PSV Eindhoven Football Development Tour 2026
Inspire Sport Football Development Tour – 8th May – 11th May 2025
The Year 8 and 9 boys’ and girls’ football teams travelled to Eindhoven over the long weekend from Friday to Monday for an unforgettable football tour based around PSV Eindhoven. The students were greeted with personalised PSV hoodies featuring their initials before beginning the long coach journey to Dover and crossing from England to France via Calais. The teams then travelled through four countries (England, France, Belgium and finally the Netherlands) before arriving in Holland for what proved to be a fantastic experience for all involved.
Throughout the weekend, all groups had the opportunity to visit the impressive Philips Stadion, home of PSV Eindhoven. Students explored the home and away changing rooms, viewed the exclusive hospitality boxes where supporters watch matches, and even sat in the media interview area used by professional players and managers before and after games.
The students also trained at the PSV training complex, where they were coached by professional academy coaches in a range of attacking and defending drills, shooting practices and phases of play, before finishing with competitive mini tournaments. On the first evening, all students took part in an indoor five-a-side football tournament at the fantastic four-star hotel complex, which provided excellent food and facilities throughout the trip. Students enjoyed breakfast each morning before the busy football schedule began.
The second day saw both the boys’ and girls’ teams take on local opposition. The boys were split into three teams of 11 players and produced an outstanding overall performance, winning 9–0 against strong opposition playing above their age group. In the opening third, the boys raced into a 3–0 lead with goals from Imad x 2 and Jayden. The second third ended 0–0, with Bailey producing an outstanding defensive display to earn Player of the Match honours. The team showed tremendous determination and resilience against bigger and more physical opponents, with Albie also standing out in midfield with a series of strong tackles and energetic play.
The final third was emphatic as the opposition began to tire. Seb scored four excellent goals, including a composed penalty and a superb finish after rounding the goalkeeper, earning him the his player of the match title, before TJ completed the scoring to seal a brilliant 9–0 victory.
The Year 8 and 9 girls also performed superbly in a tightly contested and competitive fixture. Every player contributed brilliantly, with Poppy earning Player of the Match for her commanding performance as captain in defence, helping the team keep a clean sheet. Maisie scored the winning goal in an excellent 1–0 victory to cap a fantastic team performance.
Following the matches, both teams exchanged gifts with their opponents to commemorate the occasion. The boys received a shirt and scarf, while the girls were presented with a plaque which will be proudly displayed in the PE office.
On the third day, students took part in two more professional coaching sessions with PSV coaches before travelling to watch a live professional fixture at Fortuna Sittard Stadion, home of Fortuna Sittard. The students experienced an incredible atmosphere as the home side won an entertaining 3–2 match in front of a passionate crowd. Students joined in with the local fans, chanting and cheering while proudly wearing their newly purchased scarves.
The evening was rounded off with more football activities and a bowling session before the teams completed one final coaching session on the last morning and began the journey home via Calais.
It was a truly fantastic football tour that created memories which will last a lifetime for all students and staff involved. The behaviour, attitude and performances of all students throughout the trip were exceptional, and everyone represented the school superbly. Bring on next year’s football tour for Years 8, 9 and 10.
