CLUB NEWS

PRE SEASON TRAINING 2008

As the 2007 soccer season fades into the distance many soccer players look forward to a well earned rest, the chance to pursue alternative sporting opportunities and sun drenched days on the local beaches.

However, thoughts will soon turn again to next year and a properly structured pre-season training programme will make all the difference to players and their teams. Just don't leave it too late!!

I have personally experienced that feeling where your lungs are burning and you're gasping for air. Your face matches this season's new burgundy kit and your heart is trying to beat its way out of your chest... the first match of the season is nearly ten minutes old and you are beginning to regret your summer rooted to the sofa or watching the World Cup and eating pizzas.

But it doesn't have to be like this.

There is no substitute for a properly structured pre-season training schedule and we will be starting back in earnest on the 12TH FEBRUARY 2008. All senior players will be invited to attend a 7 week training program that will prepare them for the start of next season.

If you would like to be part of that process and have a chance of being selected for the 1st X1 squad it is a good idea to prepare in advance. Giving yourself a head-start before pre-season training begins means that you will need to build up your fitness, muscle-strength and endurance that will both lessen the pain of pre-season, and give you an edge over possible rivals for a place in the starting line-up.

If you would like to get a step ahead you can visit the England Football Association website and download either a six or three-week programme that will help you achieve this and it will not require any "expensive equipment". All you need is a park with a football pitch, a decent pair of trainers and a couple of hours a week.

CHECK IT OUT at: www.thefa.com/GrassrootsNew/

and click on Pre Season Training under the PLAYER section.

Cut and paste the link and away you go!!