School breaks are a blessing and also a challenge, especially when your child eats, sleeps, and breathes soccer.
On one hand, it’s a wonderful opportunity for them to unwind and press pause on the classroom routine. On the other hand, it can be extremely tempting for those precious weeks off to devolve into days of watching screens, sleepy mornings, and unfocused afternoons, and if you have a young soccer-playing son or daughter at home, that’s likely not what you’re going for!
How do you keep your child busy, energized, and passionate about their favorite sport over the school holidays? The solution is all in some planning, a little creativity, and an awareness of the most effective opportunities for work and play.
Be it you’re working through school break, planning a family trip, or just hoping to keep your child from losing skills, there are many ways to make school breaks an active, enriching time.
In this extensive guide, you’ll learn precisely how to keep your soccer kids active, enhancing, and loving the game in the event the school is out.
1. Enroll Them in a Soccer Camp
One of the most effective ways to keep your young athlete engaged during school breaks is by signing them up for a soccer camp. These camps are designed to help kids stay active, meet new friends, and sharpen their skills, all while having an unforgettable time.
Why Soccer Camps Work
Soccer camps offer the perfect blend of structured training and fun. Coaches often design the program to cover everything from technical skills (like dribbling, passing, and shooting) to tactical awareness, teamwork, and physical conditioning.
And for kids, there’s nothing like being surrounded by other soccer enthusiasts to spark passion and friendly competition.
What Age Groups Can Join?
Whether your child is six or seventeen, there’s a camp that caters to their age and skill level. Some camps are specifically for certain age brackets to ensure training is both safe and productive, while others mix different age groups for a diverse learning experience.
For example:
- AC Milan camps across Europe typically cater to kids aged 6-17.
- FC Barcelona camps can welcome players up to 21 years old.
As long as your child is old enough to spend a few days away from home, they’re the perfect candidate for a soccer camp.
SEE ALSO | 7 Best Soccer Camps for Girls in 2025
When Do Camps Run?
Most soccer camps are perfectly timed around school holiday schedules. Whether it’s a short spring break, a long summer vacation, or even winter, there’s usually a program to match.
Many camps last a full week, and some offer half-day or single-day sessions, which can be great if you’re balancing other commitments.
Where Are These Camps?
From world-famous clubs to local academies, soccer camps take place just about everywhere:
- The U.S.
- The U.K.
- Italy, Spain, and France
- Canada
- Alpine regions in Europe
Some clubs even organize multiple camp locations, so even if you can’t travel far, you can likely find one relatively close to home.
Types of Soccer Camps
Depending on your child’s goals, there are usually three broad categories:
1. High-Performance Camps
- Ideal for committed players.
- Two training sessions a day focused on skill-building and tactics.
- Exposure to high-level coaching techniques.
2. Balanced Training + Adventure Camps
- Equal focus on soccer and sightseeing, or leisure.
- Ideal for kids who love variety.
- Often includes fun trips to amusement parks, cultural tours, or even beach days.
3. Language + Soccer Camps
- Soccer training combined with language lessons.
- Great for families who want both education and fun packed into one week.
2. Set Up a Home Training Routine
Not every school break will coincide with a convenient camp. Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to keep your child active without leaving home.
Create a daily or weekly training schedule to help them stay sharp and fit. This could include:
- Dribbling drills: Use cones, shoes, or water bottles to create obstacles.
- Passing drills: Practice wall passes or partner passes.
- Shooting practice: Set up a goal or mark targets on a fence.
- Fitness circuits: Incorporate sprints, lunges, push-ups, and core work.
The beauty of home training is flexibility. You can adapt sessions to suit your child’s age, current skill level, and the space available.
SEE ALSO | Best Soccer Warm-Up Drills to Improve Skills and Stay Injury-Free
3. Organize Friendly Matches
Soccer is all about teamwork and competition, so don’t underestimate the power of arranging casual matches during the break.
Reach out to other parents and see if they’re interested in organizing:
- Neighborhood pickup games.
- Weekly family-and-friends matches.
- Mini tournaments.
It’s a fantastic way for your child to apply their training in a fun, social setting, all while keeping their game sharp until regular team practices resume.
4. Take Advantage of Local Soccer Clinics
Many community centers, local clubs, and soccer academies offer clinics during school holidays. These clinics are typically shorter than full-week camps (sometimes just a day or two) but pack a lot of value into that time.
They often focus on specific skills, like goalkeeping, shooting, or defending, so they can be a great supplement to your child’s overall development.
5. Explore Soccer-Themed Travel
If your family is planning a vacation during the school break, why not turn it into a soccer experience?
Here are some fun ideas:
- Stadium tours: Take your child to visit legendary soccer stadiums.
- Matchday experiences: Attend a professional game in a new city.
- Soccer museums and exhibits: Learn the history of the game while exploring a new place.
Blending travel with your child’s passion for soccer creates lasting memories and can deepen their appreciation for the sport.
SEE ALSO | Best Indoor Workouts for Youth Players
6. Introduce Soccer Challenges at Home
Sometimes, all it takes to motivate a child is a little friendly competition, even if it’s just against themselves.
Challenge them to set new personal records during the break:
- Juggling: How many consecutive juggles can they do?
- Accuracy: Can they hit a target 10 out of 10 times?
- Speed: How fast can they dribble through a cone course?
You can even turn it into a family challenge or offer rewards for improvement. This is a great way to build confidence and keep practice fun.
7. Encourage Soccer-Related Learning
Keeping your soccer player active doesn’t have to mean running around all day. Use downtime to work on their soccer IQ.
Some ideas include:
- Watching professional matches together and discussing tactics and player decisions.
- Documentaries and biopics on legendary players and coaches.
- Strategy games and soccer apps that teach formations and decision-making.
A well-rounded player understands the game as much as they play it, and school breaks can be the perfect time for this kind of mental training.
8. Focus on Recovery and Injury Prevention
Soccer breaks aren’t just about activity, they’re about balance. Young athletes also need time to rest and recover, especially if they’ve been grinding through a busy season.
You can:
- Encourage light stretching routines or yoga.
- Schedule rest days.
- Promote healthy sleeping habits.
- Focus on nutritious, recovery-friendly meals.
A break is the perfect moment to check in on both physical and mental well-being.
9. Stay Social and Connected
Soccer is a team sport, and staying connected with teammates and coaches can be a great motivator. Encourage your child to:
- Join virtual meetups or skill challenges set by their team.
- Watch games and analyze plays with friends.
- Share personal training progress via group chats or social apps.
Maintaining these bonds can help prevent isolation and keep them excited for the season ahead.
10. Lead by Example
Kids often mirror what they see at home. If you want to encourage an active lifestyle, consider making soccer a family affair.
Whether you participate in drills, organize backyard matches, or simply watch the game together, showing your enthusiasm for soccer is a powerful way to keep your child motivated.
Final Thoughts
Soccer camps are an incredible way for kids to stay active, make friends, and develop their passion for the game. Whether you go for an elite training program or a fun-filled holiday camp, there’s something for every young player.
Next Steps:
- Browse options
- Book early to secure a spot
- Prepare your child for an unforgettable experience!
Got questions? Reach out to camp organizers, they will be happy to help.
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