Want to whip your Sunday league side into shape this summer? These swanky centres in Spain, Portugal and Italy are the ideal retreats for three days of pro coaching in the sun, notes Nick Mooreâ¦
TENERIFE
The lowdown
Nicknamed âÂÂThe Island of Eternal SpringâÂÂ, Tenerife has arguably the finest climate in Spain (it averages 24 degrees in summer, so isnâÂÂt baking). ItâÂÂs also the perfect place to punish an unfit squad and get them to up their game, because you can train at 2,000 feet above sea level.
The training camp
Located in the picturesque fishing village of La Caleta on the southern coast of the Canary Island, youâÂÂll be based at a training centre called T3. Boasting a beautiful grass pitch, a fine artificial pitch and beach football site, as well as a fully equipped gym and physio rooms, youâÂÂll enjoy coaching sessions with a fully-qualified pro every morning, and a game against a local side on the final day.
Where youâÂÂll stay
Parties can chose from a trio of hotels. Three-star Jardin Caleta is virtually next door to T3 and contains open-plan apartments with sea or pool views; the four-star Hotel Isabel with apartments and villas is designed for maximum comfort; and the Hotel H10 is on the stunning La Enramada beach.
What it costs
ã475 per person (not including flights), based on a minimum of 15 persons. This includes transfers.
More details
MADRID
The lowdown
Want to follow in the fleet footsteps of Xavi, Alonso, Torres and Villa? Then visit Madrid for a truly unique training experience at SpainâÂÂs National Football Federation training facility, Soccer City. Situated amid stunning countryside in the west âÂÂsierraâ of the capital, youâÂÂll also enjoy a tour of one of the worldâÂÂs great stadiums, the Santiago Bernabeu, before spending some free time in the Spanish capital itself.
FFT's Madrid city guide
The training camp
Ideal for semi-pro or ambitious amateur sides. Your squad will truly be put through its paces by the coaches at the centre during this four-day camp. With six different two-hour sessions, it should give any aspiring coach ideas to deploy when you get back to Sunday league training on your return to in Blighty.
Where youâÂÂll stay
YouâÂÂll be put up in four-star accommodation at the training camp. The food is first-class, and a buffet breakfast, three-course lunch and dinner are all included.
What it costs
ã695 per person, including all transfers but not flights. Alternatively, identical packages at the Alcobendas Sports Complex â with similar facilities, if not the kudos of being SpainâÂÂs base â are available from ã545 per person.
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ALGARVE
The lowdown
The Vilamoura region of the Algarve is famous for lush beaches, lively nightlife and superb golf courses. But it also offers a world-class football training camp situated just 20 minutes from Faro airport, which has already been used by Fulham, Middlesbrough, Benfica, Holland and Russia.
The training camp
With a superb gym and spa (including Jacuzzi, Turkish bath and sauna), this is a great place to unwind. And thanks to two 90-minute training sessions per day, tactics sessions and a match against a local side, your football should improve, too.
Where youâÂÂll stay
YouâÂÂll be put up in pleasant villa accommodation (either single or double rooms) on site.
What it costs
ã495 per person, including transfers but not flights. Extras, including rounds of golf, paintballing and fishing trips, can be arranged.
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UMBRIA
The lowdown
Famous as the âÂÂgreen heartâ of Italy, this beautiful region boasts lush vegetation, rolling valleys and a warm climate ideal for a training camp. With trips to Florence and Rome available, itâÂÂs a great value trip with a difference.
The training camp
YouâÂÂll arrive in the afternoon and settle in. Day two involves a training session and trip to Rome or Florence; day three, light training and a match against a local team. With a five-a-side pitch, outdoor pool, gym and wellness centre, you wonâÂÂt be bored during down-time, either.
FFT's Rome city guide
Where youâÂÂll stay
YouâÂÂll be housed in a peaceful hilltop hotel minutes from the pitch, serving a âÂÂmenu created for footballersâÂÂ. Rooms are available with modern furnishings and minibar.
What it costs
ã195 per person, not including flights.
More details
Training camps available at Nickes.com (not at FFT Travel Shop). Other destinations include Barcelona, Marbella, Rimini and more. Teams will also be able to book places in five-a-side tournaments around Europe via Nickes.com
