Why Short-Haul Sports Tours Score Big for Schools and Clubs

With Edwin Doran Sports Tours able to transport schools and clubs to a host of exciting destinations just a short flight or coach journey from the UK – including France, Spain, Ireland, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy – it’s never been easier to deliver a sports tour for your players that’s high-impact, cost-effective, and unforgettable.

World-Class Competition, Closer to Home

One of the most compelling reasons to choose a short-haul tour is the standard of competition available within close reach. European countries such as the Netherlands and Germany boast strong hockey and football infrastructures; France, Italy and Ireland are synonymous with rugby excellence; Portugal and Spain offer quality football opposition; while Gibraltar presents emerging opportunities across all five sports.

Whether your teams are seeking a challenge or looking to build confidence through competitive yet well-matched fixtures, Edwin Doran can sort pre-arranged games against local schools and clubs that ensure your students return with valuable match experience and a renewed passion for their sport.

More Time Playing, Less Time Travelling

Travel fatigue can take a toll on young athletes. One of the key benefits of short-haul tours is that they maximise time on the ground. With most destinations reachable in under three hours – and some accessible by coach or ferry – your teams spend more time training, competing and exploring, and less time in transit.

This is especially valuable for schools working within tight academic calendars, where trips must balance enriching experiences with minimal classroom disruption.

Affordable, Accessible, and Inclusive

Cost is always a consideration when planning a tour. Short-haul destinations tend to offer greater affordability, particularly when factoring in lower transport and accommodation costs. This makes tours more accessible to a wider group of students, promoting inclusion and increasing participation across year groups and ability levels.

Group savings often improve with numbers, meaning that taking multiple teams (e.g., both boys’ and girls’ squads, or different age groups) becomes more feasible – and more fun.

A True Cultural Experience

Short-haul doesn’t mean short on culture. These destinations are rich in heritage, cuisine, and local character. Whether it’s exploring the canals of Amsterdam, visiting the Roman ruins in Italy, touring iconic rugby stadiums in Ireland, or sampling Spanish tapas after a match in Barcelona, each trip offers an opportunity to combine sport with meaningful cultural exchange.

Guided excursions, historical site visits, and local experiences are woven into our itineraries, helping students broaden their worldview, bond with teammates, and make memories that extend beyond the pitch.

“Short-haul tours are a fantastic way to give students a truly international sporting experience without the cost or potential complexities (transfers/visas) of long-distance travel. We see time and again how these tours build confidence, team spirit, and lasting memories – whether it’s a rugby match in Ireland or a football fixture in Spain.”

– Toby Douglas, Head of Sales

A Boost to Team Development and Individual Growth

A sports tour is more than just a trip – it’s a chance to challenge students mentally and physically. Players learn to adapt to new playing styles, different conditions, and unfamiliar environments. They develop resilience, independence, and team spirit.

For coaches and teachers, tours offer a chance to strengthen team dynamics, identify leadership qualities, and observe players outside the usual context. The boost in team morale and unity is one of the most commonly reported outcomes following a successful tour.

Tried, Tested, and Trusted

With over 50 years of experience in organising short-haul tours, we’ve built strong partnerships with local schools, sports clubs, and excursion providers across all our destinations. Fixtures are carefully matched to your teams’ ability, and logistics are managed with precision to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Whether it’s a rugby tour to Italy, a football or basketball trip to Spain, or a hockey tour in the Netherlands, we’ll tailor a tour that suits your needs and your players’ ambitions.

Short-haul sports tours provide the perfect balance of competitive sport, cultural exploration, and team bonding, all without the long travel times or hefty price tags. From the rugby pitches of Ireland to the sun-drenched football grounds of Portugal, the opportunities are vast, exciting, and closer than you might think.