As a team of die-hard sports lovers and players, we know exactly how to bring your squad closer and help them level up – with a school sports tour that’s nothing short of extraordinary! Whether you’re heading on a hockey tour to the Netherlands, where the passion for the sport is unmatched, or enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Florida Netball Festival – in collaboration with England Netball – we’ll craft a one-of-a-kind experience built just for you. From day one to the final whistle, we’ll make sure everything’s spot on, so your team can focus on what really matters: playing sports and making memories in amazing destinations across the globe.
With years of expertise in arranging school sports tours, we’re passionate about creating unforgettable journeys. Expect competitive fixtures against local teams that push your squad to the limit, professional coaching from world-class clubs, and exciting excursions that let your students soak up local culture in ways they’ll never forget.
School sports tours should be bold and packed with unforgettable moments. Ready to take your team on tour and create memories that’ll last a lifetime? Let’s do it!
We’re celebrating 60 years!
In celebration of our 60th anniversary, Rayburn Tours is delighted to offer our customers the chance to win ‘£60 off per person’ for your next group or school tour! This prize will be awarded three times, with a Spring, Summer, and Autumn Prize Draw each offering a chance to win.
This giveaway is just one of the many ways we’re celebrating our legacy, whilst also looking ahead to the future, with our loyal customers at the heart of it all!
Discover moreOur School Sports Tours
Our destinations in a nutshell
Multi-Sport Tours
Take multiple teams away for a more inclusive and cost-effective multi-sport tour. Any combination of football, rugby, netball, basketball, cricket and hockey can create a popular and more accessible tour, and we have a wide range of destinations that are perfect for multi-sport tours.
Football Tours
Football is offered in almost all of our destinations, alongside a number of exciting professional training options. Train at world-renowned clubs such as Sporting CP, Olympiacos FC, New York Red Bulls and Orlando City Soccer Club, or channel your competitive spirit with a football tournament at the Gothia Cup or Rey Cup.
Rugby Tours
Rugby is held in highest regard in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, whilst the sport is increasing in popularity in Europe with strong levels of play. Working with local rugby clubs, we’ll evenly match your team’s abilities to provide challenging and competitive fixtures to get the most out of your players.
Netball Tours
Whether you’re after somewhere close to home or further afield, we have a range of destinations perfect for school netball tours. Strong in Malta, Greece and the UK, we also offer Dubai, the Caribbean and the USA, amongst many others where you can take your netball skills to the next level.
Cricket Tours
For the ultimate cricket tour, set your sights on India. Cricket is a way of life here, so you’re guaranteed competitive fixtures alongside a Delhi Daredevils tour. Alternatively, head to Sri Lanka, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha for the perfect multi-sport tour, or St Lucia and Barbados for a Caribbean twist.
Hockey Tours
Immerse your hockey team in a whole new culture where the game is at its strongest. From European destinations like the Netherlands, Spain and Greece to long-haul locations including India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, you’re guaranteed some healthy hockey competition.
Basketball Tours
From sunny Greece and Spain to big-hitters like New York, Orlando and Atlanta, basketball is played in a number of incredible destinations. Follow in the footsteps of NBA stars with a professional coaching experience at Orlando Magic TNBA and train beside the very best.
Professional Coaching
Let your team train like the professionals at some of the best sports facilities in the world. Our professional coaching packages will take you behind the scenes of some of the world’s leading clubs, with top facilities, impressive set ups and training sessions.
Tournaments
Tournaments can provide an ideal pre-planned itinerary for any sports tour and really help to get the competitive juices flowing! Enjoy ready-made fixtures and the chance to interact with like-minded teams.
We’ve got you covered!
For your financial security, you must have insurance when travelling with us, whether it be your own or the insurance we provide through Aviva. We highly recommend our insurance because it’s tailored specifically for school groups and offers cover for Covid related cancellation and curtailment.
Tour Managers
A Tour Manager can provide on-hand support and ensure your trip runs smoothly, making your life that little bit easier.
Sports Fixtures
Our extensive fixture database helps guarantee evenly-matched, competitive fixtures in a variety of sports all over the world, using contacts with local and international schools, as well as local clubs.
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FAQs
- What should students pack for sports tours for schools?
