Back by popular demand, Kuramathi Maldives – available exclusively through Kuoni in the UK - is thrilled to announce the return of Campioni Soccer Academy next Summer, a two-week celebration of sport, sunshine, and island spirit. Set against the turquoise backdrop of the Indian Ocean, Campioni transforms Kuramathi's pristine football pitch into a world-class training ground for aspiring young players aged 4 to 16 years. Welcoming one of England's best known and most loved football icons Stuart Pearce MBE, and Manchester United's treble-winning defender Wes Brown, each joined by UEFA 'A' licensed coach Adrian Whitbread, this year Campioni promises two unforgettable weeks of daily training sessions in paradise.

Week One: 27 July - 1 August 2026 | Led by Stuart Pearce MBE and Adrian Whitbread
Week Two: 3 - 8 August 2026 | Led by Wes Brown and Adrian Whitbread

The experience begins in true island style with a beachfront welcome reception where families meet the legends, collect their bespoke training kits, and toast to the week ahead. From Monday to Saturday, daily interactive and engaging training sessions under the expert guidance of the pros will see children not only practise fundamental skills but also learn the importance of teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship. With consistent personal advice throughout the sessions, this is a chance for boys and girls of all abilities to learn from the best in the game while creating unforgettable memories.

Parents can unwind across the resort knowing their children are safe, active, and inspired - or lace up their own boots for the Parents' Game midweek - a crowd favourite that turns the pitch into a playground for all ages.

“This year's Campioni Soccer Academy at Kuramathi was fantastic, and I can't wait to return in Summer 2026 to meet a new group of families. The work we get to do with Campioni is always inspiring, in every training session I see potential. Campioni isn't just about learning new football skills; it's about inspiring young minds to dream big and work hard!” Stuart Pearce MBE

“Seeing kids improve through the week of coaching is always what I enjoy most about Campioni. I can't wait to be at Kuramathi next Summer, the Maldives feels like the perfect destination for kids and families to have a great experience.” Wes Brown

During 2025's activation, local Maldivian Football Academies, Thoddoo and Rasdhoo joined the fun with a special training session with John Barnes MBE and Adrian Whitbread; 2026 will see Kuramathi and Campioni offer this experience again, bringing legendary experiences and education to young Maldivian players.

More than just a football camp, Campioni at Kuramathi is an experience like no other. It's where childhood dreams are shaped, goals are scored at dusk, and every moment is touched by the magic of the Maldives.

Kuramathi Maldives

Renowned Maldivian resort Kuramathi is a family's private paradise. Known for its snaking kilometre of white sandbank and tropical jungle which trails the length of the 1.8km island, Kuramathi is truly an island of choice for the whole family.  

Every one of Kuramathi's 12 villa categories opens onto sand or sea; palm‑fringed beach front hideaways and over‑water sanctuaries await.  Ideal for families or friends travelling together, the Two Bedroom Beach Houses have two storeys each featuring separate living spaces, with individual entrances. Both come with expansive bedrooms with king-sized beds, day beds and wooden sundeck, or balcony. These duplex villas are located at the top end of the island facing either the lagoon or reef, each accommodating 6 adults or 4 adults and 2 children.

Elsewhere, choose a Deluxe Beach Villa along the serene lagoon, or nestle under the island's lush gardens in a Beach Bungalow. Over water, the Deluxe Water Villa sits over Kuramathi's vast turquoise lagoon, featuring a freestanding bath and an expansive deck with steps leading directly into the ocean.. Those looking for a true luxe experience the Thundi Water Villas extend along the island's edge, offering sweeping views over the sandbank, while the Pool Villas provide the best of both worlds. 

Off the pitch, Kuramathi's Kid's Club, Bageecha is complimentary for children aged 3-12 years and features an indoor play area, reading corner, outside playground, barbeque area, two splash pads and a huge swimming pool. Children can enjoy indoor activities such as storytelling, face painting, karaoke, arts and crafts and coconut painting, whilst outside they can play with new friends at the whale seesaw, jungle gym, and sandpit. For the older children sports such as badminton, football, ping pong, baseball and basketball are on offer in Bageecha's grounds. Couples looking to enjoy a romantic meal can request extended opening hours, and the Bageecha crew will host little ones until midnight at extra charge. Babysitting for children under 3 is also available 24 hours a day.

Younger guests are invited to explore the island's environmental practices and can take part in activities such as eco-centre presentations (where they can get up close to some of the Indian Ocean's marine life), explore the hermit crab trail through the island's jungle, take part in tree planting, and visit the island's hydroponics gardens.

