madrid experience recreational
FAQS
Yes, Avanza Sports will provide a chaperone 24/7 while the player is in Madrid. We will pick the player up at the airport on the first day and drop them off at the airport on the final day of the program.
It is very important that the player arrives on the first day of the experience between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM and returns home on the final Monday of the program on a flight departing before 3:00 PM.
You are responsible for booking the “Unaccompanied Minor Service” with the airline for the player. Once this service has been arranged, we will send you the details of the person who will be responsible for receiving the player at the airport. This service will be mandatory for players until 16 years old. Anyways we highly recommend verifying with your airline about the age since sometimes might slightly change depending on the company.
It is very important that the player arrives on the first day of the experience between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM and returns home on the final Monday of the program on a flight departing before 3:00 PM.
For more information, please visit: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Yes, it is required to have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining to travel to Madrid. It is your responsibility to have a valid passport before joining the program. We always recommend that you contact the Spanish embassy in your city.
Yes, families are responsible for booking all the necessary travel arrangements, including the visa (if needed).
The family members that are traveling will be responsible to book accommodation and flights. Remember that players have everything included but not the flight.
Yes, you can, but Avanza Sports will not provide transportation from the airport.
We recommend arriving one day earlier (Friday), as in case of any flight delays you will still have time to arrive on Saturday. In addition, this way you can rest and start the activities with more energy. The players' residence will not be operating until Saturday, which is the official start of the program.
Transportation from the airport to the city center is very convenient: the taxi fare is a flat rate of €33, payable by cash or card. As an alternative, Uber or Cabify cost approximately €20–30, with a driving time of 20–25 minutes. Public transportation (subway or bus) is also available and takes about 40 minutes to reach the city center.
We will inform you later about the specific check-in time at the Generator residence. The guidebook will be sent 10 days before the start of the event.
Avanza Sports will only provide transportation from Madrid - Barajas Airport (MAD), terminal 1 and 4 (for those arriving in Terminal 2 and 3 you should walk in the corridor to terminal 1). Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas in the only international and commercial flight in Madrid.
Avanza Sports staff will be waiting just outside the arrivals area at the Madrid - Barajas airport at terminal 1 and terminal 4 on the first day of the program.
We will send all the details to your email and WhatsApp groups one day before the start date of the experience.
Avanza will provide 2 or 3 shuttle times based on the departure flight time of the players attending the Madrid Experience. The shuttle times will be announced during the experience week.
If you are not interested, transportation to the airport from the city center is also very convenient: the taxi fare is a flat rate of €33, payable by cash or card. As an alternative, Uber or Cabify cost approximately €20–30, with a driving time of 20-25 minutes. Public transportation (subway or bus) is also available and takes about 40 minutes to reach the airport.
Check-out is at 9:30 AM. Transfers to the airport will be scheduled based on the departure times of the players attending the Madrid Experience.
Shuttle times will be announced during the program week and are available only for players and Family Package holders.
Yes, the Opening Ceremony is usually conducted on the arrival day. Also depending on the final schedule other activities might be conducted as well
The arrival of the players must be on Saturday between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the airport (Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas) so you can take our transfers. Please note that it takes 1 hour to go through customs and pick up luggage.
No, it is strictly prohibited for families to stay in the players’ residence.
Family members may see the common areas during the check-in of the experience, but they are not authorized to access the floors and/or rooms due to our policy and the hotel’s policy.
Yes, families are free to stay in any accommodation they prefer. Please remember that the Generator Hotel, which is the players’ residence, is not permitted for families.
The Family Package (this package is per person) is a tailor-made package for families to enjoy the same activities as the players and to enjoy them together as a family. The package includes the following activities:
- Access to 1 training session of your son/daughter with the Real Madrid Foundation (to be defined).
- Tour of the RM's sports complex in Valdebebas
- Attend Avanza's training session.