Here are some of the essentials that students should bring on a sports school trips (please note that some items are seasonal):
Travel documents:
- Passport
- Visa (if required)
- GHIC card
Clothing:
- Socks
- Underwear
- Tshirts
- Shorts/trousers
- Waterproof coat
- Jumper
- Pyjamas
- Outfits for downtime/ evening meal
- Appropriate footwear
Personal care
- Toiletries- shampoo, bodywash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, sanitary products
- Medication
Environmental protection items
- SPF
- Hat/cap
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Woolly hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Thermal layers
Other
- Chargers for electrical devices
- Plug adapters
- Card games
- Book
- Portable gaming device
- Where can your team go and what sports can they play on a school sports tour?
Whether you’re scoring goals, hitting sixes, or shooting hoops, we’ve got something for every team! At Rayburn Tours, we offer exciting sports tours for football, netball, rugby, basketball, cricket, hockey, and multi-sports. Curious about where you can play these sports? Check out our blog, where we break down all the amazing destinations that are perfect for school sports tours and where you can enjoy these action-packed activities.
- Do you offer trips during term time or only in the school holidays?
We offer school trips both during term time and in the school holidays. We’re happy to work with your school’s calendar to find the best option for your group. Some sports are seasonal and only available in certain countries, at specific times, which is why we are on had to help you plan your trip so your students get the best experience. Just let us know what sport you’re after, and we’ll match it with the perfect destination and dates.
- Do we need to bring our own sports equipment on a school sports tour?
We always recommend bringing some basic equipment with you. It’s great for warm-ups, self-led training sessions, or even just a fun kickabout on the beach! If your tour includes professional training, all the necessary equipment will be provided at the venue- so you won’t need to worry about that.
- How do you match teams for good friendly and competitive fixtures?
We work with local clubs, schools, and sports organisations to arrange fixtures that suit your team’s age, ability, and experience level. Whether you’re looking for friendly matches or more competitive games, we’ll make sure your students are matched with appropriate opponents for a great sporting experience.
We have a page dedicated to how we match them in more detail here : Tour Managers for Sport Tours | Rayburn Tours
- What activities can we enjoy around fixtures on a school sports tour?
In addition to competitive fixtures, we offer a range of exciting activities to enhance your tour experience. Teams can enjoy a variety of fun and cultural excursions, including visits to local landmarks, sightseeing tours, and thrilling adventures at waterparks. We also provide the opportunity for professional coaching sessions in select destinations, giving students a chance to refine their skills while exploring a new culture.
- How do you ensure our group’s safety on a long-haul sports tour?
Partnering with local agents is important for on the ground representation, but on top of that all accommodation, activity and transport suppliers are audited to ensure they meet the required safety standards. We audit to STF standards, specifically focused on school group travel. In addition, we provide advice on general risk management, crisis management, activities and snow sports risks, and hold an up-to-date safety management system policy, freely accessible on the link above.
For more information, head to our Safety Management page.
- How many students should we take on a school sports tour?
For long haul sports tours, we recommend making sure that groups allow for ample substitutes for each sports team (accounting for tiredness/fatigue involved with travel and long days of site seeing!). There’s no minimum or maximum, but transfers for groups are generally by coach, and the more students/players those costs are split amongst the better!
- Can we watch live sports on a school sports tour?
Yes, you can watch live sports during your tour! However, when booking live sports, please keep in mind that there may be last-minute changes to sporting itineraries. If you have any specific requests or concerns, get in contact with us, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your group and ensure you don’t miss out on the action!
- What type of teams can go on a school sports tour?
We welcome teams of all abilities on a school sports tour! Whether you’re a first team or have a mixed-ability group, we’ll arrange fixtures that match your team’s level of play.
- Which sports can we combine on a school sports tour?
At Rayburn Tours, we offer school multi-sports tours, allowing you to combine football, rugby, netball, hockey, basketball, or cricket depending on the location. To find out which sports you can combine at your chosen destination, visit our school multi-sports page for all the details!
The Sustainability Hub
Do you want to see the green wins we’ve already put into place to better serve Earth? Then check out your Sustainability Hub which shows what we’ve done so far and what’s coming next.
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