Dutch Soccer Camp, Cape Town
Train the Dutch way in sunny Cape Town!
Overview
The Dutch Soccer Camp is a premier football training programme designed for young players aged 10-18, offering world-class coaching, skill development, and a transformative football experience. Led by renowned Dutch UEFA A License Coach Nico Labohm, the camp provides an exclusive opportunity for talented players from underprivileged areas of Cape Town to develop their skills and pursue career advancement in football.
Our Mission:
- •Deliver a high-quality soccer camp that positively impacts the local football community.
- •Provide young, talented players with professional training and career growth opportunities.
The Importance of 'Stepping Stone' Countries
Few African players move directly from the continent to the 'Big Five' leagues—Premier League (England), Bundesliga (Germany), La Liga (Spain), Serie A (Italy), and Ligue 1 (France). Stepping stone countries like the Netherlands and Portugal play a crucial role in helping young African players transition into European football.
These leagues provide a less intense but elite environment, allowing players to adapt, develop, and increase their chances of progressing to the biggest leagues in the world.
Camp Details
Dates & Duration
Monday, June 30 – Friday, July 4 or Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 11 (awaiting final confirmation)
5-day camp (Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM)
Age Groups
10-18 years old (divided into 4 age groups)
Capacity
72 participants (capped to ensure high-quality coaching)
Core Team
The camp is managed by a team of supporting UEFA coaches and specialists, including physiotherapists and injury prevention experts, with guest sessions from European club scouts and former professional players, all led by Nico Labohm – Head Coach (UEFA A License).
Nico Labohm
Head Coach (UEFA A License)
Over 40 years of global coaching experience, having worked with Robin van Persie, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Kamohelo Mokotjo, and Hans Vonk, as well as the Dutch Football Association.
Andrew Criticos
Event Director
Founder of Sporting Link Management and Director at Ferdinand Football Mid Herts, managing talent, events, and elite development programmes across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with successful transfers in Spain, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.
Lars van Seijen
Expert Physiotherapist
Highly skilled Manual Therapist & Physiotherapist with extensive experience in sports rehabilitation and performance optimisation. Currently practicing at AFP Physiotherapy & AFP-Sport, he specialises in injury prevention, treatment, and recovery strategies for athletes.
BallTalent
Sports Tech
By integrating BallTalent, a cutting-edge sports tech platform, into our camp, we provide players with high-quality match footage, performance insights, and increased scouting opportunities, bridging the gap between young talent and professional clubs.
Daily Schedule
The camp is made up of 4 different age groups: 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 16-18. Players can be moved up and down age groups due to ability and performance.
There will also be a specialised goalkeeper coach available to train the goalkeepers during the morning and afternoon. The goalkeepers will be split into one younger and one older age group.
Morning (9 AM - 12 PM)
Technical Instruction
- •
9-10:15
Technical/Tactical training attention paid to the different techniques in football such as passing, dribbling, finishing.
- •
10:15-10:30
Break
- •
10:30-12
Line tactical, players will train in game related situations and in their own positions to improve their technique.
Lunch Break (12 PM - 1 PM)
Supervised
Afternoon (1 PM - 5 PM)
Circuits and Matches
- •
1:00-2:15
Circuit training with 4/5 different technical stations.
- •
2:15-2:30
Break
- •
2:30-4:30
Small sided games of 4vs4 up to full sided games. This will include friendly games where players play as much as possible in their own positions.
- •
4:45-5:00
Final evaluation with the players.
Programme Highlights
Elite Coaching by UEFA A License Experts
Led by Nico Labohm and a team of top UEFA-certified coaches, providing world-class training and development.
Professional Scouting & Exposure
Players gain visibility through BallTalent, a cutting-edge platform that connects young athletes with professional clubs and scouts.
Pathway to European Football
The camp emphasizes 'stepping stone' countries like the Netherlands and Portugal, helping African players to understand what is needed to transition into elite European leagues.
High-Quality Facilities & Training Environment
Hosted at top quality venues, ensuring the best conditions for player growth.
Future Opportunities & Expansion
The camp serves as a launchpad for global training experiences, with potential for players to train in the Netherlands and for coaches to access Dutch football masterclasses.
Programme Fee
5-day programme
Programme Details
Total Participants:
72 participants aged 10-18
(participant numbers capped at 72 to ensure high quality coaching)
Scholarships:
Potential for a few fully funded spots to be made available for children from financially challenged background
Limited spots available to ensure quality coaching
Book Your Place
Ready to Experience Dutch Football in Cape Town?
Join us in Cape Town, South Africa and develop your game the Dutch way
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