About Us

Our story

Our expertise, passion and attention to detail have solidified our position as one of the most sought-after sports tour companies for UK-based and international excursions. We’ve been at the forefront of sports touring for decades – and our small, personal size comes with PLC standards.

Edwin Doran Sports Tours was launched as one of the first group and school tour operators of its kind back in 1974 and quickly became the leading brand in sports travel around the world. The man himself, Edwin Doran, founded the company after escaping the bureaucratic working conditions of an insurance firm for the free and expansive travel business. He injected a passion for sport, which is a defining feature of the organisation to this day.

Knowledge through experience

As one of the leading group and school sports tour companies, we are renowned for our experience, expertise and all-important extra touches. All our front-line staff play sports and have toured at some point, bringing extensive knowledge, innovative touring ideas and a friendly, personal approach. We have a passion for our chosen sports and destinations and are dedicated to making all of our sports trips inspiring and unforgettable experiences for everyone who travels with us.

We have taken more teams on tour than any other sports tour operator – over 15,000 at the last count. Our staff have the know-how, gained over years in the business, to set up fixtures between equally matched teams. We use our extensive contacts to arrange billeting in host countries, so players on our sports tours can really engage with the local people and culture.

Unrivalled customer support

As part of the Travelopia Group of companies, Edwin Doran Sports Tours can support its customers like no other in terms of financial security, health & safety and on-tour support. At the same time, it retains the personalisation of a small operator, drawing on the strengths of its long-serving staff.

Despite officially retiring in 2012, Edwin himself is never too far away, with regular appearances at the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens and other sporting events.

Our team is growing!

Masterclass Sports Tours

Meet Masterclass Sports Tours, our sister company that focuses on European sports tours for schools and clubs.

With over 25 years of experience and taking over 3000 students on tour annually, Masterclass Sports Tours is the home of affordable short-haul coach and player development tours, offering fantastic accommodation options, coaching sessions and opportunities for local fixtures or tournaments, not to mention incredible cultural excursions.

Together, we offer the best knowledge and local assistance for an unforgettable experience, whether you are looking for a sports tour to faraway destinations such as  South Africa or India, or something a bit closer to home within Europe.