Toby Douglas, Head of Sales – Edwin Doran Sports Tours
Toby grew up in the South West, where rugby and cricket shaped his weekends (with the odd hockey penalty flick mishap thrown in for good measure). He still pulls on a bib now and then with the school parents’ netball team. A former student traveller himself, he knows first-hand how a school sports tour can change lives.
Why Team Culture Matters
Every teacher or sports leader knows it: team culture can make or break a season. It’s what carries a group through tough fixtures, exam pressures, or even the bus ride home after a tough loss. Strong culture turns individuals into something greater than the sum of their parts. But how do you build that?
One of the most powerful tools you have is a school sports tour.
“Edwin Doran were extremely professional in arranging a school sports tour for 70 students taking part in multiple sports at different locations. The itinerary was perfect and enabled students to be busy and experience sport and other cultures.”
– Queen Elizabeth II High School
1. Shared Experiences, Shared Identity
A sports tour takes students out of their everyday environment. Whether they’re walking out against a school in South Africa or lining up for a hockey fixture in Spain, they’re facing new challenges together.
• They learn to rely on each other in unfamiliar situations.
• They share the highs of victory, and the lessons of defeat.
• They celebrate as a group, not as individuals.
• These shared experiences create bonds that last well beyond the final whistle.
2. Learning Respect and Responsibility
Team culture isn’t just about winning. It’s about respect – for opponents, for officials, and for teammates. On tour, students learn responsibility in ways that go beyond training drills.
• Travelling as a squad means looking out for each other.
• Staying in new environments encourages independence and accountability.
• Experiencing different cultures helps them appreciate the game in a global context.
3. Building Confidence in Every Player
On an Edwin Doran Sports Tour, every student gets their chance to shine. Fixtures are carefully matched so everyone feels challenged but supported. And it’s not just about the sport: speaking to hosts, trying new foods, exploring local sights – all of it builds confidence.
“Really positive sporting experience for the students. Busy, inspiring and competitive tour!”
– Pate’s Grammar School
4. Making Life Easier for Leaders
Group Leaders often ask: “Yes, but how much extra work is this for me?” The truth is, done right, a sports tour is designed to support you, not overwhelm you.
• Bespoke itineraries mean you’re not juggling logistics.
• On-the-ground reps give you peace of mind.
• Tried-and-tested partnerships ensure safe, affordable choices.
• You’re not doing this alone – you have a dedicated team behind you.
5. Culture That Comes Home With You
The magic of a sports tour is that the culture you build doesn’t stay abroad. It travels back with you.
Students return with:
• A renewed passion for their sport.
• Greater respect for each other and their coaches.
• Stories and memories that knit them tighter as a team.
And for you? You return knowing you’ve given your students an unforgettable experience – one that helps shape who they’ll become, both on and off the field.
School sports tours aren’t just about the game. They’re about building a culture of trust, respect, and togetherness. They give students memories that fuel their love for sport and their sense of belonging. And they give group leaders the confidence that they’re creating something lasting.
Seeking new ways to inspire your school’s athletes? Speak to our Edwin Doran team to learn more about opportunities available worldwide for your school
Football
Spain
Hockey
Netherlands
Cricket
South Africa