Inter Milan Football Tour

Over the recent half-term, a group of Frensham Heights boys embarked on an unforgettable sports tour to Italy, visiting the world-renowned Inter Milan Academy. The tour provided an incredible opportunity for the students to experience football at the highest developmental level, both on and off the pitch, while also immersing themselves in the culture and history of one of Europe’s most iconic football clubs.

The group’s footballing base for the week was the famous Komani Youth Development Academy, where the boys took part in four high-level coaching sessions delivered by Inter Milan’s professional academy coaches. Each session focused on a different aspect of Inter’s player development philosophy, from technical precision and tactical awareness to decision-making and team cohesion. The boys were introduced to how Inter approaches the game across all age groups, from the Under 5s all the way through to the first team.

The sessions were intense, fast-paced, and challenging, pushing every player to adapt to new styles of play and embrace the “Inter way.” It was inspiring for the boys to see how every drill, from simple passing sequences to complex tactical patterns, reflected the same values of discipline, intelligence, and creativity that underpin Inter Milan’s global reputation. The coaches’ passion and professionalism left a lasting impression, and the Frensham players showed great enthusiasm and resilience throughout, taking away invaluable lessons to bring back to their school football programmes.

Away from the training pitch, the boys also had the chance to explore the heritage and prestige of Inter Milan through a fascinating visit to the club’s headquarters in central Milan. Here, they enjoyed a guided tour of Inter’s offices and museum, learning about the club’s rich history, from its founding in 1908 to its triumphs in Serie A and the Champions League. The stories of legendary players such as Javier Zanetti, Giuseppe Meazza, and more recently Lautaro Martínez, gave the students a real sense of the pride and legacy that defines the “Nerazzurri,” the famous black and blue army.

Of course, no tour would be complete without some light-hearted competition off the pitch. The team social evening proved to be just that, as the boys went bowling for what turned out to be one of the most fiercely contested moments of the trip! Despite the students’ best efforts, Director of Sport Phil maintained his unbeaten run, claiming victory for the third consecutive tour with an impressive score of 145.

One of the most memorable highlights came on Sunday evening, when the group attended a Serie A match at the legendary San Siro Stadium to watch AC Milan take on Fiorentina. The pre-match atmosphere was electric, complete with a spectacular light show and the passionate chants of the Milan ultras filling the stands. The boys were captivated by the intensity and spectacle of top-flight Italian football. The match itself was dramatic, with AC Milan securing a 2–1 victory thanks to a late penalty that sent the home crowd into wild celebration, an experience the students will never forget.

The following day, the group returned to the San Siro for an exclusive behind-the-scenes stadium tour. Standing in the same changing rooms as the players who had graced the pitch the night before, including international stars like Luka Modrić, was a surreal and inspiring experience for everyone.

To round off the tour, Frensham Heights played two friendly matches against a strong local club side. The Under 13s were dominant from the outset, producing some excellent football to secure a comfortable win. Highlights included outstanding early saves from Mack, a clinical hat-trick from Ethan, and a moment of brilliance from Jacob, who spotted the goalkeeper off his line and scored from nearly halfway with perfect technique.

The Under 15s match was a tougher and more physical contest, but the boys adapted well and showed great resilience. Zac impressed with his strength and composed finishing, Ben provided creativity and flair through midfield, and Derin was solid at the back, reading the game superbly. Their hard work was rewarded with a 4–2 victory.

Overall, the tour was a tremendous success, a perfect blend of elite coaching, cultural enrichment, and team bonding. The boys represented Frensham Heights with pride, enthusiasm, and respect, returning home with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of what it takes to play football the Inter Milan way.