Why Holland Is Ideal for First-Time Football Tours

By David Lewis, Regional Account Manager – MasterClass Sports Tours

For schools planning their first MasterClass football tour abroad, Holland is a practical place to start. It is close to the UK, easy to move around, and well set up for school groups. For teachers and coaches, that means less time worrying about travel and more time focusing on students and football.

Below is why Holland, and in particular Valkenburg, works so well for first-time sports tours.

Short travel time, less fatigue

One of the biggest concerns for group leaders is travel time. Long journeys can leave students tired before the tour has even started. Holland keeps things simple.

• Valkenburg is around three and a half hours by coach from the Port of Calais.
• For northern schools using an overnight ferry, it is about three hours from Amsterdam or Rotterdam.
• Flights are easy too, with nearby airports including Eindhoven, Amsterdam, Cologne and Brussels.
• Eurostar groups can travel to Brussels, then reach Valkenburg by coach in around two hours.

This short onward travel means students arrive fresher and ready to train or play. For first-time leaders, it removes a lot of pressure from day one.

A safe and manageable resort for school groups

Valkenburg is a small, welcoming town that works well for young people. It is largely pedestrianised and most hotels, shops and attractions are close together.

For teachers, this brings real peace of mind:

• Students are not spread across a large city.
• Many activities are within walking distance of the hotels.
• The town is used to hosting school and youth groups.

It also gives students a chance to explore in small groups, where appropriate, without constant supervision. That balance of freedom and safety is often hard to find on a first tour.

As one group leader put it:

“Our recent sports tour to Valkenburg with Masterclass Sports Tours was absolutely superb from start to finish. The organisation and attention to detail were outstanding – from the knowledgeable and friendly reps who supported us throughout, to the well-planned itinerary that offered a perfect balance of sport, cultural experiences, and fun.

“The opportunities provided for our pupils were exceptional, allowing them to develop both on and off the field, and the overall value for money was excellent. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would highly recommend MasterClass Sports Tours to any school considering an overseas trip.“

Coedcae School

Plenty to do without long coach journeys

A good tour mixes football with downtime. In Valkenburg, many activities are close by, which keeps days running smoothly.

Popular options include:

• Tobogganing at the Kabelbaan

A chairlift takes groups up the hill, followed by a 700-metre ride down on individual sleds. Students control their speed and enjoy views over the town.

• Laser tag and bounce activities

Ideal for team bonding and a change of pace from football.

• Dutch pancake house

Located in the town centre, students make their own pancakes with a range of toppings. Simple, relaxed and always popular.

• Indoor water parks

A short drive away, with lifeguarded pools and slides. A good way to unwind after fixtures.

For football-focused groups, the PSV Eindhoven stadium tour is a highlight. Students can visit the tunnel, changing rooms, pitchside and museum, bringing Dutch football culture to life.

For groups wanting a bigger day out, theme parks like Phantasialand in Germany or Walibi Belgium are within reach. Some schools also choose to stop at Disneyland Paris on the journey home.

Strong football culture and good opposition

Football in the Netherlands is part of everyday life. Local clubs sit at the centre of their communities, and there is a strong focus on youth development.

For touring teams, this means:

• Well-matched fixtures against local clubs.
• A positive playing environment.
• A chance to experience a different football style.

Girls’ football is also growing quickly in Holland, with strong grassroots structures and school involvement. This makes it a good option for both boys’ and girls’ teams.

Playing against Dutch opposition gives students a fresh challenge, without the fixtures feeling overwhelming for a first tour.

Support on the ground from start to finish

For many teachers, the idea of organising a first tour can feel daunting. Having support in resort makes a real difference.

MasterClass Sports Tours have team members based in Holland who meet groups on arrival and stay in resort during the tour. They help with:

• Daily schedules and transport.
• Fixtures and activity timings.
• Any questions or issues that come up.

One teacher described it simply:

“We would highly recommend Masterclass as a sport tour organiser. Staff at all phases (planning, in resort and coaches) went above and beyond to make the trip a huge success. This allowed our students to create lifelong memories and enabled staff to build positive relationships that we will take into school.”

The Derby High School

That support helps first-time leaders feel confident and allows experienced leaders to focus on their students, not logistics.

Why schools keep choosing Holland

Holland works because it removes many of the common worries around a first football tour. Travel is short, the setting is easy to manage, and the football experience is strong.

For teachers and coaches, it offers:

• Simple logistics.
• A safe, compact resort.
• Quality football fixtures.
• Activities students genuinely enjoy.
• On-the-ground support throughout the trip.

For students, it feels like a proper tour without being overwhelming. For staff, it feels organised, calm and achievable. This is why so many schools choose Holland as their first step into international football tours, and why many return again.

Whether it’s your first tour or your fifth, you’re never on your own with MasterClass. Use our online enquiry form to start planning your next football tour to Holland or call 0203 617 7934