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10 essential travel tips for parents sending their child on a Football tour abroad?
It is time to send your child on their first Football Tour or Sports Trip without you. Here are 10 Essential travel tips for parents:
These travel tips can be used for many other sports tours such as Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Lacrosse, Cheerleading and more.
1. Verify the Tour Organiser
References: Ask for references from other parents or the club in regards to previous tours. If travelling with their local team, make sure they are following the FA Guidelines.
Accreditation: If the team has organised it via a tour company, check if they are accredited by relevant sports or travel authorities.
2. Health and Safety
First Aid Training Adult: Ensure there is a first aid trained adult going on the tour.
Emergency Plan: Request a detailed emergency medical plan, including procedures for illness, injury and evacuation.
3. Insurance is Crucial
Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance in place that specifically covers children playing in Football Tours or Tournaments, including benefits such as:
- Medical Expenses (including Repatriation).
- Cancellation or Curtailment.
- Loss, theft or damage of personal baggage.
Health Forms: Provide comprehensive health information for your child, including allergies, medications and any pre-existing medical conditions.
Policy Details: Get a copy of the travel insurance policy and understand the cover limits and exclusions, and pass this onto the Manager or Tour Organiser.
4. Accommodation and Supervision
Safe Lodgings: Ensure the accommodation is safe, secure and suitable for children, and what are the rooming arrangements?
Security: Inquire about security measures at the accommodation (eg 24 24-hour reception, secure access).
5. Communication is Key
Your Child's Communication: Ensure your child has a working mobile phone with international roaming or a local SIM card and knows how to use it.
Regular Updates: Establish how often you will receive updates from the tour organisers or club managers. This will probably be done via social media.
6. Travel Documents and Visas
Passport Validity: Check your child's Passport validity (many countries require at least six months). Make a copy.
Visas: Determine Visa Requirements for the destination country and ensure all necessary visas are obtained well in advance of travel.
7. Financial Planning
Spending Money: Discuss with your child how much spending money they will need and the safest way to carry it (eg prepaid card, small amounts of cash).
Emergency Funds: Ensure the tour organisers have access to emergency funds if needed.
8. Cultural Awareness
Local Customs: Talk to your child about the local customs, laws and etiquette of the destination country.
9. Pre-Departure Meeting
Meet the Staff: Attend any pre-departure meetings organised by the tour company to meet the staff, ask questions and clarify any concerns.
Information Pack: Ensure you receive a comprehensive information pack containing all the details about the tour, including emergency procedures, contact information and rules of conduct.
10. Your Child's Readiness
Emotional Maturity: Consider your child's emotional maturity and ability to handle being away from home in a foreign environment.
Responsibility: Ensure they understand their responsibilities on tour, including following instructions, respecting others, and looking after their belongings.
Useful Football Information
FA Travel, Trips and Tournaments
Top 10 FA Guidelines on Travel for Football Tournaments
How to buy Travel Insurance for a Football Team going on a Tour or playing in a Tournament?
