FAQs
General FAQs
Why choose us to book your sports tournament?
We are one of the UK’s leading specialists in sports tours, with over 35 years of experience helping nearly 20,000 players, coaches, and their families create unforgettable sporting memories, both in the UK and abroad.
What sets us apart? It’s not just our expertise, but our passion for sport and the unique experiences we provide. We believe that sports tournaments are about much more than just competition, they’re about growth, connection, and discovery. Our tournaments offer players the opportunity to sharpen their skills, forge lasting bonds, and explore their full potential, all while stepping outside the familiar confines of local leagues.
Whether you’re a coach giving everything for your team, a parent cheering proudly from the sidelines, or a player striving to achieve their best, we are committed to making sure that every moment is filled with magic and meaning.
With our extensive experience, personalised service, and unwavering dedication to making each tour exceptional, we ensure that every detail of your journey is taken care of, allowing you to focus on the excitement of the game.
Want to learn more about who we are, what we do, and what’s next? Visit our About Us page to discover how we can make your tournament experience extraordinary.
How do I start the process of booking a sports tournament?
Getting started is easy! Simply visit our Getting Started page, where you’ll find all the essential tips, advice, and step-by-step instructions to kick off your booking process. Whether you’re planning a local tournament or an international adventure, we’ve got all the information you need to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
From selecting the right tour to managing group details and payments, we’ve got you covered.
Do you have an online booking portal, and how does it work?
Yes, we do! Our Online Booking Portal makes managing your sports tour bookings simple and hassle-free. Through our user-friendly portal, you can:
- Input participant details – Easily add the names and information for everyone in your group.
- Assign accommodations – Choose and assign accommodation options for your group.
- Simplify payments – Instead of collecting funds from everyone, you can send secure payment links directly to your participants, making it easy for everyone to pay their share.
In short, our system takes the stress out of managing your group and ensures that everything is streamlined and organised.
For all the details and to get started, head over to our Online Booking Portal page!
Is there a mobile app available for booking or managing our tournament?
Yes, we have a user-friendly mobile app designed to keep you connected and organised throughout your tour. With the app, you can:
- Stay up to date with the latest tournament news, updates, and announcements.
- Access your fixtures and schedules at the touch of a button.
- View key information and essential documents related to your tour, all in one place.
- Say goodbye to paper clutter, everything you need is right in your pocket.
It’s the easiest way to manage your tournament and stay informed while on the go.
For more information and to download the app, check out our Sports Tours App page!
Can we adjust the number of participants after making a booking?
Yes, you can adjust the number of participants after the initial booking! Here’s how it works:
- Before individual deposits are paid: You can change the number of participants after paying your initial team deposit.
- After individual deposits are paid: Once individual deposits have been made, the booking is confirmed, and changes become more limited. However, if you need to add or reduce the size of your group at this stage, simply get in touch with your Tour Coordinator, and they’ll help you try & make the necessary adjustments. Whilst we will do our best to minimise any charges sometimes these are unavoidable. We’re here to help, so feel free to reach out if your group size changes.
What happens if we need to cancel our booking?
We understand that plans can change, and sometimes cancellations are necessary. If you or any members of your group need to cancel, our standard cancellation policy will apply. Here’s a breakdown of the cancellation fees:
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- Before deposits are paid: No cancellation fees will apply.
- Once deposits are paid:
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- More than 84 days before departure: Loss of deposit.
- From 84 to 29 days before departure: 75% cancellation charge.
- From 28 to 15 days before departure: 90% cancellation charge.
- From 14 to 1 day(s) before departure: 100% cancellation charge.
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Flight tours: Cancellation fees may vary depending on the terms and conditions of the airline, so please refer to the airline’s cancellation policy for details.
We always recommend reviewing our full Booking Conditions for the complete cancellation policy and other terms.
UK Tournaments FAQs
Are your tournaments officially sanctioned by the FA, RFU, or England Netball?
