inspiresport announced as SWPL Partner

 

inspiresport are proud to announce they will become a new Official Partner of The Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) ahead of the 24/25 season.

Operating since 2004, inspiresport are specialists in sports development tours for schools and clubs. With over 80,000 travellers having used their services, they have a rich history of taking young people on unique journeys and igniting their dreams through the power of sport.

Designed to develop skills and confidence no matter their ability, they tailor sports development tours to the UK and Europe. Inspiresport offer professional coaching at some of Europe’s top professional clubs and federations, including access to world class training facilities, stadium tours and fixtures against local opposition.

Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) Managing Director, Fiona McIntyre, said:

“We are delighted to welcome inspiresport as an Official Partner of the SWPL, ahead of the 2024/25 season.

“As the women’s game continues to grow, it’s important we work with partners who share our values. The elite women’s game plays a vital role in inspiring the next generation of girls and this is an important focus area for inspiresport also. Working together, I have no doubt we’ll be able to promote fantastic opportunities for young female players in Scotland, that will inspire them to participate in football now and in the future.

“We look forward to working with inspiresport and promoting their work as specialists in sports development tours for schools and clubs.”

Managing Director at inspiresport, Steve Butchart, said:

“Today’s announcement is another step forward in our commitment to women’s sport and our mission to provide more experiences for players of all ages and abilities. Working with our pro club partners and governing bodies, we continue to provide programmes aimed at all girl teams across a range of sports.

There’s been a steady increase in the number of girls travelling as part of mixed football development groups which is encouraging to see, and highlights that, given the same opportunities as their male counterparts, the next generation of female players can take the women’s game even further.”

Scottish Football Marketing Commercial Director, Brendan Napier, said:

“As the SWPL continues to inspire girls and women up and down the country, it’s fitting that we enter in to a new and exciting partnership with inspiresport.

“The SWPL is already becoming synonymous with nail biting, tough to script drama, and with the right partners, like the team at inspiresport, this is set to continue.
“We are proud that Scottish Football Marketing could play it’s part in connecting the SWPL and inspiresport and we look forward to seeing what can be achieved together.”

 

For further information, please contact inspiresport Head of Marketing
Nicky Unsworth – Nicky.Unsworth@inspiresport.com

Inspiresport is part of the Destination Sport Group, a global leader in sports travel with expertise in travel management for elite sports organizations, fan experiences, youth development tours, hospitality and VIP programs, endurance and participation travel, and global destination management.

INTRODUCING INSPIREFEST BELGIUM

 

inspiresport, the UK’s leading provider for youth sports development tours, are delighted to announce our new event inspirefest Belgium!

We are very excited to launch inspirefest Belgium to take place from Fri 23^rd to Tue 27^th May 2025 in Lommel – in the Limburg region of Belgium.

We have partnered with the iconic Center Parcs to provide accommodation and activities – included for all groups will be access to the onsite Aqua Mondo water paradise and ten Pin bowling in the on site alleys.  There are also lost of additional activities such as bike hire, indoor and outdoor high ropes, kayaks and much more.  Also nearby is the Sahara – a man made inland beach, just a 10 min walk from the training grounds, a great way to cool off after training.

This event will as always combine the opportunity for high level coaching in your chosen sport, along with local fixtures* and a UK schools tournament. The football coaching  in conjunction with Lommel SK and netball coaching with our UK staff will take place at the first class facilities just a 5 min drive/10 minute cycle or 20 min walk away and the hockey at a choice of high level clubs. The event as always will conclude with the final night disco and awards.

With easy access from the UK by bus/ferry, Eurostar to Brussels or even a flight to Eindhoven/Amsterdam/Brussels – you have flexible ways to travel.

Steve Butchart, Managing Director at inspiresport, said, “We are delighted to launch the next edition of the already successful inspirefest, with this brand new product in the Limburg region of Belgium. Partnering with Center Parcs, allows us to provide our groups with a safe and high quality environment for both their accommodation and additional activities. We are excited to also have Lommel SK on board, with access to their fantastic training centre and coaches for our groups’ football training sessions.”

Why Lommel? Super safe location, sustainable package in a green environment (low carbon tour), great facilities all in easy reach of accommodation, loads of extra activities to keep the students entertained, opportunity to travel with both boys and girls.