- Attendance to the Avanza Football Jam
- Attendance to friendly matches
- Entrance to the New Bernabeu Tour Experience
- Entrance to the Cívitas Metropolitano Experience
- Entrance to the Legends Museum
- Entrance to the Football Emotion Store
- Tour of the historic district of Madrid
- Madrid Gastronomic Tour
- Welcome package
- Spanish farewell dinner
- Transportation to all activities
- 24/7 assistance
This is only applicable on the day parents are allowed to visit the Real Madrid facilities (Valdebebas), and access will only be granted to those who have purchased the Family Package. Additionally, on some days while the players are training in the morning, family members will participate in the scheduled tours.
For Family Packages, the schedule normally works as follows, although changes may occur:
Saturday – Arrival Day Players must arrive on Saturday between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport in order to take our transfers. Please note that going through customs and collecting luggage usually takes about 1 hour. (The transfer service is exclusively for players and Family Package holders). If you arrive outside this time frame or on earlier days, check-in will take place directly at the Generator Hotel (Players’ Residence), located at Calle San Bernardo 2, Madrid. The exact check-in time will be shared 10 days prior to the start of the event with the final guidebook. At approximately 2:00 PM, the Opening Ceremony will take place, during which we will explain the regulations, the program and address all family questions.
Sunday In the morning, the first training session will be conducted by Avanza coaches. In the afternoon, players will have scheduled activities, while families will have free time. Depending on the final schedule we might visit the Legends Museum, a museum dedicated to true football fans.
Monday Players will train at Valdebebas in the morning. In the afternoon, we might be doing the Madrid City Tour.
Tuesday Players will train at Valdebebas in the morning, while Family Package holders will take part in the Tapas Tour. In the afternoon, there will be a friendly match.
Wednesday Players will train at Valdebebas in the morning. Family Package holders will visit Valdebebas and later watch their children train. In the afternoon, we might be going to the Warner Bros Anthem Park.
Thursday Players will train at Valdebebas in the morning while families will have free time. In the afternoon, we will play the last friendly match. Also, we’ll visit the Football Emotion Store, the largest football store in Europe.
Friday Players will train at Valdebebas in the morning. Families will have free time and in the afternoon, there will be a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, followed by the farewell dinner.
Saturday There will be a friendly tournament (the Avanza Football Jam) involving all teams participating in the Madrid Experience. Afterward, we will visit the Atlético de Madrid Stadium.
Sunday – Family Day This is the only day when players are allowed to leave their team’s concentration to enjoy Madrid with their families, whether to have lunch outside or take part in other activities. Players traveling alone or those who prefer to stay with the staff may do so without any issue. We will organize some cultural activities and a meal outside, but there will be no football-related activities.
Monday – Departure Check-out before 9:30 AM. Please remember that Family Packages include all activities and transportation.
Saturday – Arrival Day Players must arrive on Saturday between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport in order to take our transfers. Please note that going through customs and collecting luggage usually takes about 1 hour. (The transfer service is exclusively for players and Family Package holders). If you arrive outside this time frame or on earlier days, check-in will take place directly at the Generator Hotel (Players’ Residence), located at Calle San Bernardo 2, Madrid. The exact check-in time will be shared 10 days prior to the start of the event with the final guidebook. At approximately 2:00 PM, the Opening Ceremony will take place, during which we will explain the regulations, the program and address all family questions.
Sunday In the morning, the first training session will be conducted by Avanza coaches. In the afternoon, players will have scheduled activities, while families will have free time. Depending on the final schedule we might visit the Legends Museum, a museum dedicated to true football fans.
Monday Players will train at Valdebebas in the morning. In the afternoon, we might be doing the Madrid City Tour.
Tuesday Players will train at Valdebebas in the morning, while Family Package holders will take part in the Tapas Tour. In the afternoon, there will be a friendly match.
Wednesday Players will train at Valdebebas in the morning. Family Package holders will visit Valdebebas and later watch their children train. In the afternoon, we might be going to the Warner Bros Anthem Park.
Thursday Players will train at Valdebebas in the morning while families will have free time. In the afternoon, we will play the last friendly match. Also, we’ll visit the Football Emotion Store, the largest football store in Europe.
