Navigating London's Summer Camps for a 10-Year-Old: A Focus on Soccer and Science Programs (Summer 2025)

I. Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive guide for parents seeking summer camp options in London for their 10-year-old sons, specifically focusing on programs that cater to interests in soccer and science. The objective is to synthesize available information on program offerings, dates, costs, and key features to facilitate informed decision-making for Summer 2025. When selecting a summer camp, parents often weigh several factors beyond just the core activities. These include ensuring the camp aligns with the child’s developmental stage, offers a safe and supportive environment, provides flexible scheduling options, and represents good value. This report addresses these practical considerations alongside program specifics.

A significant observation emerges when a child exhibits strong, yet distinct, interests such as soccer and science. Camps typically specialize intensely in one area, for example, the Chelsea FC Soccer Camps for football enthusiasts or Little House of Science for dedicated STEM exploration. Alternatively, some providers offer broader multi-activity programs. It can be challenging to find a single camp that delivers both high-level, dedicated soccer training and in-depth, structured science education simultaneously. This situation highlights a common parental challenge when a child has diverse, strong interests that do not neatly fit into a single specialized program. The available information suggests that parents may need to prioritize one interest, seek a multi-activity camp that offers specialist streams in both, or consider a “mix-and-match” approach across different camps to fully engage their child’s passions. This report will present options for both dedicated interests and multi-activity camps, explicitly discussing how well each addresses both interests, and potentially suggesting a hybrid approach to maximize the child’s engagement in both passions.

II. Dedicated Soccer Camps for 10-Year-Olds

This section details camps exclusively focused on soccer, providing an in-depth look at their offerings, particularly for a 10-year-old.

A. Chelsea FC Soccer Camps (Nike Football Camps)

The Chelsea FC Soccer Camps, operated by Nike Football Camps, offer an intensive football training experience designed for players to “live and train like soccer professionals with world class coaching from Chelsea FC Development Team”. For a 10-year-old, the “Development Camp” is the most suitable age group, specifically catering to boys aged 10-13. This indicates a highly structured, skill-focused environment aimed at developing young talent.

The Bradfield College location is confirmed to host the Development Boys (10-13) camp for several weekly sessions in Summer 2025. Available dates include: June 30 – July 6, July 7 – July 13, July 14 – July 20, July 21 – July 27, July 28 – August 3, August 4 – August 10, and August 11 – August 17. Camp check-in is on Monday morning and check-out on Sunday morning, allowing for a full-week, immersive experience.

These camps are exclusively “Overnight Camps Only,” meaning there are no day camp options available. The cost is $2,895 for a 7-day/6-night session (Monday – Sunday). This comprehensive price includes up to 24 hours per week of soccer coaching and games, up to 8 hours per week of soccer workshops, full-board accommodation, a dedicated training day at Chelsea FC’s Cobham training center, an excursion to Stamford Bridge stadium (or three excursions for two-week stays), an exclusive Nike/Chelsea FC kit pack, individual coaching review, and 24/7 on-site welfare support. It is important for UK parents to note that pricing is in US dollars, which will require currency conversion.

Beyond daily on-site coaching sessions with Chelsea FC Football Development coaches, players gain unique access to Chelsea FC’s training center in Cobham for one day per week and a tour of Stamford Bridge stadium. Evening matches against local opposition are organized, providing real game experience. The program also integrates “new educational workshops” on pertinent topics such as nutrition and diversity, aiming for holistic character and skill development. These camps are offered through SuperCamps, which boasts an “Exceptional” rating of 4.8/5 based on 1,893 reviews. Specific feedback for Chelsea FC camps highlights positive experiences, with one parent mentioning that a Chelsea coach inquired if their child would like to join Chelsea training through SuperCamps. Parents generally commend the “great club, friendly staff” and the overall enjoyment their children experience.

B. Powerleague Kids Football Camps

Powerleague offers “all-year-round football holiday camps for kids aged 5-12”. These camps are designed to keep youth “engaged, active, and improving their football skills” through a combination of “fun football games, skill challenges, and teamwork activities”. Camps are available “every school holiday” , including summer. The pricing is positioned as affordable, starting “from just £15 per day”. A “summer pass” is available, offering “up to 25% savings”. It is noted that prices and times can vary by location, and booking 5 days might offer a discount (e.g., pay for 4 days) at selected clubs.

