Manager of Blackpool FC, Paul Ince, brought his squad to the Algarve for pre-season training between 23rd and 30th June, and chose the Amendoeira Golf Resort as the venue.
Ince was preparing his side for their first game of the new season, which is against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday 3rd August, and he was delighted with the facilities on offer at the on-site Amendoeira Sports Club.
The full-sized, natural grass pitch at the resort was used for a variety of training activities, and at Ince's request, the Amendoeira team arranged a Yoga and Pilates instructor to conduct sessions as part of the overall programme.
Speaking to the club's official YouTube channel, Tangerine TV, he explained, "People don't realise how important stretching is. It's so important to a footballer and gives you so much flexibility."
In fact, Ince is keen to extend the use of yoga for the team's training on their return home. The players enjoyed their stretching sessions although Basham found it more challenging on account of his height (5' 11"). "But it's something that we need to focus on this year to stop injuries", he concluded.
The players stayed in luxury two bedroom apartments which are served by a large communal pool, and the staff stayed in a three bedroom villa with its own private pool. In addition to ensuring the training ran smoothly the Amendoeira team organized on-site transport and healthy, nutritional meals were served at the Amendoeira Clubhouse.
Other teams who have hosted their professional training camp at the Amendoeira Sports Club include Reading FC, NEC Nijmegen, Queens Park Rangers FC, Aston Villa FC, Silkeborg IF, the Republic of Ireland U19s Men's football team and Dublin Hurlers. A number of friendly football matches have also been held there.
For more information regarding Amendoeira Sports Club and it's facilities, please contact Michelle Collins at the Oceânico Group on:
T: 00351 282 771 800
E: michelle.collins@oceanicogroup.com
W: www.amendoeirasportsclub.com