We follow the rules and regulations set by the relevant governing bodies, including those for age groups, match duration, and the total match play time each day.
Are pets allowed at the tournament venues?
We understand pets are part of the family! While pets are welcome at many of our venues and accommodations, this can vary depending on the specific location. Pets must be kept on a lead at the venue to avoid disruptions. Please check with your Tour Coordinator for the exact details for your event.
How many matches will our team play each day during the tournament?
The number of matches and their duration depends on the number of teams in your age category. However, we aim to ensure each team plays the maximum number of permitted minutes per day as set by the relevant governing body.
Will players receive medals, trophies, or other awards?
Yes! All players will receive a participation medal, and there will be winners and runners-up trophies in all competitive events. Every player’s effort will be recognised.
Will there be any celebrity appearances or guests at the tournament?
We do our best to secure sporting celebrities to present medals to the winning teams. While we always strive for star appearances, this is subject to availability, so check with us closer to the event for confirmation.
Is transport to the tournament venues included in the package?
Unfortunately, transportation from your hometown to the tournament venue is not included. However, we offer a variety of locations for your team to choose from. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to the event.
International Tournaments FAQs
Do we need formal permission from the FA, RFU, or England Netball to participate in international tournaments?
Yes, you will need formal permission to tour abroad. Please check with your local FA or RFU for the latest guidelines on international travel and participation.
Is transport included for international tournaments, or do we need to arrange it ourselves?
Yes, transport is included for all international tours, and we offer a variety of transportation options depending on your budget and itinerary. This may include:
- UK coach travel with ferry or Eurotunnel crossings to France or the Netherlands.
- Flights from the UK with international coaches to transport your group throughout the tour.
- Ferry or Eurostar travel, with international coaches for transfers. We’ll provide transportation to and from your tournament fixtures, and if you choose to include excursions, we can arrange transport for those as well.
How are ferry crossings managed for international tournaments?
We’ll handle your group’s ferry travel arrangements, working with local providers to ensure a smooth and safe crossing into Europe. While crossing timings can’t be guaranteed at the time of booking, they will align with your itinerary. Full travel details will be included in your tour documentation.
Can you help arrange flights and airport transfers for our team?
Yes, we highly recommend booking flights through Sports Tours, as they will be ATOL-protected for your financial security. We will confirm all flight details, including dates, times, and routes, with you before booking. If flights aren’t yet available, we will provide a flight budget, and once flights are on sale, we will find the best options within that budget. We will also assist with luggage and baggage policies and arrange airport transfers to ensure smooth connections.
How will we get around once we’re abroad on tour?
Whether you’re travelling by coach, train, or air, we’ll provide coach transport for fixtures and excursions. If you travel by coach from the UK, the coach will stay with you throughout the trip. If you fly or travel by train, local coaches will provide transfers as required.
How do the age categories work for international tournaments?
Age groups in Europe are generally based on calendar years (January 1 – December 31), while in the UK they’re based on school years (September 1 – August 31). This means your team might need to play in a higher age category (e.g., a UK U10 might play as a European U11). Many tournaments allow for up to 3 players born in the latter part of the year to compete in the lower category, but more than 3 players born after September may need to play in the higher age group. This is a common practice and won’t affect your team’s performance.
Extra Support FAQs
Can you help us organise a parents’ evening or meeting before the tournament?
Yes! If you’d like to host a parents’ meeting before the tournament, we can arrange for a member of our team to attend and answer questions about the trip. Just let us know, and we’ll coordinate the details.
Can you assist in selecting the best tournament for our team based on skill level and age?
Of course! Our team is well-versed in all the tournaments we offer. We’ll work with you to match your team with the most suitable event based on your players’ ages and skill levels.
Will we have support or assistance available throughout the international tour?
Yes, you’ll have access to our 24-hour emergency support phone line while abroad. A member of our team will be available to assist you with any issues or emergencies during the trip, and we’ll ensure that everything runs smoothly.