Adventures can uncover a world beyond the shoreline: dive into the kaleidoscopic house reef and discover dive sites with a host of marine life from grey reef sharks, turtles, manta-rays, eagle rays and more. Back on the surface there is a wide range of water sports including windsurfing, dinghy and catamaran where children aged 12 can take part in private lessons for an introduction to these unique sports. For experiences across the water, why not join a Snorkelling Safari, Turtle Discovery, Dolphin Discovery or the Semi-Submarine excursion for fun for the whole family.

Whilst little ones play in the afternoon, take a trip to experience Kuramathi's new Spa menu – blending Dhivehi Beys, ancient Maldivian wellbeing rituals, with natural essential oils from Aromatherapy Associates, guests are invited to rediscover harmony and restore balance alongside the water's edge.

As the sun sets, unwind at the Champagne Loft, or sip a cocktail by one of the pool bars overlooking the sparkling waters. For dinner, indulge with international cuisine at the buffet restaurant, or savour delectable feasts at one of the island's many speciality restaurants from signature The Reef, French Bistro La Belle Vie, enjoy a touch of theatre at the teppanyaki Kobe, or sample flavours from the East with Tandoor Mahal, and Thai at Siam Garden.

After, there is a breadth of evening entertainment across the island; nightlife in Kuramathi is abundant, whether you're watching the resident live band, dancing under the stars by the resident DJ, catching a movie on the beach or enjoying a glass of wine watching two-piece musician orchestrating there's something for everyone.

Whether your child dreams of lifting trophies or simply loves the game, Campioni at Kuramathi promises an unforgettable summer where sporting dreams meet barefoot paradise.

-Ends-

www.kuramathi.com | www.campioni.co.uk

See more here:  https://campioni.co.uk/football-holidays/maldives/kuramathi/

High-Res images available HERE

For more information, please contact Chloe Clark E: chloec@goodresults.co.uk, Kate Stafford E: kates@goodresults.co.uk, Sharon Good E: sharong@goodresults.co.uk

Factboxes: 27 July - 1 August 2026 with football legend Stuart Pearce MBE

Family of 4 from London Heathrow: Kuoni offer seven nights at Kuramathi Maldives (www.kuramathi.com) in a Two Bedroom Beach House on Full Board, including flights with Qatar Airways from London Heathrow and speedboat transfers in resort. The price for selected departures on 25th July 2026 based on two adults and two children under 12 years of age sharing is from £13,899 per family of 4. Includes five-day Campioni Soccer Academy (www.campioni.co.uk) for two children aged 4-16 years on 27th July – 1st August 2026 with football legend Stuart Pearce MBE. Includes a saving of up to 15% if booked before 31st January 2026.  For more information and to book visit www.kuoni.co.uk, call 0808 239 2913, pop into a Kuoni store or through travel agents.

Family of 4 from Manchester: Kuoni (www.kuoni.co.uk) offer seven nights at Kuramathi (www.kuramathi.com) in a Two Bedroom Beach House on Full Board, including flights with Qatar Airways from Manchester and speedboat transfers in resort. The price for selected departures on 25th July 2026 based on two adults and two children under 12 years of age sharing is from £14,199 per family of 4. Includes five-day Campioni Soccer Academy (www.campioni.co.uk) for two children aged 4-16 years on 27th July – 1st August 2026 with football legend Stuart Pearce MBE. Includes a saving of up to 15% if booked before 31st January 2026. For more information and to book visit www.kuoni.co.uk, call 0808 239 2913, pop into a Kuoni store or through travel agents.

Family of 3 from London Heathrow: Kuoni (www.kuoni.co.uk) offer seven nights at Kuramathi Maldives (www.kuramathi.com) in a Deluxe Beach Villa on Full Board, including flights with Qatar Airways from London Heathrow and speedboat transfers in resort. The price for selected departures on 25th July 2026 based on two adults and one child under 12 years of age sharing is from £9,399 per family of 3. Includes five-day Campioni Soccer Academy (www.campioni.co.uk) for one child aged 4-16 years on 27th July – 1st August 2026 with football legend Stuart Pearce MBE. Includes a saving of up to 15% if booked before 31st January 2026. For more information and to book visit www.kuoni.co.uk, call 0808 239 2913, pop into a Kuoni store or through travel agents.

Factboxes: 3rd – 8th August 2026 with Manchester United legend Wes Brown

Family of 4 from London Heathrow: Kuoni (www.kuoni.co.uk) offer seven nights at Kuramathi Maldives (www.kuramathi.com) in a Two Bedroom Beach House on Full Board, including flights with Qatar Airways from London Heathrow and speedboat transfers in resort. The price for selected departures on 1st August 2026 based on two adults and two children under 12 years of age sharing is from £13,199 per family of 4. Includes five-day Campioni Soccer Academy (www.campioni.co.uk) for two children aged 4-16 years on 3rd – 8th August 2026 with football legend Wes Brown. Includes a saving of up to 15% if booked before 31st January 2026. For more information and to book visit www.kuoni.co.uk, call 0808 239 2913, pop into a Kuoni store or through travel agents.

