RKC Waalwijk I Morocco

The Dutch club combined mid-season preparation in Marrakech with a local friendly and community activities during a January visit to Morocco.

RKC Waalwijk spent their January 2024 winter break in Marrakech, holding a training camp in Morocco from 2 to 7 January. The Eredivisie side used the trip to prepare for the second half of the season, with training, a friendly match and activities supporting local communities.

A winter programme in Marrakech

Under head coach Henk Fraser, RKC built their week around preparation for the return of domestic competition. The visit placed Marrakech alongside the destinations chosen by Dutch top-flight clubs for their winter camps and provided a documented example of a professional team working in the city during January.

On 6 January, RKC faced local side KACM, Kawkab Marrakech, in a friendly that finished 1–1. The match formed part of the week’s football programme before the squad returned to the Netherlands.

Community involvement during the trip

The camp also included support for people affected by the September 2023 earthquake. Players and staff visited an affected area and distributed aid, while the club also organised a football clinic for children from an orphanage.

Speaking after the visit, captain Michiel Kramer described the experience as deeply affecting and reflected on the contrast between everyday life at home and the conditions faced by families who had lost their homes. He also expressed the hope that the shared experience would bring the squad closer together.

The perspective from Authentic Football

At Authentic.Football, we consider RKC’s visit a useful example of how a winter camp can combine focused football preparation with time together away from the normal club routine. The sporting schedule remains the foundation, while carefully planned activities can give the trip a broader purpose.

For clubs exploring Marrakech, the practical questions begin with the suitability of the training pitches, the daily journey from the hotel and access to an appropriate friendly opponent. Any community activity should be coordinated with local partners and fitted around training and recovery. RKC’s week shows one way those elements can come together within a short mid-season visit.

Exploring Marrakech for a winter training camp? Contact Authentic.Football to discuss your dates, squad size and sporting programme.