Football in Sri Lanka is mainly played at a semi-professional and recreational level and, as far as playing goes, is overshadowed by cricket, in particular and rugby union. Love for the sport, though, is high. These days, Sri Lanka has a genuine enthusiasm for world football with many fans expressing fierce loyalties to clubs from England, Spain and beyond.

There are opportunities for a successful football tour in Sri Lanka, especially for sides whose emphasis is as much on the holiday aspect as the sport itself.

Our specialist sports division arranges the tour to your exact requirements directly from Colombo, bringing you the expertise and value-for-money deals that come from being part of one of Sri Lanka’s largest tailor-made holiday companies.

Football was first embedded in Sri Lanka by the British way back in the 1890s. Members of the British service units were the pioneers of the game, with the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and the Royal Garrisons some of the first teams to put football on the map in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka became a member of FIFA in the 1950s which allowed the nation to play football competitively at international level for the first time. The country has yet to qualify for the World Cup, although it did reach the second stage of qualification in 2006.

No matter, you can be assured of the most genial of welcomes. Discover an island rich in culture and diversity and realise that Sri Lanka can be a truly exotic destination for a football tour.

There is so much to enjoy in the island with a little bit of everything: gorgeous tropical beaches, game parks, ruined cities, the stirring mountains of the hill country, and the lovable capital of Colombo.

If you are interested in a tailor-made football tour to Sri Lanka, trust Red Dot Sports to make it extra special.

Day Guide

Day 01

On arrival in Colombo, you will be met by our local Red Dot representative who will act as your local tour guide during your holiday in Sri Lanka. You will then transfer to the OZO Colombo where you can recuperate and relax.


Day 02

This morning, head over to the Royal Sports Complex for a light training session. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure. You may like to head in to the heart of Colombo for a spot of site seeing.


Day 03

Match Day | 01 – Race Course Colombo

As the names implies, the Colombo Racecourse grounds used to be a former harness racing course during the Second World War. The stadium was redeveloped in 2012 and now plays host to many of the leading school and club matches. It’s also used by the Sri Lanka national team as a home venue for internationals.


Day 04

Match Day | 02 – CR&FC

Home to the division A rugby team Ceylonese Rugby & Football Club (CR&FC), this ground is an ideal venue to host the first game of your tour. The stadium is fully equipped with a 500-seat viewing deck, two dressing rooms and an outside bar for members and guests.


Day 05

This morning, drive up to Kandy which is considered to be the Sri Lankan hill capital. Here you will stay at the OZO Kandy. En route you can visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF). Spend a few hours with an elephant expert and animal rights activist who will give you an opportunity to see, walk with, and bathe the elephants.


Day 06

Match Day | 03 – Bogambara Stadium, Kandy

This ground was converted from a lake into a playing field and dates back to 1897. Since renovation in 1997, the venue was now been labelled as international standard. More recently, many sports teams have opted to use this venue for rugby as well as other sports.


Day 07

Match Day | 04 – Nittawela Rugby Stadium, Kandy

This venue is home to the Kandy Sports Club, which is another division A rugby team. Kandy SC is renowned for being the most successful club team in Sri Lanka in terms of silverware. This would be a great way to round off the Kandy sector of the tour.


Day 08

Begin your descent toward the southern coast of Sri Lanka where en route, you will visit a turtle hatchery. The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is a great place to observe collected and rescued eggs. During your time in the south you’ll be based at the Citrus Hikkaduwa.


Day 09

This day has been kept at leisure in order for you to rest up for your final game. In the evening, your guide can accompany you for an exploration of Galle Fort.


Day 10

Match Day | 05 – Koggala grounds

On the penultimate day of the tour you will play your final game at the Koggala grounds. The rest of the day will be kept at leisure.


Day 11

The final day of the tour will be spent at leisure. You will then transfer to the Bandaranaike International Airport ahead of departure.

Red Dot is entirely flexible. For example, if you wish to see more of the fast-improving capital Colombo at the end of your holiday, we can adjust to suit.


Accommodation

Note: We have priced this accommodation as affordable mid-market. Many other options are available on request from our range of more than 400 carefully-vetted and much-loved Sri Lanka properties.

Day 01, 02, 03, 04

OZO Colombo

OZO Colombo is a contemporary city hotel with a vivid ambience. The hotel offers stylish bedrooms and modern facilities at a keen price. The rooftop bar and restaurants have great sea views which ensures their popularity. This international chain also has city hotels in Hong Kong and Thailand. There is also a second OZO in Kandy.


Day 05, 06, 07

OZO Kandy

OZO Kandy is the newest addition to the global OZO hotels family. Situated in central Kandy with scenic views of the tranquil Kandy Lake, the hotel is only five minutes from the Temple of the Tooth, the island’s most sacred temple. This contemporary hotel has 122 rooms with modern amenities.


Day 08, 09, 10, 11

Citrus Hikkaduwa

Citrus Hikkaduwa, formerly Amaya Reef, is now in the hands of its new owners and was reopened in December 2011 after a complete refurbishment. The familiar saffron coloured walls are now replaced with white washed exteriors and bright and airy interiors. A newly built wing houses 40 Deluxe rooms while 50 more rooms are housed in the old wing. Citrus Hikkaduwa provides a convenient base for the wide range of watersports available on this section of the West coast.