Friday Players will train at Valdebebas in the morning. Families will have free time and in the afternoon, there will be a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, followed by the farewell dinner.
Saturday There will be a friendly tournament (the Avanza Football Jam) involving all teams participating in the Madrid Experience. Afterward, we will visit the Atlético de Madrid Stadium.
Sunday – Family Day This is the only day when players are allowed to leave their team’s concentration to enjoy Madrid with their families, whether to have lunch outside or take part in other activities. Players traveling alone or those who prefer to stay with the staff may do so without any issue. We will organize some cultural activities and a meal outside, but there will be no football-related activities.
Monday – Departure Check-out before 9:30 AM. Please remember that Family Packages include all activities and transportation.
If you are not interested in this package, you will only be able to watch the friendly matches as we have agreements with the clubs to make it open to the general public, the Avanza training and Avanza Football Jam, but you would have to book your own transportation. Please note that the Real Madrid practice at Ciudad Deportiva Real Madrid is only for family packages.
No. The activities are organized in groups of players and Family Package participants, and our providers do not offer these services for individual purchase.
Yes. If they have purchased the Family Package, they can join all activities with their children.
The activity not included in the players’ package is the gastronomic tapas tour, as this is held in the morning while the players are training and are reserved for Family Package participants.
You can add a Family Package during registration or afterward. We will inform you of the deadline for adding it, which is usually about a month and a half before the start of the program.
Yes. We will notify you of the deadline for adding a Family Package, which is typically about a month and a half before the program begins.
This is the only day when players are allowed to leave their team’s program to enjoy Madrid with their families, whether for dining out or participating in other activities.
Yes. This ceremony (or info session) is led by the program directors and covers the entire program, rules, procedures and provides an opportunity to answer any questions. This activity is open to all family members or companions, whether or not they have purchased the Family Package.
Yes, in Madrid it is common to walk quite a bit to get between activities and visit different points of interest. During the experience (whether visiting stadiums, attending friendly matches or on the city and tapas tours) participants will have to walk, although buses are often used to reach most activities.
Tapas Tour: This tour is 100% on foot, as it visits areas inaccessible to vehicles. You will stop at three restaurants to taste some samples of typical Spanish food.
City Tour: This is a combination of bus travel and walking, with short walking sections at two specific points in the city. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes to fully enjoy all activities.
Tapas Tour: This tour is 100% on foot, as it visits areas inaccessible to vehicles. You will stop at three restaurants to taste some samples of typical Spanish food.
City Tour: This is a combination of bus travel and walking, with short walking sections at two specific points in the city. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes to fully enjoy all activities.
Many activities involve walking and, in some cases, stairs. If you or any companion has limited mobility, please inform our team in advance.
This allows us to request special access, adapted transportation, and wheelchair-accessible buses, whenever possible. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can enjoy the experience as comfortably and safely as possible.
Yes, the experience offers optional add-ons. These typically include tourist excursions around Madrid.
All add-ons are completely optional and not required. They are designed to enhance the Madrid experience, giving families and players the opportunity to enjoy unique moments beyond the main sports program.
Families who have purchased the Family Package will participate in all activities with their children, including transportation to the facilities. In addition, we provide time before and after the friendly matches for families to spend some time together.
If you do not have the Family Package, there will still be time before and after the friendly matches to spend a little time with your child.
Visits to the hotel or going out for activities, including dining out, are strictly prohibited.
No, the players must stay with the team during the whole experience because for us it is very important the group cohesion and we believe it is a fundamental part of their development, for this reason we have introduced Family Day for them to do the activities you like the most.
This is completely optional and is their personal responsibility. We encourage the use of cards as opposed to cash, however if cash is preferred, we advise that you check the exchange rates.
No, due to internal and hotel policy, it is not allowed to bring food from inside the hotel. Children will have a menu tailored to their needs and tastes, all verified by our staff. As well we will have different snack options.
Yes, there will be Wi-Fi available at the hotel, although the staff will not be responsible for the devices. We’ve never had any issues in the past.
