How Como’s Elite Summer Camp Offers Unique Pathway to Young Talents

Picking just one highlight of any trip to Italy is always difficult. For Kristupas Liutvinas, it’s nigh-on impossible.

The 15-year-old lived out the ultimate football experience last summer when he took part in Como’s inaugural Elite Summer Camp, blending the most authentic professional experience available to promising players with the opportunity to explore one of Italy’s most iconic cities.

“The facilities were top,” he told Como’s Blu Magazine. “I’m really grateful to have trained and lived like a professional player for two weeks. It was nice to be in that environment, which is what I always work for and want to be when I grow up.”

The Lithuanian youth international was one of a handful of young athletes hand-picked by the club’s coaching staff to spend two weeks training at their Mozzate base, taking on board lessons from some of the game’s biggest names.

“The session where Raphael Varane was the coach, not only was it unforgettable, but he also gave me a lot of useful information towards my game,” he said.

“After that training I asked about the key to playing in midfield. He had a lot of information because he was playing with elite midfielders like Luka Modric or [Toni] Kroos back in the day.”

While the state-of-the-art training centre held plenty of lessons, nothing ignites the fire of a young athlete more than the opportunity to play at one of the world’s most renowned stadiums.

“It was unreal,” says Kristupas on the chance to play a match at the Sinigaglia Stadium. “Not only the location of the stadium and the views from it, but also the aura of the stadium while playing in it.

“It’s always been a dream to play in a stadium like this, and the goal is to play with thousands of supporters in the stands one day.”

They weren’t the only views that caught his eye. Alongside the footballing education was the chance to explore the surroundings – including a memorable boat tour on the lake.

But it was as much his fellow camp-mates that made the experience, not least the healthy competition – especially when it came to the card game UNO.

That competitiveness has morphed into a mutual respect, with the players all keeping up with each other as they look to make it in football.

Kristupas’ path has already crossed with other attendees at a Premier League club – just one of the immediate benefits the elite training camp can point to.

“I exchanged Instagram details with those who I talked with throughout the camp,” he said.

“From time to time we chat and ask how everything is going. I chat with Joshua (one of his campmates). He always asks me how I’m doing. He also got called up to AFC Bournemouth for a trial, but sadly he arrived after me and I couldn’t meet him in person.”

While Kristupas’s own football journey continues to take shape, Como are preparing to welcome the next group to Lombardy. The Lithuanian has urged those lucky enough not to waste the opportunity.

“Come in with an open mind and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone,” he said.

“The camp will challenge you, but that’s where the growth happens. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and soak up as much as you can from the coaches and your peers. Make the effort to connect with others—you’ll find that the relationships you build are just as valuable as the skills you develop.

“Enjoy the experience. It goes by quickly, so embrace the hard work, but also take time to appreciate the opportunity.”