Ikos Resorts has partnered with Football Escapes to offer holidays where kids can hone their skills with Premier League legends. Olivia Palamountain reports
Ikos Resorts has partnered with Football Escapes to offer star-studded football coaching sessions throughout 2024 at their luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Mediterranean.
The programme, which kicked off in April and runs until early November, will feature five-day immersive sessions for children aged 5-15 across Ikos’ portfolio of resorts in Greece and Spain.
These sessions will be led by a roster of Premier League legends, including Michael Owen, Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon and Anton Ferdinand, among others.
Former Lioness, Fara Williams, will become Football Escapes’ first female headline ambassador.
She says: “It’s an honour to become Football Escapes’ first female headline ambassador for an international holiday, and I can’t wait to welcome the families to Ikos Andalusia in Spain so that I can inspire them on the pitch!”
The coaching sessions, supported by UEFA-licensed coaches, will offer young players two hours of mentorship per day with the professional players – a rare opportunity for one-on-one interaction with top-tier footballers.
The programme caters to all skill levels and includes a personalised “Rascal” kit, a signed certificate and a medal for each participant.
Theo Walcott, a new ambassador for the programme, says: “I’m extremely excited to join the Football Escapes team as a new ambassador, and I can’t wait to experience the magic of a holiday to Ikos Aria in August.”
Dates for Football Escapes camps at Ikos Resorts in 2024:
JULY
Ikos Odisia, Corfu | 15th – 19th – Michael Dawson
Ikos Dassia, Greece | 22nd – 26th – Owen Hargreaves
Ikos Olivia, Greece | 22nd – 26th – Marlon Harewood
AUGUST
Ikos Andalusia, Spain | 12th – 16th & 19th – 23rd – Joe Hart
Ikos Aria, Greece | 19th – 23rd – Gary Cahill
Ikos Olivia, Greece | 19th – 23rd – Anton Ferdinand
Ikos Aria, Greece | 26th – 30th – Theo Walcott
Ikos Olivia, Greece | 26th – 30th – Shay Given
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Ikos Odisia, Corfu | 28th – 1st – Ledley King
Ikos Andalusia, Spain | 28th – 1st – Fara William
While the children are honing their football skills, parents can enjoy Ikos Resorts’ five-star personalised service, Michelin-Star curated menus, premium drinks, spa experiences and local excursions to explore the surrounding areas.
The resorts also offer a range of activities for children off the pitch, including kids’ clubs and pool activities.