Don’t delay, get a quote today and join us for the first inspirefest Belgium in 2025

To find out more about inspirefest Belgium please click HERE.

INSPIRESPORT & CELTIC FC ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP EXTENSION

 

Inspiresport, the leading provider of sports development tours for schools and youth clubs in the UK and USA, and Celtic FC have announced an extension to their partnership until at least December 2026.

 

The agreement, which began in 2019 as a US initiative to offer preferred travel services to Celtic’s affiliated clubs based in America, was expanded in 2022 to include groups from the UK offering the chance to ‘train and play’ at the clubs Lennoxtown and Barrowfield facilities.

 

The Scottish Champions recently announced a large-scale redevelopment at Barrowfield, delivering a new state of the art home to the Boys and Girls academies, as well as providing the base for Celtic FC’s Women’s team. The facility will include a new indoor arena featuring a full-sized IFA approved artificial surface, as well as numerous natural and artificial grass pitches, new medical suite, performance gym and football office space.

 

Steve Butchart, Managing Director at inspiresport said:

 

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Celtic Football Club at a time where the club is so heavily focussed on the academy and women’s game. Their commitment to youth development resonates deeply with our own mission and values, and working with the coaching team on our group experiences only highlights this further. We recently worked with Celtic FC on activations out in the US to their club partners and other soccer coaches – their passion and professionalism shone through and made for a fantastic experience for all involved.”

 

Chris Smith, Head of Soccer Academy at Celtic FC added:

 

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Inspiresport for three more years and further enhance the services we provide to groups travelling to Celtic FC. We’ve been hugely impressed with the quality of service Inspiresport provide to our partners and believe they are the best in the business when it comes to organising and delivering on football tours and other football related activity. It’s going to be an exciting three years ahead!”

 

To find out more about taking your youth team to Celtic FC click here: https://www.inspiresport.com/tours/football/europe/uk/celtic-football-club/

To find more about becoming a partner with Celtic FC click here: https://www.celticfc.com/celtic-soccer-academy/international-partners-programme

 

Inspiresport is part of the Destination Sport Group, a global leader in sports travel with expertise in travel management for elite sports organizations, fan experiences, youth development tours, hospitality and VIP programs, endurance and participation travel, and global destination management. In the US, the inspiresport group also includes Next Generation International who are the preferred travel partner of adidas partner youth clubs.

VALENCIA RENEW ITS COMMITMENT WITH INSPIRESPORT

 

Valencia CF has renewed the agreement with inspiresport, collaborating since 2004, with the aim of strengthening its presence in the United Kingdom and now also in the USA. In these 20 years of collaboration, more than 20,000 young players have visited the Valencia CF Sports City with the help of inspiresport.

“We are delighted to have reached an agreement to extend our collaboration with Valencia CF, as they were our first major partner. That we have been working together for 20 years shows that we both provide excellent service to our clients.” says Steve Butchart, Managing Director at inspiresport.

The growth of this collaboration between Valencia CF and inspiresport is evident in the volume of reservations that have already been made for 2024. “The demand to learn about Valencia CF and the methodology of its VCF Academy and the wonderful city of Valencia is higher than ever. We already have 16 groups reserved for 2024,” says Butchart.

“The experience of training at the Valencia CF Sports City with the VCF Academy coaches is of a high level: some of our schools and clubs enjoy it so much that they travel season after season,” he concludes.

“For Valencia CF it is very gratifying to continue collaborating with inspiresport” indicates Luis Martínez, Director of the VCF Academy. “In these 20 years, this association has allowed us to expand the image of Valencia CF in strategic markets and help in the training of young footballers under the methodology and values ​​of the VCF Academy,” he highlights.

This collaboration between Valencia CF and inspiresport allows Valencia CF to consolidate itself in a market as demanding as that of the United Kingdom, the cradle of football, while opening new expectations in the US, where interest in football is growing and where the club has with 4 VCF Soccer Academy in New York, Houston, Seattle and Chicago, in addition to holding VCF Soccer Camps in many other locations.

To find out more about the inspiresport including the Valencia CF development tours please click HERE.

