What to pack for a soccer stay in Spain

A lost suitcase can be recovered. Lost documents make the whole trip harder. All of this goes in your backpack or hand luggage:

• A valid passport and, if needed for the player's nationality and length of stay, a visa.
• The medical insurance card or policy covering treatment in Spain.
• Copies of the passport and insurance, on paper and on your phone.
• Medical reports for any injury, allergy or treatment, ideally in English or Spanish.
• The plane tickets, which you also send us on the registration form.
• If the player is under 18 and travelling alone, the documents required by the airline and the authorities of their country. Check this well in advance.

Boots

Two pairs, already worn in: breaking in new boots in the first week is the quickest way to get blisters. The pitches at Patacona CF Academy are artificial grass, so at least one pair should be suitable for it (AG or multi-stud).

Trainers

A pair of sports shoes for the gym, recovery and days off the pitch.

Shin pads

Compulsory in matches and recommended in training.

Socks

Several pairs of football and sports socks: they're the first thing to wear out.

Training clothes

Technical T-shirts, shorts, leggings or tracksuit bottoms for winter, a sweatshirt and a rain jacket. You give us the kit size on the registration form.

For goalkeepers

Two pairs of gloves (one for training and one for matches) and, if they use them, padded clothes. There's more in our guide what goalkeeper training covers.

Every day

A small backpack for training and a reusable water bottle.

Valencia has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine. The rule is simple: dress in layers, because the difference between midday and night can be big.

Summer (June to September)

Heat and humidity, with highs often above 30 °C. Light clothes, a cap, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and flip-flops for the shower and the pool.

Autumn and spring

Mild temperatures and cool mornings. T-shirts, a sweatshirt or two and a rain jacket: there can be heavy storms in autumn, although it rains on few days a year.

Winter (December to February)

Mild days, around 15 °C, but cold mornings and evenings, sometimes below 8 °C. A light coat, sweatshirts, tracksuit bottoms and some long-sleeved training tops.

There's no need for a different outfit every day: the residence has a laundry. Clothes for a week or ten days are enough, even for long stays.

• Regular medication for the whole stay, in its original packaging and with the prescription or medical report. It goes in your hand luggage.
• Spare glasses or contact lenses, if needed.
• Toiletries: toothbrush and toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, sunscreen and lip balm.
• For your feet: blister plasters and anti-chafing cream.
• Allergies, intolerances or special diets go on the registration form. Only Global Football Total staff can see that information.

• Plugs: Spain uses type C and F sockets at 230 V. If your country uses different ones (for example the United States, Mexico or Central America), bring an adapter. Almost all phone chargers accept 230 V, but it's worth checking.
• Phone and charger, and a way to get mobile data: a Spanish SIM or eSIM, or roaming from your provider.
• Money: Spain uses the euro. A debit card and some cash are enough for personal spending.
• A small padlock for the suitcase.

• A different outfit for every day: with the laundry, you don't need it.
• Brand-new boots as your only pair.
• Valuables you won't use.
• Fresh food such as meat, cured meats or dairy: they can't be brought into the European Union from outside it.

To tick off as you pack:

• Passport (and visa, if needed)
• Medical insurance covering Spain
• Copies of documents
• Medication and medical reports
• Two pairs of worn-in boots
• Shin pads
• Football socks
• Training clothes for a week
• Trainers
• Sweatshirt and rain jacket
• Flip-flops
• Sunscreen and cap
• Toiletries
• Phone, charger and adapter
• Debit card and some cash
• Small backpack and water bottle