The camps primarily feature skill-building exercises, team games, and fun challenges. All sessions are led by “Certified FA Coaches” who are “DBS-certified,” ensuring a safe and well-supervised environment. For convenience, optional meal deals (breakfast and lunch) and flexible add-ons like early drop-off and late pick-up are available. An awards ceremony is held at the end of the camp to celebrate achievements and new friendships. Powerleague operates numerous day camps across London, including locations like Barnet, Shoreditch, and Vauxhall. While general summer availability is stated, specific 2025 dates and precise costs for individual London locations are not detailed in the provided information. Parents are advised that registration can be completed online or by contacting the camp directly, likely requiring selection of a specific location on their website. Powerleague receives positive feedback from parents. Testimonials highlight the camps as “Very good! Nicely cooked food and well arranged! The staff are very friendly and engaging with the kids!”. Another parent noted the flexibility and how their son “was able to play with much older children as the coaches were quick to spot his ability”. The camps are generally praised for keeping children “active, entertained, and well-cared for”.

Comparing Chelsea FC Soccer Camps and Powerleague reveals a significant difference in their value proposition. Chelsea FC offers a premium, immersive, overnight experience with direct affiliation to a major football club, including access to their training facilities, at a high cost ($2,895/week). Powerleague, conversely, provides a more accessible, flexible day camp option starting from £15/day , focusing on general skill development and enjoyment. This creates a clear choice for parents: a higher investment for a potentially elite and deeply immersive experience versus a more budget-friendly and flexible option for general enjoyment and skill-building. Parents must weigh their budget against their child’s current soccer aspirations and their preference for a day-only versus an overnight program.

While primarily focused on physical activity and skill development, the Chelsea FC Soccer Camps explicitly mention the inclusion of “new educational workshops” on topics such as “nutrition and diversity”. This suggests a broader developmental approach that extends beyond just athletic prowess, incorporating elements of health, social awareness, and character building. This additional educational aspect can appeal to parents who desire more than just physical activity from a sports camp. It also subtly connects to the “science” interest, albeit not in a traditional STEM sense, by addressing topics like nutrition which have scientific underpinnings.

Table 1: Overview of Dedicated Soccer Camp Options for 10-Year-Olds

III. Dedicated Science & STEM Camps for 10-Year-Olds

This section focuses on camps that provide specialized programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

A. Richer Education STEM Summer Camps

Richer Education offers camps teaching “Science, STEAM & More,” emphasizing the importance of “well-rounded education for children to develop essential skills for life” by going “beyond the curriculum”. Their face-to-face camps for children aged 9-14 run from 9:15 am to 3:15 pm. The program welcomes “All levels of knowledge,” suggesting an inclusive and adaptable learning environment. Summer 2025 camps are scheduled to run for an extended period, from Monday, June 30, 2025, until Friday, August 29, 2025. The primary location for these face-to-face camps is More House School in Knightsbridge, London.

The cost for a summer camp session is £650. Richer Education offers specific summer camp programs including “Advanced Science Summer Camps” and “Coding & Robotics Summer Camps”. While “Advanced Science” is a broad category, the explicit mention of “Coding & Robotics” indicates a practical, hands-on approach to technology and engineering. They also list “Debating & Public Speaking Summer Camps,” which, while positioned alongside STEM, are more focused on communication skills rather than core scientific disciplines. Richer Education highlights its commitment to fostering “problem-solving skills, teamwork and resilience” and motivating children to “think critically, beyond the school curriculum”. Parent testimonials include positive remarks such as “It was an amazing experience for my young daughter to get a taste of science world” and “My son had a great time: full of knowledge, experiments and good experience…”. The classes are praised for being “perfectly balanced so as to complement and enrich the school curriculum” and ensuring children are “engaged but that they also enjoy the learning experience”.