Please note that the use of electronics will be limited during the experience, but he will be able to contact you. You will also have the direct contact (number) for both the coach and the chaperone, available 24/7 for anything you might need.
Players may have a mobile device or tablet to communicate with their family. Wi-Fi is available at the residence. However, the staff may restrict or limit the use of electronic devices during activities. In case of any emergency, it is always faster and more reliable to contact the coach or chaperone, as they have access to the player’s phone 24/7.
A WhatsApp group will be activated one day before the program starts, where the staff will keep families informed about activities, schedules and any important updates.
Curfew and rules are enforced by our staff at all times to ensure a safe, respectful and positive environment for all children.
We place a strong emphasis on proper behavior, respect and zero tolerance for bullying. These expectations are clearly explained to the players from day one. If any issue arises, we speak directly with the children involved to address the situation, help them understand the impact of their actions and resolve it in a constructive way. If necessary, families are always informed about what is happening. Our priority is to guide and educate the players while maintaining open communication with parents.
At bedtime, staff members do room checks to make sure all players are in their rooms, asleep, and not using electronic devices. If needed, electronic devices may be temporarily collected during the night to ensure proper rest. Staff members remain on-site and alert throughout the night.
Our team is present, attentive and in constant communication with families 24/7, ensuring both the safety and well-being of every participant at all times.
Avanza Sports will ensure every food allergy is well taken care of and the player still receives a nutritious Mediterranean meal three times a day. It is very important that you provide the allergies or special needs of the player to Avanza Sports prior to the start of the program. We will send a very important Travel form that should be filled out on time so we can prepare everything for your arrival, normally we send this Travel Form two months before the start date of the Experience.
We offer a balanced and tailored menu, specifically designed for players and children. Below is a summary of our meal plan:
Breakfast includes:
Eggs
Cereal bar
Oatmeal
Fresh fruit
Milk, plant-based drinks and lactose-free milk
Pastries
Bread with ham, cheese, butter and jam
Tea
Lunch and dinner includes:
Unlimited salad bar (lettuce, tomato, carrot, olives, corn, eggs, tuna, etc.)
Main courses with two protein options (chicken, meat, fish, etc.) and carbohydrate options (rice and pasta)
Dessert, as well as yogurt and fruit
All meals are served buffet-style. For participants with specific dietary needs, we also offer special menus for allergies and particular diets, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Please make sure to inform us of any specific dietary requirements in the Travel Form (which will be sent around 2 months before the event) so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
Breakfast includes:
Eggs
Cereal bar
Oatmeal
Fresh fruit
Milk, plant-based drinks and lactose-free milk
Pastries
Bread with ham, cheese, butter and jam
Tea
Lunch and dinner includes:
Unlimited salad bar (lettuce, tomato, carrot, olives, corn, eggs, tuna, etc.)
Main courses with two protein options (chicken, meat, fish, etc.) and carbohydrate options (rice and pasta)
Dessert, as well as yogurt and fruit
All meals are served buffet-style. For participants with specific dietary needs, we also offer special menus for allergies and particular diets, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Please make sure to inform us of any specific dietary requirements in the Travel Form (which will be sent around 2 months before the event) so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
Yes, players will eat together as a team and be supervised by their staff at the player’s residence.
Yes, the players will have free time between the activities to rest and also to do homework. The coach and chaperone are responsible to help the players to do their school activities.
We have been working with the player's residence for more than 6 years, and we have never had any problem. The floors that will be for us, nobody but Avanza Sports Staff can access, as it needs a code card to open the doors and the elevators as well. There are video cameras in the halls, and the staff is making rounds 24/7 to check the players while resting and sleeping. Coaches' and chaperones' rooms are right next to the players' room, so they know where to go in case of an emergency.
The players will be roomed with their team players in a room of 4 or 8 people, with a maximum of one year of difference. This setup helps build team spirit and lasting friendships throughout the Experience.
