A Glimpse of the Future, Kristupas Liutvinas on his Summer at Como 1907

The Como 1907 Elite Performance Camp will return next summer from Sunday 5 July to Saturday 18 July 2026 bringing together young players from around the world for two weeks of football and discovery on the shores of Lake Como. Among last summer’s participants was fifteen year old Kristupas Liutvinas from Lithuania a midfielder for his country’s under 17 national team.

He began playing at the age of five with Fm Ateitis before joining Vilnius Football Academy where he continues to develop his game. For Kristupas the experience in Como was a rare chance to live like a professional player and to understand the rhythm of life inside a real club. The facilities were top he says and the training sessions followed the same structure as the Como 1907 first team. For him those two weeks were not only about football but about realising what it takes to reach the next level.

The challenge was immediate. Most of the players were older and stronger and that difference pushed him physically and mentally. It was difficult at first he admits but it taught him to adapt and compete. When he stepped onto the pitch at the Stadio Comunale G Sinigaglia for the final match the effort felt worthwhile. It was unreal he says remembering the view across the lake and the sense of history in the stands. Playing in a stadium like that has always been my dream.

One moment stands out above all. A training session led by Raphael Varane, the French World Cup winner and member of the board of education at Como 1907. It was unforgettable, Kristupas says. Varane shared advice on positioning and control lessons learned from years alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. After the session Kristupas asked about the key to the midfield role and came away with ideas he still applies every day.

Away from the pitch the memories were just as vivid. He remembers the boat trip across the lake, the small towns along the water and the nightly UNO games with teammates from different countries. What began as a simple card game became a ritual full of laughter and competition. Those connections lasted beyond the camp. He still messages several players including Joshua from England who later earned a trial with Bournemouth

The biggest lessons he took home were about discipline and care. He now pays closer attention to recovery to sleep and to nutrition, understanding how much they affect performance. Warming up properly before every session has become routine. Injuries are my biggest fear he says and now I know how to prevent them

Looking back he sees change both as a player and as a person. His technical skills improved but more importantly his confidence grew. Being out of his comfort zone showed him what he was capable of. His advice to anyone thinking of joining the camp is simply to come with an open mind and a willingness to learn. It will challenge you but that is where growth happens, he says. Make the effort to connect with others and enjoy every moment. It goes by quickly so take in everything

For Kristupas Como was not just a summer it was a glimpse of the future.