Rayburn Tours Inspection Visit to the Netherlands

In October 2025, three members of our Rayburn Tours’ sports team – Doug, Product Manager; Chris, Sports Tour Consultant; and Sue, Senior Tour Coordinator – embarked on an exciting inspection visit to the Netherlands. This trip was an opportunity to assess a wide range of accommodations, professional coaching opportunities, and exciting excursions – all of this was to ensure we are offering high quality sports tours.

Here’s an inside look at their journey and what they discovered during their time in one of Europe’s premier sporting destinations.

A Journey Across the Netherlands

Flying into Schiphol Airport, our team set off on a tour of several cities and towns across the Netherlands, carefully selected for their top-tier sporting facilities and unique experiences. From Amsterdam to Utrecht, Heemskerk to Rotterdam, every location offered something different.

The first stop was Haarlem, where the team had the opportunity to meet with key suppliers. During this visit, the team took the time to catch up, discussing how things are progressing and reviewing future plans. Their trip them took them to Heemeskerk, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Apeldoorn, Soest, and Amsterdam, before a short flight back to the UK.

Hostels Across Holland

When planning a successful sports tour, choosing the right accommodation is essential. Our team made sure to stay at a variety of hostels, ensuring that every option met our high standards for group suitability.

Stayokay Heemskerk – A unique 13th-century castle located 20 miles from Amsterdam.

Stayokay Rotterdam – Situated near the homes of HC Rotterdam and Feyenoord, this hostel offers plenty of local activities and easy access to major sports events.

A&O Rotterdam – A modern space close to HC Rotterdam, Feyenoord and The Hague where visitors can enjoy shopping and the beach.

Stayokay Utrecht Centre – A centrally located hostel close to FC Utrecht, SV Kampong and the KNVB Campus. Perfect for groups who want to combine sports training with exploring Utrecht’s local culture.

Stayokay Bunnik, Apeldoorn, and Soest – Each Stayokay location offered a unique experience, from cozy environments to fantastic outdoor spaces for downtime between training sessions.

Professional Coaching

One of the primary objectives of this trip was to assess the professional coaching opportunities available to our sports teams. The Netherlands is renowned for its expertise in both football and hockey, and our team had the chance to visit some of the top coaching facilities in the country, which can be included in a sports tour to the Netherlands.

Football

Feyenoord – Currently ranked 1st in the Eredivisie as of October 2025, Feyenoord offers an outstanding training experience at their Varkenoord complex. The chance to train in this professional environment alongside top players is an exciting opportunity for any aspiring football team.

FC Utrecht – A powerhouse in Dutch football, FC Utrecht is known for its excellent coaching programmes, which provide youth players the opportunity to develop their skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.

KNVB Campus – Home to the Dutch National Football Team, the KNVB Campus is a must-visit for any football group. In addition to its elite football coaching, the campus also offers exciting alternatives like footgolf and e-sports training.

Hockey

HC Rotterdam – As the current leader of the Hoofdklasse, the premier league in the Netherlands, the facilities here are unparalleled when compared to those in the UK. Their impressive stadium, with the 2nd largest capacity in the Netherlands, provides the perfect environment for group training sessions.

SV Kampong – With a legacy as the 3rd most successful club in Hoofdklasse history, SV Kampong offers an excellent training ground for hockey teams, allowing them to learn from some of the sport’s best players.

The Netherlands is also preparing to host the Hockey World Cup in 2026, adding even more excitement to the country’s already impressive sporting culture.

Exploring Dutch Innovation and Fun

Beyond the sports facilities, the Netherlands offers a wealth of exciting excursions that can easily be added to any sports tour itinerary. One highlight is the “This is Holland” 5D Flight Experience in Amsterdam. This immersive adventure took Chris and Sue on a virtual flight over the Netherlands, showcasing its stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks – you can even smell the tulips as you fly over the fields and feel the wind in your face as you go over the canals!

Our Commitment Through This Trip

This inspection visit to the Netherlands was part of our ongoing effort to ensure that every aspect of our tours is top-notch. From the accommodation to the coaching, every detail was vetted so we can provide the best experience for our clients.

Ready to Score Big?

If you’re interested in learning more about our sports tours to the Netherlands or any other exciting destinations, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We’re always here to help you plan your next great adventure!

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