Training in summer without risks: how we care for the health and development of the football player

When the school season ends and holidays begin, thousands of young footballers use the summer to improve their level. However, high temperatures, changes in routine, and increased physical load can make this period delicate if not managed properly. Training in summer is not just about working more, but about working better, with safety and a comprehensive focus on the player’s health.

At SIA Academy we understand this time as a unique opportunity to grow without putting physical or mental well-being at risk. That is why our summer camp 2026 —which will take place from June 22 to August 15— is designed to balance performance, prevention, and personal development. Our goal is not only to form better footballers, but better athletes for the long term.

The real risks of training in summer

The intense heat typical of summer can cause dehydration, heat stroke, premature fatigue, and a higher risk of muscle injuries. In addition, young players often sleep worse, change their eating habits, and spend more time outdoors, all of which directly affects performance.

Training without control can even be counterproductive for the player’s development. The accumulation of fatigue reduces the capacity for technical learning and increases the likelihood of overload. Therefore, planning must adapt to the climatic conditions typical of summer.

In our methodology, we prioritize sessions during hours of lower sun exposure, incorporate mandatory hydration breaks, and monitor the intensity of each exercise. Prevention is not a complement: it is the foundation of training.

Progressive adaptation and load management

One of the most common mistakes is going from moderate activity to intensive training in just a few days. The body needs time to adapt gradually to heat and workload.

At our campus, we structure the first days with moderate and progressive loads. We assess each player’s initial physical condition to personalize the effort. Not all footballers respond equally to heat or training, and that individualization makes the difference.

The academy’s sporting director, Frederico Pereira, summarizes it this way:

“Talent only develops when the body is prepared to withstand the demand. In summer we must be even more intelligent than intense.”

This philosophy allows us to maintain a high level of training throughout the entire summer without compromising health.

Hydration, nutrition, and rest: the invisible triangle

Performance in summer does not depend only on what happens on the field. Proper hydration, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest are decisive factors.

A dehydrated player can lose precision, reaction speed, and decision-making capacity. For this reason, during summer we insist on hydration protocols before, during, and after every session.

We also pay special attention to nutrition. In summer, young people often consume more soft drinks or low-nutrient foods. Our staff guides players so they maintain a diet that supports recovery and growth.

Rest is another pillar. High nighttime temperatures can affect sleep quality, so we adjust schedules and avoid excessive loads on consecutive days. Sleeping well is just as important as training well.

Comprehensive development beyond the physical

Summer is also an ideal time to work on tactical, technical, and psychological aspects that often take a back seat during the season. With less competitive pressure, players can experiment, learn, and consolidate fundamentals.

At SIA Academy we take advantage of this time to strengthen game intelligence, decision-making, and confidence. A footballer’s growth is not measured only in power or speed, but in understanding of the game.

Frederico Pereira expresses it clearly:

“Summer is the perfect laboratory to form complete players. This is where the foundations are built that later make the difference in competition.”

We also promote international coexistence, cultural learning, and sporting values. Summer thus becomes a global formative experience, not just a training period.

Medical safety and professional supervision

Another fundamental aspect of training safely is having specialized supervision. Our campus has qualified staff constantly monitoring players’ condition.

Early detection of signs of fatigue or overheating allows action before an injury appears. We adjust sessions, modify exercises, or even suspend activities if summer conditions require it.

A moment to grow without risks

This time of the year should not be seen as a pause in development, but as a strategic stage. With proper planning, it can become the period of greatest progress of the year.

At our summer camp 2026 we aim precisely for that: that each player returns home more prepared, more mature, and above all healthy. The true success of summer training is starting the new season in better condition than when the previous one ended.

When health, science, and passion combine, summer stops being a risk and becomes a competitive advantage. That is the commitment with which we work every day to form the footballers of the future.

La entrada Training in summer without risks: how we care for the health and development of the football player se publicó primero en International Football Academy Soccer Interaction in Spain - Academia de fútbol.