If you’re ready to take your team’s training and teamwork to the next level, a sports club residential trip is the perfect mixture of fun, development and adventure. Whether you’re here for skill building, team bonding or simply a change of scenery, every moment is designed to help your group grow both on and off the pitch.
Why choose a sports camp?
A sports camp gives young athletes the chance to step out of their usual training routine and focus on development in a new environment.
Unlike a standard match day or weekly training session, a sports camp combines structured coaching with adventure activities, games and time for social connection. The result? Stronger teamwork, better communication and a real boost in motivation.
Sports camps are ideal for:
- School teams preparing for an upcoming season – Get your players focused, sharpen their skills and strengthen team dynamics before the competition begins. A few days away together can make a world of difference to on-pitch communication and confidence, especially when you mix training with team-building challenges like raft building or the climbing wall.
- Local clubs looking to reward their players – After a long season, what better way to celebrate progress than with a trip that blends sport, fun and friendship? Whether it’s improving technique with professional coaching or tackling adventure sessions between matches, it’s a brilliant way to say ‘well done’ while keeping everyone active and engaged.
- Youth groups who want to mix sport with adventure – Not every sports trip has to be about competition. Many groups join us simply to enjoy time together playing, laughing and building confidence. From five-a-side tournaments and netball sessions to canoeing or zip-lining, every activity encourages teamwork and personal growth.
And with a wide choice of sports club residential programmes, your team can train, compete and relax all in one place.
What is a sports camp?
A sports camp (sometimes called a sports residential) is a trip where young athletes spend a few days away focusing on sport, teamwork and personal growth in a new environment. It’s a mix of training, competition and adventure, designed to help players strengthen their skills, build resilience and have a great time with their teammates.
Over the course of a typical camp, teams might:
- Take part in focused coaching sessions – These sessions give players a chance to work on technique, tactics and fitness under the guidance of experienced coaches or group leaders. Away from the usual distractions, athletes can focus purely on their sport, whether that’s mastering set plays, improving endurance, or perfecting passing drills.
- Play friendly matches or mini tournaments – Camps often include the chance to put new skills into action in a relaxed but competitive setting. Friendly fixtures, internal team challenges or small tournaments help players test what they’ve learned, build confidence under pressure and enjoy the thrill of real gameplay.
- Join in team-building challenges and outdoor adventure activities – Beyond the training ground, many sports camps mix things up with adventure sessions like orienteering, climbing, raft-building or obstacle courses. These activities strengthen trust, leadership and problem-solving, all essential skills that translate directly back into team sport.
- Enjoy relaxed social time in the evenings – Evenings are when the friendships really form. Whether it’s team quizzes, campfire chats or casual downtime, this unstructured time helps teammates bond, share stories and create memories that last long after the trip ends.
A good sports camp doesn’t just focus on performance; it helps players grow as individuals and as part of a team. The result is more confidence on and off the field, improved communication and a renewed excitement for their sport.
What happens at a PGL sports camp?
Every group sports camp at PGL is designed to give your team the perfect mix of training, adventure and downtime. Each day balances skill development, team challenges, and opportunities to relax, refuel and connect, creating the ideal setting for both personal and team growth.
Football coaching programme
Here’s what you can expect when your team joins one of our football coaching residentials:
- UEFA B-qualified coaches delivering tailored training sessions – Our coaching sessions are designed to challenge and motivate players of all abilities. From refining ball control and positioning to tactical awareness and teamwork, each session builds on your team’s existing skills. Coaches adapt the training to suit your group’s goals, whether that’s sharpening up before a big tournament or simply improving confidence on the pitch.
- The chance to play in an informal tournament against other teams – There’s nothing like real match experience to bring learning to life. Your players can test their skills in friendly games or small tournaments, experiencing the buzz of competition in a supportive, positive environment. It’s a great opportunity to put teamwork and tactics into practice.
- Time built in to enjoy a variety of PGL adventure activities – When the boots come off, the fun continues. Between training sessions, your group can take part in adventure challenges that boost communication, coordination and trust, such as raft building, abseiling or the challenge course.
- Three nutritious meals per day to keep energy levels high – Our catering teams make sure every player is fuelled up and ready to perform. Menus are designed with active groups in mind, offering plenty of choice and balance to suit all dietary needs.
- A range of evening activities such as campfires, quizzes or team games – Evenings are when the laughter and bonding really happen. After a full day of football and adventure, your team can wind down with relaxed entertainment that keeps the group spirit alive.