INSPIRESPORT ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP WITH TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

 

inspiresport, the UK’s leading provider for youth sports development tours, are delighted to announce a new partnership with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

This partnership will enable inspiresport to offer unique development tours for school and youth club teams to one of England’s biggest clubs. Providing access to exclusive training sessions with state-of-the-art facilities at Hotspur Way Training Ground, with sessions on all aspects of play from Tottenham Hotspur FC Foundation coaches. Touring groups will also experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the illustrious Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, gaining exclusive access to men’s first-team areas.

The Tottenham Hotspur development-oriented football tours are perfect for schools, youth, and grassroots teams looking to enhance their skills, training, and team bonding. The packages include accommodation, transportation, a range of activities, and access to world-class training and coaching facilities.

Steve Butchart, Managing Director at inspiresport, said, “We are thrilled to team up with Tottenham Hotspur, one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in England, to create an unforgettable experience for young football fanatics. Our primary goal is to provide world-class sports tours that combine quality education with a fun and an exciting environment. With Tottenham’s state-of-the-art training ground and stadium, we are confident that our participants will gain valuable insights into the world of professional football”.

Chris Acaster, Head of Global Football Development, Tottenham Hotspur said: “We are excited to be launching a new partnership with experienced tour provider, Inspiresport. Our Global Football Development coaches will be delighted to welcome a number of domestic and international tour groups to our training facilities to give each individual player a world class experience. We look forward to providing all visiting groups with an insight into our training methods and techniques aligned to how we develop young aspiring players at the Club.”

To find out more about the inspiresport including the Tottenham Hotspur FC development tours please click HERE.

INSPIRESPORT ANNOUNCE NEW HOCKEY WALES PARTNERSHIP

 

Inspiresport, the UK’s leading youth sports development tour operator, are excited to announce a new long-term partnership with Hockey Wales.

The partnership will see inspiresport become presenting partner of the National Schools Cup.

Endorsed by multiple professional teams and governing bodies, inspiresport have an established history of taking schools and teams on multi-sport and dedicated hockey development tours with popular destinations including The Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia.

As part of the partnership, inspiresport will also seek to bring schools and teams from the UK and overseas for development tours in Wales, providing them an opportunity to receive specialist coaching from Hockey Wales staff, play fixtures against local opposition and enjoy free-time activities.

inspiresport managing director Steve Butchart said,

“We are very pleased to announce this new partnership with Hockey Wales. This is a fantastic opportunity for us at inspiresport to continue providing outstanding tours and work closely with another national governing body.

“We strive to create as many opportunities as possible for young people in the sports industry. By working closely with Hockey Wales, we will be able to achieve further awareness of our touring opportunities across Welsh grassroots clubs and schools, while bringing groups from further afield to train and play in Cardiff.

“Together we will inspire the next generation to advance themselves in the world of sport and aspire to be the international players of the future, or to remain active playing the sport they love.”

Hockey Wales Chief Executive Paul Whapham added,

“We are delighted to be working with inspiresport and are looking forward to welcoming groups of young people to Wales. I’m confident that these young players will benefit from our coaching experience, as well as providing Welsh children the opportunity to have amazing experiences abroad.

“The support of inspiresport will enable us to enhance our national school’s competition, providing greater opportunities for young people to experience hockey.

“The continued support from a range of commercial partnerships provides much needed support to the organisation.”

 

To learn more about inspiresport’s development tours for schools and teams, please click HERE

INSPIRESPORT ANNOUNCE ACQUISITION OF TOUR TIME GROUP

 

Inspiresport Group has today announced the acquisition of the Tour Time Group including Tour Time New Zealand Ltd, Tour Time Australia Pty Ltd, Tour Time USA LLC, and Rugby Tours International Ltd (NZ, AUS, USA & Argentina).

 

This acquisition further enhances inspiresport’s expansion on an international basis following the creation of inspiresport LLC as its North American entity in November 2021.

 

Inspiresport are the industry-leading Sports Development Tour Operator, who have offered unrivalled access to world class professional clubs, coaches and facilities to take young players on extraordinary sporting journeys since 2004.

 

Steve Butchart, MD of inspiresport Group, said:

 

“Inspiresport has been reviewing opportunities for international expansion over a number of months and we’re delighted to confirm the news that the acquisition of the Tour Time Group is now complete. Our primary focus will be on the creation of outbound tours from New Zealand and Australia into the UK and Europe and generating increased demand for our Pro Club training experiences across football, rugby and hockey.

