specialist travel • Have effective Safety Management Systems in place, specifically focused on travelling with children • Offer fair terms and conditions and the best financial security To ensure our health and safety standards are maintained our systems and procedures are fully audited annually by independent experts.

Getting The Ball Rolling Here is a simple step by step guide to booking your trip

1

nce you have read the brochure, and are interested in going away on tour O – please call our friendly team to discuss the best options for your group.

aving decided where and when you might wish to travel, and checked 2 Hwith us for availability, we will send you a tour proposal reconfirming the

provisional details for the trip and outlining the package inclusions. You will normally be offered a short option on the reservation (usually 7 days), but all tours are subject to availability at booking. No options are typically offered on flight-inclusive tours.

ead the booking guidelines and conditions and then complete the 3 Rbooking form. This needs to be sent to us with your deposit payment.

All deposits are strictly non-refundable. Your deposit should be made by a single cheque, a debit or credit card, or by bank transfer. We shall send you a tour Confirmation and Invoice.

our final payment with confirmed numbers, passenger list and 4 Ynominated pick up point (coach groups only) must be with us no later

5

than 10 weeks before your departure date. Your final payment must be made by a single cheque, debit card, or by bank transfer. (We are sorry that because of the fees levied by the card companies, we must make a 2.5% charge for final payments made by credit card). A refundable security deposit (typically £250 per group) will normally also be required at this time. copy of your Provisional Tour Details will be sent once your final A balance has been received, outlining travel times and accommodation.

our Final Tour Information pack and Itinerary will be sent out to you 6 Yapproximately 7 days before departure.

Contact us on 01279 647 566 or by email tours@absolutetravel.uk

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● ● ● ● P293 C100 M70 Y0 K0 R0 G81 B158

P165 C0 M70 Y89 K0 R235 G106 B41

Summer family holidays Winter ski and snow Short breaks Fly-drive packages

P370 C65 M0 Y95 K32 R66 G139 B56

PROCESS CYAN C100 M0 Y0 K0 R0 G174 B239

HOLIDA VOUCH Y ER CALL FO R DETAILS

P1805 C0 M91 Y100 K23 R191 G49 B26

01279 648 900 @absolutetravel4

absolutetravelagent

www.absolutetravel.co.uk

01279 647 566

www.absolutesportstravel.co.uk absolute Travel and Tours, 10 chapel hill, Stansted, essex, cm24 8ag, england

www.design-mill.co.uk

Book a team tour with us and you’ll be entitled to a £50 holiday voucher to spend with our independent travel agency*

£50

*Book though Absolute Travel, the independent ABTA Travel Agency. Conditions apply. Please call for details.

DISCoUnTeD FAMILY HoLIDAYS FoR GRoUP LeADeRS