Salou Anniversary Story: Celebrating Years of Sporting Memories

There are some places that simply feel like home when it comes to school sports tours. For MasterClass Sports Tours, that place is Salou. For more than two decades, we’ve been welcoming teams to this sun-soaked corner of Catalonia – and along the way, we’ve built something more than just a tournament. We’ve created a community.

Whether it’s football, netball, basketball, rugby, or hockey, Salou has become a trusted stage for schools to experience world-class facilities, competitive fixtures, and unforgettable cultural moments – all at a price point that works for state schools as much as independent ones.

Why Salou?

For Group Leaders, choosing a destination for a sports tour isn’t just about pitches and hotels – it’s about peace of mind. Here’s why sports tours to Salou has stood the test of time:

• Top facilities – a resort just 90 minutes from Barcelona that has become a significant sports hub with purpose-built facilities.
• Great value – affordable packages that keep budgets on track with coach and flight options.
• Flexible for all sports – from football and basketball to netball.
• Safe and supported – our 24/7 team on the ground ensures you’re never on your own.
• Communication is covered – We have a team of Spanish Speakers who work with us out in Spain so there are never any language barriers.
• Cultural extras – Barcelona sightseeing, theme parks (Port Aventura Theme Park is less than 10 minutes away), and a beachside location that pupils love. Plus, high ropes all year!

Voices from the touchline

Nothing says it better than the schools who return, year after year.

“MasterClass Sports Tours is a fantastic group to deliver the best sports tours. The team ensure that everything from planning and delivering a sports tour is as easy and stress free as possible. Staff at MasterClass are so approachable and go above and beyond to ensure that everyone including staff and students alike enjoy the tour. MasterClass has provided our students with amazing memories that will last a lifetime, which as a teacher, I am so thankful for.”

– Brampton Manor Academy

“We have used MasterClass for many years and they always provide a great, value for money experience for our students.”

– Tupton Hall School

“MasterClass staff extremely helpful and attentive when out in Salou. Second time on this tour and the students loved it!”

– Beauchamps

Benefits beyond the scoreboard

For Group Leaders, it’s not just about organising matches. It’s about giving your pupils something bigger:

Confidence: Pupils grow on and off the field by playing international opposition.

Team culture: Shared experiences bond groups like nothing else.

Life skills: Independence, resilience, and cultural awareness are developed naturally.

Ease for teachers and coaches: With our planning support, fixtures, meals, and activities are all taken care of – leaving you free to focus on your students.

A typical MasterClass Salou tour

To give you a sense of what’s possible, here’s how many groups experience their time with us:

Day 1: Travel and check into your hotel – welcome briefing and team bonding. Free time for the students to relax by the pool or explore the beautiful coast just a few minutes’ walk from our hotels.

Day 2: Full day at PortAventura Theme Park before a quiz night back at the hotel.

Day 3: MasterClass coaching with our UK professionals in the morning; competitive fixture in the evening (extended coaching sessions for netballers).

Day 4: MasterClass tournament and awards ceremony. Disco in the evening.

Day 5: Barcelona sightseeing – from the Gothic Quarter and Sagrada Familia to the Nou Camp immersive experience – before heading home.

Looking ahead

As we celebrate our MasterClass anniversary in Salou, what excites us most is the future. The next generation of pupils will continue to create their own memories on these pitches, just as so many before them have done.

For teachers and coaches, the reassurance is simple: with MasterClass, you’ll have the expertise of a long-standing operator and the personal touch of a team that genuinely cares.

Because at the end of the day, Salou isn’t just about fixtures. It’s about giving your pupils the kind of experience that stays with them for life.

Ready to create your school’s Salou story? Get in touch with our MasterClass team to start planning your tour by using our online enquiry form or calling 020 3617 7983.