B. Little House of Science Camps

Little House of Science aims to “Unleash Your Child’s Inner Scientist” through “creative science camps and classes that ignite curiosity and spark a lifelong love of learning”. They annually teach over 10,000 children. Camps are available for children aged 4-13 years, with participants grouped into age-adjusted categories of 4-7 and 8-13 years to ensure activities are tailored to developmental needs. The camps emphasize “hands-on experiments and engaging activities” where children “construct and engage with projects involving robots, rockets, and other scientific concepts”.

Science camps are offered during school holidays, including Summer 2025. While specific overall dates for Summer 2025 are not in the primary information, a highly detailed 8-week itinerary for Summer 2025 is provided, running from Monday, July 7 to Friday, August 29, 2025. Each week features a distinct and in-depth scientific theme, offering a broad and deep exploration of various subjects:

• Week 1: The Physics LAB: Newton, Volta, Einstein and Quantum Physics
• Week 2: The Wonderful World of Chemistry
• Week 3: The World of Engineers: Structures of Innovations
• Week 4: Exploring the Science of Biomes: From Arid Sands to Mountain Summits
• Week 5: Junior Medical Explorers: Discovering the World of Medicine
• Week 6: From Watts to Waves: A Journey Through the Science of Energy
• Week 7: The History of Science of Ancient Civilisations
• Week 8: The Biology LAB: Exploring How Living Things Work
  <br/>This comprehensive thematic approach allows for focused and progressive learning within specific scientific disciplines, appealing to a child who is genuinely “into science.”

Specific costs for Summer 2025 are not explicitly provided in the available information, requiring direct inquiry. However, it is stated that “Siblings and friends discounts will be applied”. Camps can be booked daily or weekly at various London locations, including Chelsea, Hampstead, and Kensington, with specific venues like MPW London and Marlborough Primary School mentioned. Daily camp hours are 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with optional early drop-off from 8:30 AM and late pick-up options available. A low 1-6 presenter to child ratio is maintained. Little House of Science consistently receives overwhelmingly positive reviews. Parents note that their children were “blown away!” and “asked to stay longer”. Instructors are highly praised for being “brilliant” and having “a real talent for making complex topics fun and understandable” , and for creating “engaging, fun ways to teach science”. The hands-on experiments are described as a “huge hit” , and parents observe that their children “always learn something new”. The camp’s emphasis on “interdisciplinary learning,” integrating knowledge from physics, biology, chemistry, geology, history of science, and art, is highlighted as a key differentiator for deeper understanding.

Richer Education offers “Advanced Science” and “Coding & Robotics” as broad categories for its STEM camps. In contrast, Little House of Science provides an exceptionally detailed 8-week itinerary for Summer 2025, dedicating entire weeks to specific, in-depth scientific disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and even the History of Science. This difference suggests that Little House of Science offers a much deeper, more specialized exploration into individual scientific subjects compared to Richer Education’s broader STEM approach. For a child who is genuinely “into science” and seeks in-depth learning in specific areas, Little House of Science’s thematic structure might be significantly more appealing. Parents can select weeks that align precisely with their child’s specific scientific curiosities. Richer Education might be more suitable for a general STEM introduction or if robotics is a primary interest.

The explicit, week-by-week thematic breakdown provided by Little House of Science indicates a highly structured and pedagogically sound curriculum. This level of detail allows parents to understand precisely what their child will be learning and how the content progresses, offering transparency and confidence in the educational value. Furthermore, Little House of Science explicitly states its belief in “interdisciplinary learning” by integrating knowledge from various scientific fields, history, and even art. This approach suggests a richer, more connected understanding of scientific concepts beyond isolated facts. This structured and interdisciplinary approach can be a significant selling point for parents who prioritize academic enrichment and a holistic understanding of science. It suggests a commitment to deeper learning outcomes rather than just entertaining activities, aligning with the needs of a curious and science-oriented child.

Table 2: Overview of Dedicated Science/STEM Camp Options for 10-Year-Olds

IV. Multi-Activity Camps with Soccer and Science Options

This section explores camps that offer a wider range of activities, including options for both soccer and science, which might be suitable for a child with diverse interests.

A. SuperCamps

SuperCamps is an Ofsted-registered provider offering both “Multi-Activity camps” for children aged 4-14 and “Specialist Courses” for children aged 6-14. For a 10-year-old, both multi-activity and specialist course options are suitable. SuperCamps emphasizes “child-led learning” and aims to “complement term-time education” by supporting learning development goals through engaging activities.