Each player will receive an Adidas kit that includes:
One training kit (FRM jersey, shorts and socks)
One game kit (Avanza jersey, shorts and socks)
One hoodie
One shirt
One pair of pants
One jacket (can be a rain coat or a winter jacket depending the season)
One backpack
The staff will be responsible solely for washing these items. We recommend bringing all necessary clothing and personal items in a carry-on bag to avoid potential luggage loss by the airlines. We suggest packing sufficient underwear (socks and underwear), three outfits (as Avanza apparel will be worn for most of the experience), pyjamas, one pair of sneakers, flip-flops, and a toiletry bag with personal hygiene items. Additionally, players must bring their soccer cleats, shin guards, and any other items needed for playing and/or training, such as tape, compression wear, and similar accessories.
One training kit (FRM jersey, shorts and socks)
One game kit (Avanza jersey, shorts and socks)
One hoodie
One shirt
One pair of pants
One jacket (can be a rain coat or a winter jacket depending the season)
One backpack
The staff will be responsible solely for washing these items. We recommend bringing all necessary clothing and personal items in a carry-on bag to avoid potential luggage loss by the airlines. We suggest packing sufficient underwear (socks and underwear), three outfits (as Avanza apparel will be worn for most of the experience), pyjamas, one pair of sneakers, flip-flops, and a toiletry bag with personal hygiene items. Additionally, players must bring their soccer cleats, shin guards, and any other items needed for playing and/or training, such as tape, compression wear, and similar accessories.
Players will always wear the Avanza clothing provided for each activity.
We recommend packing enough underwear (socks and undergarments), three casual outfits (since Avanza clothing will be worn for most activities), pajamas, a pair of sneakers, sandals, and a toiletry bag with personal care items.
Additionally, children should bring their football shoes, shin guards, and any other equipment needed for training or playing, such as bandages, compression wear, or similar items.
All the players will get their uniforms washed at least two times during the week, both the training kits and the game kits.
The staff will be responsible solely for washing these items. We recommend bringing all necessary clothing and personal items in a carry-on bag to avoid potential luggage loss by the airlines.
Players will receive their uniforms and travel kits on arrival day.
Avanza Sports suggests players to bring their football equipment in a carry-on bag in order to avoid any delays if in the unfortunate event a bag gets lost during transit.
Avanza Sports is not responsible if a player loses an item of the clothing. Therefore we will not be able to supply any additional kit. You will be able to purchase extra gear if that happens.
The chaperones are qualified staff from Spain, bilingual and all of them have passed an official police background check in order to work with the players.
Families will receive the Guidebook 10 days before the program, which includes detailed information about the event. The guidebook introduces the team’s coach and chaperone, as well as the full team roster. On the players’ check-in day, you will meet your team’s staff in person, have the opportunity to talk with them, and ask any questions you may have.
Teams are made up of players born in the same year, with a maximum age difference of 12 months, to ensure a balanced competitive level. Each team has a head coach and a chaperone, who are responsible for both the players’ athletic development and their supervision, guidance, and well-being at all times.
Teams have a maximum of 12 players, which allows us to provide more personalized attention, ensure active participation for all players and maintain better organization both on and off the field.
The players have been invited to the Madrid Experience based on their performance during the camp, as well as the values and attitude they demonstrated throughout the summer camp.
Teams are made up of players born in the same year, with a maximum age difference of 12 months, to ensure a balanced competitive level. Each team has a head coach and a chaperone, who are responsible for both the players’ athletic development and their supervision, guidance, and well-being at all times.
Teams have a maximum of 12 players, which allows us to provide more personalized attention, ensure active participation for all players and maintain better organization both on and off the field.
The players have been invited to the Madrid Experience based on their performance during the camp, as well as the values and attitude they demonstrated throughout the summer camp.
The Official Real Madrid training sessions will be 1 hour and 30 minutes long. Real Madrid Foundation coaches will analyze and summarize all the concepts learnt at the end of each practice session.
