Young football fans aged 5 to 13 can train with the former England striker while families enjoy a four-day island getaway at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort.

For football-loving families planning an October getaway, this might be one holiday worth putting on the radar.

Former England striker and 2001 Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen is returning to Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort for the third edition of his Kids’ Football Camp, happening from 14 to 17 October 2026.

 

Set on Fares Island in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll, the four-day experience combines football coaching for children with plenty of activities for the rest of the family, making it as much a family holiday as it is a sports camp.

 

 

Train With a Football Legend

Open to children aged 5 to 13 of all abilities, the football camp gives young guests the opportunity to train directly with Michael Owen through three 90-minute coaching sessions.

 

The sessions will cover age-appropriate football fundamentals including first touch, passing, overloads, dribbling and ball mastery before progressing to team challenges and matches.

 

For children who are already football fans, getting tips directly from a former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and England player is likely to be a highlight.

 

And for younger players who are still building their confidence on the pitch, the camp is designed to focus on participation, learning and having fun rather than competitive performance alone.

 

The programme kicks off with Stories with a Legend, an informal session where Michael will share stories from his football career and give young fans a glimpse into life beyond the pitch.

 

He will also spend time with families throughout the programme, which concludes with a farewell party featuring live music, a Q&A session and shirt signing. Every participating child will receive a medal, certificate and official football kit.

 

 

There’s Plenty for the Rest of the Family Too

While football may be the main attraction, the programme has been planned with the whole family in mind.

 

Parents and children can take part in activities including beach Olympics, mocktail mixology, a themed movie night and a pool party. Families can also head out on a sunset fishing trip or explore the resort’s wider selection of diving, water sports and island activities.

 

Younger children who are not participating in the football camp can spend time at AvaniKids, while older children have access to the resort’s Teens Club and dedicated activities.

 

There is even a restaurant created specifically for younger diners. Petit Bistro, Avani+ Fares Maldives’ kids-only restaurant, gives children their own space to enjoy mealtimes during the holiday.

 

 

An Island Playground for Families

Avani+ Fares Maldives sits within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, offering families the chance to experience the Maldives beyond the swimming pool.

 

Guests can snorkel along the island’s house reef, explore the surrounding waters or simply enjoy some downtime on the beach between activities.

 

Accommodation options are available for families of different sizes, including interconnecting Pavilion rooms, Beach Pool Villas and over-water villas.

 

Larger families can opt for the resort’s two and three-bedroom Over Water Pool Residences, which come with private pools and larger shared living spaces.

 

For parents travelling with children, the variety of accommodation can also make it easier to choose between having everyone together in one larger space or opting for interconnecting rooms with a little more privacy.

 

 

How Much Does It Cost?

The resort’s Island Family Adventures offer starts from USD 688 per night for two adults and one child sharing a Premium Beachfront Room on a Half Board basis.

 

The Michael Owen Kids’ Football Camp is complimentary for resort guests staying during the event, although participating children will need to be registered for the programme.

 

The camp takes place from 14 to 17 October 2026 at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort.

 

Families interested in combining their next island holiday with a rather memorable few days of football can visit Avani+ Fares Maldives, email reservations.fares@avanihotels.com or call +960 660 1660 for the full programme and booking details.