SuperCamps explicitly offers “Mad Science®” and “Chelsea FC Camps” as specialist courses. The Chelsea FC Camps are a 5-day course designed for ages 6-11, featuring elite coaching and educational workshops. “Mad Science®” courses are available at several London venues, including Kensington Prep School, Notting Hill and Ealing High School, Putney High School, and St James Preparatory School. This direct offering of specialist courses in both soccer and science makes SuperCamps a strong contender for a child with dual interests.

The camp structure offers significant flexibility, allowing for booking as “individual days or a week at a time” for Multi-Activity camps, with extended hour options. Crucially, the information suggests that “Every Specialist Course venue also runs Multi-Activity”. This implies that a child could potentially attend a week of “Mad Science” and a separate week of “Chelsea FC Camps” if dates align, or combine specialist course days with general multi-activity days, offering a tailored experience for diverse interests. Multi-Activity camps in London are priced from £54.00-£55.00 per day. Specific 2025 dates and costs for specialist courses are not explicitly provided in the available information, indicating that direct inquiry or website navigation would be necessary. London venues offering these programs include Kensington Prep School, Putney High School, Notting Hill and Ealing High School, Queen’s College Preparatory School, St James Preparatory School, and Wimbledon High School. SuperCamps holds an “Exceptional” rating of 4.8/5. Parents praise the “good variety of activities including art and sport” and note that children “feel safe and always come back having had a good day”. Staff are described as “incredible, caring and accommodating”. The camps are valued as a “convenient, flexible childcare option”.

B. Camp Beaumont

Camp Beaumont, with over 45 years of experience in childcare, offers “multi-activity day camp programmes with over 50 exciting activities”. For a 10-year-old, the “8 to 11 years” age group, referred to as the “Active” program, is specifically tailored , promising “even more creative sessions and sports activities”. Camp Beaumont is Ofsted registered and rated excellent on Trustpilot.

The camps boast “over 50 exciting activities for all sporty, creative or imaginative camp-goers”. Activities mentioned include a wide array of sports such as archery, tennis, hockey, frisbee, and trampolining, as well as arts and crafts, parachute games, and inflatables. While not explicitly listing “science” as a dedicated stream, the inclusion of “more visits from creepy crawlies thanks to our partners at Zoolab” and “fantastic Quidditch games from Enrich Education” suggests elements that could appeal to a science-interested child, though these are more exploratory or themed rather than structured STEM education.

A “Summer Flash Sale” offers competitive pricing at £45 per day or £40 per day if booking a full week. General day camp pricing is £53 per day. Camp Beaumont emphasizes flexible payment options and accepts tax-free childcare vouchers. They operate “day camps located across London and beyond”. However, specific 2025 summer dates and precise prices are not available in the provided information, necessitating direct contact or website consultation for the most current information. Camp Beaumont is “much-loved by parents” and holds an excellent rating on Trustpilot. Reviews consistently highlight the “fun, fun, fun” aspect, the opportunities to make “new friends,” and the flexibility of booking. Parents appreciate the “wide range of activities” and commend the staff as “brilliant: enthusiastic, kind and engaged”. The camps are seen as a great way to “learn new skills” and combat “boredom” during holidays.

For a child with dual interests like soccer and science, multi-activity camps like SuperCamps and Camp Beaumont offer a broad array of engagements. SuperCamps, however, distinguishes itself by offering specific specialist courses in both soccer (Chelsea FC Camps) and science (Mad Science®). This allows for more focused and potentially deeper engagement within a broader multi-activity framework. Camp Beaumont, while offering a wide variety of activities, has less explicit, dedicated “science” streams, leaning more towards general creative and sports activities. If the parent seeks a balance between interests and the child is not yet ready to commit to a single, intensive focus, SuperCamps’ specialist course model offers a compelling solution for focused engagement in both areas. Camp Beaumont is a strong choice for general engagement, fun, and a wide variety of activities, but may not satisfy a deep interest in structured science as effectively.

