For the Hertfordshire Schools County FA U16 Girls, bringing a squad together isn’t always easy.
The players come from different schools, opportunities to play together are limited, and there is little time to build relationships before a new squad is selected. So, when the team headed to Denmark for the Dana Cup in July 2026, the aim was about more than just playing football.
With 25 passengers making the trip, the week was an opportunity to compete on an international stage, experience a new destination and, most importantly, spend time together as a team. And it didn’t take long for the players to start coming together.
Welcome to the Dana Cup
The Hertfordshire Schools County FA U16 Girls travelled to Denmark to compete in the Dana Cup, an international youth football tournament held in Hjørring.
The team entered the U16 Girls’ competition, with the tournament beginning with a group stage before moving into knockout rounds.
But the Dana Cup offered the squad much more than a series of matches.
With teams and players coming together from across the world, it was a chance to experience a completely different football environment and test themselves in a major international tournament.
The team were also impressed by the organisation of the event.
“The Dana Cup held in the town of Hjørring in Denmark is the 3rd largest football tournament in the World with around 15,000 players and 1,000 teams taking part yet runs like clockwork.”
Phil Dawson, Party Leader & Coach
And that organisation by Sports Tours and of the tournament itself meant the team could concentrate on what they had travelled to Denmark to do: play football, enjoy the experience and make memories together.
“Incredible organisation that means teams have the freedom to let their football and excursions make positive memories for a lifetime and we absolutely did.”
Phil Dawson, Party Leader & Coach
From “Who are you?” to Singing Wonderwall on the Bus
Sometimes, it’s the little moments that tell you a team is starting to click.
For this squad, one of those moments came on the journey back to Hjørring after their first group game.
The players, who hadn’t known each other particularly well before the tour, found themselves singing “Wonderwall” together on the bus.
“As a Schools’ County side our players didn’t know each other that well as they don’t go to the same schools and we only play around 10 matches each season with no training before we have to trial for new players. So, seeing them all belt out ‘Wonderwall’ together on the bus back to Hjørring following our first group game was brilliant as it showed they were bonding as a team, which got better and better with each game as we progressed to the final.”
Phil Dawson, Party Leader & Coach
Taking Care of the Details
Taking 25 people overseas for an international tournament is no small task. Flights, accommodation, tournament arrangements, transport and everything in between all need to work together.
For the Hertfordshire Schools County FA U16 Girls, travelling with Sports Tours meant having support throughout the experience.
Particular praise was reserved for Tour Coordinator Emma Wallen, who was the group’s dedicated point of contact.
“Ultimately it was all about the professionalism and dedication of our tour coordinator Emma Wallen. Emma was super quick to respond to queries and nothing (appeared to be) too much trouble.”
Phil Dawson, Party Leader & Coach
Having someone on hand to answer questions and help with the practical side of the tour meant the team leaders could focus on their players and enjoy the experience alongside them.
For Sports Tours, that’s exactly what a successful sports tour should do: take away the stress of the logistics and allow teams to concentrate on the sport, the experience and the memories.
And Then Came the Lasting Impact...
The real success of the trip wasn’t just what happened in Denmark.
It was what happened when the team came home.
When the team’s new 2026/27 squad played its first friendly, eight players who had been on the Dana Cup tour returned to the group.
Coach Phil Dawson immediately noticed something different.
“There was a noticeable buzz and energy around the team that we haven’t seen in previous years so the tour has definitely had a lasting positive impact.”
Phil Dawson, Party Leader & Coach
That “buzz” might just be the perfect way to describe what the tour achieved. The players came home with more than memories of Denmark. They came home with stronger relationships, greater confidence and an experience they could share long after the tournament had finished.
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