We are delighted to be able to confirm that Brent Imrie will remain as MD for Tour Time Group, but a special mention should be made to Ron and Beryl Imrie who founded and operated the company for more than 30 years. Their combined dedication, experience, market knowledge and contact network are what made the Tour Time Group the perfect business to accelerate our growth in New Zealand whilst also establishing us as a major player in the Australian market.

Whilst our focus will be on growing the youth sports development business, Tour Time Group will also continue to offer their full range of group tour options.”

 

 

Brent Imrie, MD of Tour Time Group said:

 

“As a family business of 30 years that was started by mum and dad, I am excited to announce the next step of our evolution as we become part of the Inspiresport family of companies. We certainly have exciting times ahead of us with global events happening down under in New Zealand, Australia and in the USA. With Inspiresport and the greater Destination Sport Group truly having a global presence, I look forward to delivering new products and partnerships to our markets whilst continuing to provide the great Tour Time service and family values that we are known for.”

inspiresport is delighted to announce the continuation of their partnership with The English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA)  for the 23/24 season as the Associations official tour provider.  

The ongoing partnership, which is now entering its 12th year, continues to represent inspiresport’s long-term support of schools’ football across England and our commitment to providing top quality sports tours for schools across the country.

Both organisations’ values align to enrich young people’s lives, allowing participants to develop their sporting values, whilst having fun through great sporting experiences.

The ESFA is excited to see what opportunities will be offered from inspiresport this year and what experiences will be offered for school pupils across England.

During the partnership so far, inspiresport have helped the ESFA to send their England U15 Schoolgirls’ and England U18 Schoolboys’ teams to some fantastic venues such as PSV, Inter Milan, and St George’s Park.

With partnerships with football’s European giants such as, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, inspiresport focus on providing the most memorable and once in a lifetime experience for your players. The continued success of development tours at these clubs, has allowed inspiresport to grow year on year and offer exciting new opportunities.

inspiresport CEO Steve Butchart “We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the English Schools’ Football Association, after another successful year for both parties. Our company values align, which prove to be a factor in the growth and opportunities on offer, not only for inspiresport but for ESFA too. The development tours that we have planned for the U15 Girls and U18 Boys teams is a great opportunity for all players to advance their skills on and off the pitch. It’s great to work with our partners at the EFSA to create these experiences, because here at inspiresport, our values are to ensure that these young people can access some fantastic opportunities, and we work hard to make these available to them.”

ESFA Chair Marvin Robinson said: “As we gear up for the 2023/24 season, we’re thrilled to be joining forces once again with inspiresport. Their commitment to providing incredible sports tour experiences for school kids across England is truly commendable. In addition, inspiresport offers top-notch training camps for the ESFA’s England U15 Schoolgirls and U18 Schoolboys, a partnership that bore fruit in the 2021/22 season at St. George’s Park. Get ready for another season of groundbreaking opportunities as we team up with inspiresport to elevate this year’s teams to new heights!”

How to Stay Fit and Injury-Free as a Football Player: Tips and Tricks for Preventing Injuries and Staying in Top Physical Condition

As a leading sports tour company dedicated to inspiring young athletes around the world, inspiresport understands the importance of nurturing and safeguarding the well-being of young football players. Developing a foundation of fitness and injury prevention during early development years not only boosts performance on the field but also sets the stage for a lifelong love of the beautiful game. In this article, we’ll discuss valuable tips and tricks for young footballers and coaches, to ensure players stay fit and injury-free, creating benefits that extend far beyond their early years on the pitch.

Warm Up and Cool Down Rituals

Every football session should begin with a dynamic warm-up routine to increase blood flow, elevate heart rate, and prepare muscles for action. Incorporate dynamic stretches, light jogging, and agility drills to activate the body. Likewise, conclude each session with a structured cool-down period involving static stretches to enhance flexibility and reduce muscle tightness. Encouraging these practices at a young age promotes good habits that lead to healthier, more durable bodies.

Focus on Proper Nutrition

A balanced diet is key to an athlete’s overall fitness. Emphasize the importance of whole foods like lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Staying hydrated is equally vital, so encourage players to drink water consistently before, during, and after practices and matches. Explaining the connection between nutrition and peak performance empowers young athletes to make informed dietary choices.