The term “science” can be interpreted broadly in multi-activity camps. While SuperCamps explicitly offers “Mad Science®” as a dedicated specialist course , suggesting a structured scientific curriculum, Camp Beaumont’s “science” elements appear more integrated into general activities, such as “creepy crawlies thanks to our partners at Zoolab”. This indicates a significant difference in the depth and structure of scientific education provided. Parents should clarify the nature, frequency, and educational depth of “science” activities in multi-activity camps to ensure they meet their child’s specific interest level, especially if the child is truly “into science” beyond casual exploration. SuperCamps’ “Mad Science®” course likely provides a more structured and dedicated scientific learning experience.

Table 3: Multi-Activity Camps with Relevant Interests for 10-Year-Olds

V. Comparative Analysis and Key Considerations for Parents

This section synthesizes the information, drawing direct comparisons and offering actionable advice.

A. Balancing Interests: How Different Camps Cater to Both Soccer and Science

For a child with strong, singular passions, dedicated camps like Chelsea FC Soccer Camps offer unparalleled depth and immersion in football, while Little House of Science provides a highly structured, week-by-week exploration of various scientific disciplines. These are ideal if the parent wishes to prioritize one interest for a concentrated period.

Multi-activity camps offer a wider range of engagements for a child with diverse interests. SuperCamps presents a unique hybrid model, offering both general multi-activity programs and specific “Specialist Courses” in “Chelsea FC Camps” and “Mad Science®”. This allows parents to potentially combine a week of intensive football with a week of dedicated science, or integrate specialist days into a broader multi-activity schedule. Camp Beaumont offers a very wide array of general activities (50+) , including sports, but its science component appears less structured and dedicated compared to SuperCamps’ “Mad Science” or the specialized science camps.

Given the distinct nature of soccer (physical, team-based, skill-focused) and science (intellectual, experimental, analytical), it is inherently challenging to find a single camp that excels at both at a deep, specialized level. The analysis suggests that the most effective strategy for a child with strong interests in both might not be a single combined camp, but rather a “mix-and-match” approach. This could involve enrolling the child in a dedicated soccer camp for one period and a dedicated science camp for another, or strategically utilizing a multi-activity camp like SuperCamps that offers specialist streams in both areas. This approach allows for deeper engagement in each interest without diluting the quality of either.

B. Camp Format: Day vs. Overnight Options and Their Implications

Chelsea FC Soccer Camps are exclusively overnight. This format offers a fully immersive experience, fostering independence, social skills, and a sense of living like a professional athlete. However, it comes with a significantly higher cost ($2,895/week) and may not suit all children’s readiness for extended time away from home or family preferences for daily return.

Powerleague , Richer Education , Little House of Science , SuperCamps , and Camp Beaumont all primarily offer day camps. This format provides greater flexibility for parents, allows children to sleep at home, and is generally more affordable. Many day camps offer crucial extended hours for early drop-off and late pick-up , which is a significant benefit for working parents. The choice between day and overnight camps presents a fundamental trade-off for parents. Day camps offer practical advantages such as daily contact, lower cost, and flexible hours, catering directly to parental convenience and daily routines. Overnight camps, while more expensive and less flexible logistically, provide a unique opportunity for intense immersion, fostering independence, resilience, and deeper social bonding away from home. This decision hinges on family logistics, budget, and the child’s individual personality and readiness for an immersive, independent experience.

C. Cost and Value: Understanding Pricing Structures and What’s Included

The cost of summer camps in London varies significantly. Powerleague offers highly affordable daily rates (from £15/day) , while Richer Education’s weekly STEM camps are priced at £650/week , and Chelsea FC’s premium overnight soccer camps are at $2,895/week. Higher-priced camps, particularly overnight ones like Chelsea FC, typically include comprehensive packages such as full-board accommodation, professional coaching, branded kit, excursions, and dedicated welfare support. Day camps often include the core activities, with additional services like meals and extended hours often available as optional add-ons at extra cost.