The games will be played in turf grass, 7vs7 or 8vs8 and the matches will be 25 minutes per half (there will be 2 halfs)
These matches are designed this way because the players have been training at high intensity in the morning. In addition, these games focus on small-sided play and encourage a faster-paced style of play.
By the time you are in Madrid, most of the local teams are on holiday period, however we will try to organize 2 friendly games. If this is not possible, the team will be playing a friendly against another Avanza Team.
All details of the program are provided in the Guidebook, sent 10 days before the start of the experience. The guidebook includes the contact information for the coach and chaperone, the team roster, a detailed day-by-day schedule, activity locations, recommendations and more.
Unfortunately, we do not offer financial aid or scholarships. However, we can create a customized installment plan with additional payment dates to make the process smoother and more manageable. Please note that the full registration fee must be paid at least one month before the start of the Experience.
Yes. All players must have their own medical insurance coverage while traveling.
The organization provides sports insurance only, which covers the player during official activities, training sessions and games. However, this insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditions, common illnesses (such as flu or colds), or non-sport-related medical issues.
Additionally, this insurance does not cover flight delays, lost luggage or any travel-related incidents. We strongly recommend having comprehensive travel insurance to ensure full coverage during your trip.
The electricity supply in Spain is different than in the United States so we suggest you travel with an adaptor or converter type C.
The Supporter Package is an exclusive add-on designed for families who want to enjoy the experience in a more supportive and engaging way. The package includes an Avanza cap, as well as an exclusive Avanza supporter t-shirt and hoodie.
Below you will find our cancellation and modification policy. As you will see, the financial penalties vary depending on how far in advance the change or cancellation is communicated, increasing progressively as the event start date approaches. This is because we begin to incur expenses related to reservations, tickets, accommodations and other arrangements.
If you wish to modify your participation to an event in the following season, the following fees will apply (Please note that credits are valid for only one season):
-Change requested more than 60 days in advance:
$250.00 for the Player Package
$150.00 for each Family Package
-Change requested between 60 and 30 days in advance:
$500.00 for the Player Package
$250.00 for each Family Package
-Change requested less than 30 days in advance:
60% of the total price of the Player Package and each Family Package
*The fees listed above will be paid once the new event date for the following season is offered and participation is confirmed. In other words, they will be applied as a rollover fee. The client keeps the amount already paid at the time the credit is requested. To use this credit, the corresponding fee from one of the three scenarios listed above must be paid. Take into consideration that the price of the new season packages may be increased.
**If a player requests a change and has only paid the deposit ($250.00), a fee of $500.00 will apply in order to make the change and generate a credit of $750.00. Afterward, a $250.00 rollover fee will be applied, which must be paid once the new date is selected in order to unlock the available credit.
***If 60% of the package has not been paid, there is no option to transfer the registration and all money paid will be non-refundable.
****Keep in mind that prices from one season to the next might change, so additionally to the fees exposed above you would need to pay the difference between seasons.
If you wish to modify your participation to an event in the following season, the following fees will apply (Please note that credits are valid for only one season):
-Change requested more than 60 days in advance:
$250.00 for the Player Package
$150.00 for each Family Package
-Change requested between 60 and 30 days in advance:
$500.00 for the Player Package
$250.00 for each Family Package
-Change requested less than 30 days in advance:
60% of the total price of the Player Package and each Family Package
*The fees listed above will be paid once the new event date for the following season is offered and participation is confirmed. In other words, they will be applied as a rollover fee. The client keeps the amount already paid at the time the credit is requested. To use this credit, the corresponding fee from one of the three scenarios listed above must be paid. Take into consideration that the price of the new season packages may be increased.
**If a player requests a change and has only paid the deposit ($250.00), a fee of $500.00 will apply in order to make the change and generate a credit of $750.00. Afterward, a $250.00 rollover fee will be applied, which must be paid once the new date is selected in order to unlock the available credit.
***If 60% of the package has not been paid, there is no option to transfer the registration and all money paid will be non-refundable.
****Keep in mind that prices from one season to the next might change, so additionally to the fees exposed above you would need to pay the difference between seasons.