Family of 4 from Manchester: Kuoni (www.kuoni.co.uk) offer seven nights at Kuramathi Maldives (www.kuramathi.com) in a Two Bedroom Beach House on Full Board, including flights with Qatar Airways from Manchester and speedboat transfers in resort. The price for selected departures on 25th July 2026 based on two adults and two children under 12 years of age sharing is from £13,599 per family of 4. Includes five-day Campioni Soccer Academy (www.campioni.co.uk) for two children aged 4-16 years on 3rd – 8th August 2026 with football legend Wes Brown. Includes a saving of up to 15% if booked before 31st January 2026. For more information and to book visit www.kuoni.co.uk, call 0808 239 2913, pop into a Kuoni store or through travel agents.

Family of 3 from London Heathrow: Kuoni (www.kuoni.co.uk) offer seven nights at Kuramathi Maldives (www.kuramathi.com) in a Deluxe Beach Villa on Full Board, including flights with Qatar Airways from London Heathrow and speedboat transfers in resort. The price for selected departures on 1st August 2026 based on two adults and one child under 12 years of age sharing is from £9,799 per family of 3. Includes five-day Campioni Soccer Academy (www.campioni.co.uk) for one child aged 4-16 years on 3rd – 8th August 2026 with football legend Wes Brown. Includes a saving of up to 15% if booked before 31st January 2026. For more information and to book visit www.kuoni.co.uk, call 0808 239 2913, pop into a Kuoni store or through travel agents.

Notes to Editors

Campioni Soccer Academy | www.campioni.co.uk

More than just a football camp. Campioni was founded in 2016 to provide fun, entertaining, high quality, football holiday training for kids - Home and away. When you watch a coaching session, you see that the Campioni footballers aren't just trading on their names; their passion is football, and passing their skills & tactics onto the next generation is simply what they love to do.        

Campioni offers exclusive football training camps at some of the world's top luxury family resorts. These aren't just ordinary holiday destinations; they're a dream for kids who love football and for parents who love luxury! Sign your child up for two hours of daily coaching by former Premier League players and UEFA coaches. Enjoy family welcome drinks and a mid-week parents' game as added bonuses while your child receives first class coaching from football legends.

Kuramathi Maldives | www.kuramathi.com

Kuramathi Maldives is part of Universal Resorts and is proud to be one of the first properties to open in this archipelago nation. Situated in North Ari Atoll archipelago, the island is 1.8 km in length and tapers to a pristine stretch of white sandbank, lending a dramatic quality to the idyllic surroundings of turquoise lagoons, tropical jungle and flora. Catering to all budgets, 12 distinct choices of villas are on offer, ranging from the individual Beach Villas to the idyllic Water Villas with Pool. Dining options are diverse with many restaurants, bars and great-value all-inclusive packages, topped off with Maldivian service – welcoming, genuine and friendly. There is something for everyone on this paradisiacal haven that embodies the Maldives in a natural setting.

For more information regarding dining and meal plans, please visit:www.kuramathi.com/dining.html

For more information regarding Bageecha Kids Club, please visit:

www.kuramathi.com/kids-club.html

About Universal Resorts | www.universalresorts.com

For over half a century, Universal Resorts has curated unforgettable Maldivian stays, elevating the experiences of discerning travellers while championing the vibrant local community. As a family-owned enterprise with a deep-rooted passion for the Maldives, it aims to continually redefine the standards of travel in this extraordinary destination.

Universal Resorts' portfolio of eight distinctly natural-island resorts caters to every desire, from relaxed luxury to adventurous escapes. The dedicated team ensures seamless service and flawless execution, so guests experience the Maldives as it should be.

About Kuoni | www.kuoni.co.uk

Kuoni Travel UK is part of DERTOUR UK, one of Europe's leading travel groups. Kuoni has continued to set the pace in premium worldwide travel in the UK market for almost 60 years and is regularly voted one of the best holiday companies in the country by readers of national newspapers and travel industry titles as well as being a Which? Recommended Provider. Kuoni are experts in their travellers' needs and craft holidays and honeymoons, with flair, to more than 90 destinations around the world. Their knowledgeable, enthusiastic, friendly and passion filled team understand what it takes to deliver unforgettable holiday experiences. Kuoni has a retail network of 25 stores across the UK and can be found on premium high streets and in selected John Lewis department stores. Each store is unique in design and showcases Kuoni's Personal Travel Experts and personalised customer service. Kuoni holidays are also available to book at kuoni.co.uk, by calling our team of destination experts, or through travel agents.