Several camps offer various discounts. SuperCamps mentions early booking offers and SuperCamps and Little House of Science provide sibling/friends discounts. Camp Beaumont highlights “Summer Flash Sale” pricing and offers flexible payment options like Klarna and acceptance of tax-free childcare vouchers. The Chelsea FC camps are notably priced in US dollars , which will require UK parents to consider currency exchange rates and potential fluctuations. The advertised “starting from” prices can be misleading. Parents need to consider potential additional costs, such as optional extended hours, daily meal plans (if not included), and any required specialized equipment. Conversely, a higher headline price might be justified by significant value-adds, such as exclusive access to professional training facilities (Chelsea FC at Cobham) , highly specialized and detailed curricula (Little House of Science’s weekly themes) , or comprehensive welfare support. The widespread acceptance of “tax-free childcare vouchers” and “childcare vouchers” also represents a significant financial benefit for eligible parents, effectively reducing the net cost.

D. Practicalities: Flexibility, Booking Process, Discounts

Most day camp providers (SuperCamps, Camp Beaumont, Powerleague) emphasize flexible booking options, allowing parents to book individual days or full weeks. This adaptability is highly beneficial for parents who may not require full-week childcare or wish for a trial period before committing to a longer duration. To accommodate working parents, many camps offer crucial extended hours, including early drop-off and late pick-up options. These services are often available as add-ons.

Online registration is a common method for securing a place. However, a recurring pattern across almost all camp providers is the absence of

specific, confirmed Summer 2025 dates and precise costs readily available in the general overviews. While the year 2025 is mentioned, detailed booking calendars and exact pricing are typically not available in these initial overviews. This strongly indicates that parents will almost certainly need to undertake a secondary, proactive step of direct inquiry (phone call, email) or deeper navigation of the respective camp websites to obtain the necessary definitive booking information. Various discount opportunities exist, including sibling discounts , early bird booking offers , and “summer pass” savings.

E. Safety and Staff Quality: Ofsted Registration, DBS Checks, Trained Staff

A consistent and reassuring theme across all major reputable camp providers (SuperCamps, Camp Beaumont, Powerleague) is their explicit mention of Ofsted registration. Many camps highlight achieving “Good” or “Outstanding” ratings. This provides a fundamental baseline assurance of adherence to national quality and safety standards for childcare. All featured camps emphasize the rigorous vetting of their staff. Providers consistently state that staff are “fully DBS checked” , indicating criminal record checks. Furthermore, staff are often “Certified FA Coaches” (for football camps) and receive “additional training to support with physical and mental wellbeing”. Many staff members are experienced teachers or work with children during term time, bringing a wealth of knowledge and familiarity. While not universally specified, Little House of Science explicitly mentions a favorable 1-6 presenter to child ratio , suggesting a commitment to individualized attention and supervision. The consistent emphasis on Ofsted registration, DBS checks for all staff, and comprehensive staff training across

all reputable camp providers suggests that these are not merely features but rather non-negotiable, industry-standard requirements in the UK summer camp sector. While crucial for parental peace of mind, this widespread adherence means that safety and staff quality, while important to note, are less of a differentiating factor

between the identified reputable options and more of a universal baseline expectation. Parents can generally be assured of a high standard of safety and care across these recommended providers. This allows them to focus their decision-making more on program content, specific activities, and the overall fit for their child’s unique interests and personality, rather than needing to deeply scrutinize basic safety credentials.

VI. Conclusion and Recommendations

Summary of Top Options based on User Preferences

• For a child seeking dedicated, intensive soccer training with a professional club experience, the Chelsea FC Soccer Camps offer an unparalleled, immersive overnight program, ideal for aspiring young athletes.
• For accessible, fun, and regular soccer engagement in a day camp setting, Powerleague Kids Football Camps provide a flexible and affordable option focused on skill development and enjoyment.
• For in-depth, structured science exploration with a broad range of topics, Little House of Science stands out with its detailed weekly themes (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering), making it highly suitable for a child genuinely “into science”.
• For a balanced approach combining both interests within a single provider, SuperCamps is a strong contender due to its “Specialist Courses” in both “Chelsea FC Camps” (football) and “Mad Science®,” allowing for focused engagement in both areas within a flexible multi-activity framework.
• Camp Beaumont offers a broad multi-activity experience with extensive sports options, but its science offerings appear less specialized compared to other dedicated or specialist alternatives.