Netball tournament weekends
Our netball tournament weekends offer an unbeatable combination of competitive play, team bonding, and inspiration from the pros.
Expect:
- A full weekend of matches and tournament play – Your players will experience the thrill of back-to-back games in a fun, fast-paced tournament setting. It’s ideal for developing tactical awareness, improving fitness, and strengthening team chemistry.
- Games officiated by England Netball officials for a professional experience – Each match is run to a professional standard, giving players a real taste of competitive netball. It’s the perfect environment for both learning and pushing limits.
- A special visit from an England Roses or Super League player – Few things motivate young athletes more than meeting the stars they look up to. Players can ask questions, gain insight into elite performance, and take home fresh inspiration for their own sporting journeys.
- Time to unwind with adventure activities throughout your stay – Between matches, teams can take on challenges like abseiling, zip wire or orienteering to recharge and refocus, while strengthening teamwork in a totally different way.
- Nutritious meals and fun evening entertainment to keep the energy going – From hearty breakfasts to group dinners, our catering ensures players stay energised throughout the tournament. Evenings bring light-hearted fun, giving everyone a chance to celebrate the day’s achievements together.
Multi-activity options
Outside of coaching and tournaments, your group can make the most of PGL’s signature multi-activity programme, a big part of what makes our sports camps so memorable.
Activities include:
- Aeroball / Airball – A high-energy mix of basketball and trampolining that builds agility and coordination.
- Raft Building – A classic team challenge where communication, creativity and problem-solving are key to staying afloat.
- Challenge Course – A fun and muddy obstacle course that encourages collaboration and resilience.
- Canoeing – Perfect for building balance, rhythm and teamwork out on the water.
- Aqua Park (at selected centres) – A splash-filled confidence booster that combines laughter, coordination and friendly competition.
Each activity is carefully designed to develop the same core skills that matter in sport, teamwork, leadership, confidence and communication, all while giving players a well-earned break from the intensity of training.
What are the benefits of attending a sports camp?
A sports club residential is all about helping players grow, not only as athletes, but as people. The benefits go far beyond the playing field, shaping confidence, teamwork and mindset in ways that last long after the trip ends.
Here’s what makes a sports camp experience so valuable:
- Improved technical skills – Focused coaching sessions give players the time and space to work on their game without distractions. Whether it’s mastering footwork in netball, sharpening passing accuracy in football, or improving stamina and positioning, dedicated time with experienced coaches allows athletes to develop faster than they might during short weekly sessions at home.
- Stronger teamwork – Living, training and competing together builds a deep sense of trust and unity. From supporting one another in drills to tackling adventure challenges as a group, teammates learn to rely on each other’s strengths. These shared experiences help turn a collection of players into a true team, one that communicates, problem-solves and celebrates together.
- Boosted confidence – Every successful session, match or challenge adds a layer of self-belief. Players come away from camp knowing what they’re capable of, ready to take more initiative and perform with greater confidence back home. That feeling of accomplishment carries into school, training, and everyday life.
- Better communication – Sports camps create countless moments where players need to make quick decisions, give feedback, and offer encouragement, both on and off the pitch. These experiences teach athletes to express themselves clearly, listen to others and adapt their communication style depending on the situation. It’s an invaluable skill that improves teamwork in every setting.
- New friendships – Bringing together players from different schools, clubs or areas opens up opportunities to make new friends who share the same passion for sport. Those new connections often last beyond the camp itself, and the mix of social activities and shared experiences helps even quieter players feel part of something special.
- Resilience and motivation – Training and living together teach discipline, independence and perseverance. Whether it’s bouncing back after a tough game, managing early mornings, or stepping out of comfort zones during adventure activities, every challenge helps players grow a stronger mindset. They return home more motivated and ready to take on whatever comes next, in sport and beyond.
A sports camp doesn’t just develop better players, it creates more confident, connected and capable young people.
You can read more about this in our blog on the benefits of sports team trips.
Plan your perfect sports camp with PGL.
What is a sports group? Well, now you know what to expect. Is it something you think your aspiring sports stars will enjoy? Or maybe you’ve visited before and would like to come again in the new season. If you’re not already heading on a Sports Club residential trip with PGL, then take a look at what we have to offer. We have a range of group residential trips to choose from too, including Girlguiding residentials, Scout residentials, Youth Club & Trust residential, Other Uniform residentials and many more!
If you have any questions, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today. They’ll be more than happy to help!
