The chance to experience life as a professional footballer has never been closer thanks to a new initiative introduced by one Serie A side. 

Como have announced their brand new Summer Camp programme, which involves two different schemes available for girls and boys between the ages of nine and 18. 

Their Discovery Summer Camps are open to all between the ages of nine and 16, where they offer outdoor excursions and a taste of Italian culture as well as daily football sessions. It has been billed as the ideal opportunity for kids to hone their skills in one vibrant environment while mum and dad explore another – discovering the lake and its charm for themselves.

But it is the Elite Performance Camp, open to those aged 15 to 18, that gives potential prodigies the most authentic experience available. 

Described by organisers as ‘true to life’, the programme offers focused training sessions and individual analysis all at the newly developed Mozzate training centre, with the opportunity to train alongside the club’s Primavera starlets and learn from some of its graduates. 

The two-week camp, which will involve input from World Cup winner Raphael Varane and Head of Development Osian Roberts, culminates in a showcase match at the iconic Sinigaglia Stadium.

“It’s an opportunity for young players to really be exposed to the professional environment of this club – the training facilities on a day-to-day basis here at the first team training ground,” said Roberts on the announcement. 

“These opportunities will enhance the opportunities for the players and allow the players to finish the two weeks in a better position.”

Varane, who has taken up a role on the club’s education board since his retirement, added: “We are looking to bring young people to Como to learn, to enjoy football and to develop all the skills. 

“To help them develop as a player but also as a person. To improve their capacity and learn a lot, but in a positive and safe environment.”

Varane and Roberts will be involved in the selective admissions process for the elite camp, which requires a letter of recommendation from a current coach and a highlights reel. The experience costs €8,500 for the entire two-week intensive course.

The Discovery camps, which include cooking and Italian lessons as well as hikes around the stunning Como landscape, start at €2,500 and are catered to different age groups each week throughout the summer, starting from 6 July.

For more information on Como’s Summer Camp programme, visit summercamp.comofootball.com