Football Escapes is thrilled to welcome Joel Ward as our newest ambassador, joining us for an unforgettable summer escape at IKOS Olivia from 3rd – 7th August 2026.
A Crystal Palace legend, FA Cup winner and the club’s all-time Premier League appearance holder, Joel brings over a decade of top-flight experience, leadership and passion to the pitch. Calm, intelligent and fiercely committed, he’s exactly the kind of role model young players love learning from – and we’re incredibly proud to have him join the Football Escapes family.
A Football Holiday Like No Other
This isn’t just a football course – it’s a full five-star family holiday wrapped around world-class coaching.Throughout the week, children will enjoy daily training sessions with Joel and our team of UEFA-licensed coaches, working on confidence, technique, teamwork, and skills to suit every ability.
Whether your child is stepping onto a pitch for the very first time or already training at an academy level, the sessions are inspiring, structured, supportive – and designed to help every young player feel like part of something special.
Add in all the Football Escapes touches families love – a full personalised Nike kit for every child taking part, one signed shirt from Joel Ward per family, personal pitch side photos with Joel, the FC25 Night, the legendary Parents’ Match, and the end of week medal ceremony – and the week becomes an experience the whole family will cherish.
Luxury, Ease, and Endless Family Fun at IKOS Olivia
Our IKOS Olivia holidays have quickly become a favourite with returning families — and it’s easy to see why.
Set on Halkidiki’s golden coastline, IKOS Olivia is a resort where luxury feels effortless and every day brings another moment worth savouring. Four shimmering pools, including a lagoon-style pool with a swim-up bar and shallow areas perfect for little ones, create the ideal setting for long, sun-soaked pool days. The resort’s 450 metres of Blue Flag beach offer soft sand and calm turquoise water, making family beach days feel completely effortless.
Incredible dining awaits across Greek, Italian, Asian and Mediterranean restaurants, while the resort’s kids club provides creativity, learning and fun for younger guests. Families can dive into watersports and coastal adventures – from paddleboarding and pedalos to private boat trips and local excursions – before ending the day with evening entertainment, beach bars and wine tastings for the adults, and laid-back live music. And when it’s time to unwind, the IKOS Spa offers a serene sanctuary with thermal suites, heated pools and luxurious Anne Semonin Paris treatments – the perfect place to recharge while the kids have the time of their life on the pitch.
For families seeking even more indulgence, the Deluxe Collection offers private pools, exclusive zones, complimentary electric car use for an additional day, concierge service, and complimentary spa treatments.
Whether you’re lounging in the sunshine, enjoying a peaceful breakfast overlooking the sea or exploring the coastline in your complimentary electric MINI Countryman, IKOS Olivia blends luxury with a warm, relaxed atmosphere that suits every style of family holiday.
Football Fun for the Kids… Holiday Bliss for the Parents
One of the things families love most about Football Escapes is how seamlessly the experience balances children’s excitement with parents’ relaxation.
While the kids spend their mornings training with Joel, sharpening their skills and making new friends, parents get to enjoy their own kind of holiday – slow mornings at the pool, long walks along the beach, a gentle yoga session, savouring delicious food, a spa treatment, or simply an hour or two of quiet relaxation.
Then, when football finishes, families come back together to enjoy the very best of IKOS Olivia – the pools, the sea, the restaurants, the family activities.
It’s everything a family holiday should be: easy, fun and full of unforgettable experiences.
Why This Holiday Is Set to Be Something Special
Not only is this Joel Ward’s Football Escapes debut – bringing a fresh new energy and Premier League leader expertise to our ambassador team – but it’s also one of our most popular summer destinations.
IKOS Olivia holidays have always attracted high demand, with many families returning year after year for the sunshine, the luxury and the magic that happens on the pitch. With Joel’s first-ever course added to the 2026 lineup, interest in this week is already building fast.
If your family is dreaming of a summer escape filled with football, fun and five-star relaxation, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Enquire now to secure your family’s place – and be part of Joel Ward’s first Football Escapes adventure in Greece.