Age-Appropriate Training Loads

While enthusiasm is crucial, overexertion can lead to injuries. Coaches should tailor training loads to the age, skill level, and physical development of their players. Gradually progress the intensity, duration, and complexity of training sessions, allowing young athletes’ bodies to adapt and grow stronger over time. Striking a balance between challenging workouts and proper recovery helps prevent stress and minimises injury risks.

Technical Skill Development

Mastering proper technique not only enhances performance but also significantly reduces the risk of injury so make sure to ensure that players receive coaching on fundamental skills like passing, shooting, dribbling, and tackling. Correcting improper mechanics at a young age prevents the development of bad habits that can lead to persistent injuries as players advance in their careers.

Cross-Training and Rest Days

Cross-training does not necessarily mean long sessions on boring gym equipment. Try and promote the benefits of participating in different sports and activities to enhance overall athleticism. Engaging in various activities helps prevent overuse injuries and develops a well-rounded set of physical abilities. Young kids will be enthusiastic but occasionally prioritising rest and recovery days can allow muscles to repair and grow. These practices contribute to players’ long-term well-being by preventing burnout and promoting balanced physical development.

Injury Prevention Exercises

At young ages no child wants to be sat on the side with an injury, whilst their teammates play on. Incorporating injury prevention exercises into training routines helps avoid this, strengthens key muscles, improves joint stability, and boosts flexibility. Focusing on areas prone to injuries, such as the ankles, knees, and hips, reduces the likelihood of sprains, strains, and tears. Engage players in regular exercises like squats, lunges, balance drills, and plyometrics to fortify their bodies against common football-related injuries. These can be turned into competitive but friendly competitions to ensure engagement.

Mental and Emotional Well-being

Physical fitness extends beyond the body; it includes mental and emotional health. It’s great to let young footballers know about the importance of not being over stressed, positive self-talk, and having a resilient mindset. This can help prevent in injury and contribute to longevity in the sport and life beyond.

Seek Professional Guidance

Coaches and parents should collaborate to ensure young football players receive proper guidance where possible and if needed. Regular check-ins with medical professionals, physiotherapists, and experienced coaches can identify potential issues early and provide recommendations for maintaining fitness and preventing injuries.

 

inspiresport believes that instilling these practices from an early age will equip young football players with the tools they need to excel on the pitch and beyond. It is also important to remember that player’s mental health and enjoyment of football should always come first. Our aim is to nurture a generation of players who embrace the joy of the game for years to come.

INSPIRESPORT ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH SUNDERLAND AFC

 

Destination Sport Group are pleased to announce a multi-year partnership with Sunderland AFC.

Having first worked with Sunderland AFC via Destination Sport’s fan travel division Sportsbreaks.com as part of the Club’s pre-season tour to the United States, a wider partnership has been agreed incorporating Destination Sport Travel and inspiresport.

Destination Sport Travel – the UK’s leading travel management solution for elite sports clubs and governing bodies – will support the club with its travel and accommodation requirements across men’s, women’s and academy teams.

inspiresport, the UK’s leading sports tour provider for schools and clubs, will provide opportunities for groups to experience official Sunderland AFC development tours including training sessions at the Academy of Light led by Club coaches.

Sunderland AFC’s Head of Football Operations, Samuel Ash, commented: “Destination Sport have a proven track record in delivering industry-leading travel solutions for elite sporting organisations and they have an outstanding portfolio of partners.

We are delighted to collaborate with them as we continue to enhance the support network underpinning our men’s, women’s and academy teams – and we look forward to accompanying their efforts in engaging with schools and grassroots Clubs via inspiresport.”

Destination Sport Managing Director Paul Hemingway commented,

“We are excited to announce our partnership with Sunderland AFC.

“Incorporating Destination Sport Travel, and inspiresport, the agreement incorporates multiple touchpoints and we’re looking forward to providing the Club’s teams with a best-in-class travel solution, whilst bringing inspiresport groups from the UK and around the world to train at the Academy of Light.”

To find out more about official Sunderland AFC development tours for schools and clubs via inspiresport, please click HERE.

More information can also be found on Destination Sport Travel by clicking HERE.