Hard work in the Sun (Part 2).

YOUTH PLAYER JORDAN ALLAN REPORTS FROM ANTALYA (Part 1).

Friday 5th January was a date that I had been waiting on since Christmas. We had to meet at Glasgow Airport for the 9.40am and as I was staying at home rather than in the digs in Dundee, it meant I got an extra half an hour in my bed. The lads coming from Dundee were up at 5am. Top marks to Stadium Manager Albert Dawson for bringing the guys through in plenty of time so early in the morning.

When I arrived at the airport I met a few of the lads, Mark and Cammy and we immediately set about trying to organise who was sitting where on the plane – no one wants to be anyplace near Dave Bowman!

After clearing security we set off in search of some food and Mark, Scotty, Sparky, Cammy, Brad, Jamie and I headed into the nearest restaurant. Turns out I wasn’t as awake as I thought because I ended up with egg yolk everywhere! At the prices they charge in Airport restaurants this did not go down well with me!

Already though the banter was in full flow and the lads were all really excited about heading off to Turkey, especially Craig Reynolds our Physio who genuinely thought he was getting to sit with the Pilot on the plane.

In typical ‘lad’ fashion, we were not finished breakfast by the time the final call for boarding was shouted out and the lads had to rush the final spoonful’s of breakfast whilst Steve Campbell and Dave Bowman done their best to make sure there were no ‘home alone’ moments!

The flight was smooth and with Dave Bowman sleeping most of the way we could all relax. On arrival in Antalya the captain and flight crew told us everything they possibly could about Turkey except from the current temperature. I had spent the last few days telling my pals back home about the unbelievable tan I would come back with – why I wondered were they not discussing the weather conditions? More on those temperatures later.

                                                         Some of the lads relaxing after a hard day's training.


After collecting our luggage and again making sure no one had wandered off, we set off for the Hotel. The journey took us past the mass blocks of Hotels along the Antalya seaside. These included Chelsea owner Roman Ibrahmovic’s Mandan Palace. What a place.

As we arrived at the hotel and with everyone tired from travelling, it was now that Bow decided to let me know that he felt all I do was ask questions all the time – although he put it slightly more direct. I only wanted to know what time we were meeting for Dinner.

Meeting pre dinner is important and it looks better if we arrive in the dining room as a team group. Some of us were finished very quickly and others (who I cannot name because they are in charge) stayed for another course.

The next morning the routine was set. We awake at 7.30am and we meet in the lobby at 8am so we can again enter the dining room as a team group. After breakfast we have to head back up and await the opening of room 1417 – this is where the kit from the previous day is washed and prepared for the day. The lads form a group around the door and when one of the coaches opens the room, it’s best not to get in the way of the lads searching for their training kit!
                               

                                                  The reception area where the guys mingle before meal time.


We have to be on the bus for 9.15am and we set off to the ‘World of Wonders’ Football Centre – when we arrive we have to do the same chores every morning. Water bottles readied, cones and goalposts set out and balls checked and pumped up as required. Only after this can we set about training in the warm conditions. I should mention at this point about the temperature that the Pilot neglected to talk about. During the day it is lovely, its warm and the sun kisses your face as you train. By 3 or 4 in the afternoon it is windier than St Andrews and quite cold! This is probably a blessing for both Stevie and Bow who as Strawberry Blonds (gingers) cannot spend too long in the sun.


We train until around midday and then we head back to the hotel and grab a light lunch before heading back out for an afternoon training session around 2pm.


2 sessions a day in these conditions really help us focus on our training so it is really enjoyable. At night we really appreciate our relaxation time as the sessions are proving tough.


When we arrive back from training around 4.30pm each day we get our dirty washing to room 1417 as quickly as possible because apart from Dinner which is served at 6.30pm we are allowed the rest of the evening to enjoy social time - as long as we remain on the complex.

 

                                                    Ryan Ferguson, Scott Fraser and Darren Petrie relaxing.

Evenings are spent playing ping pong or pool or checking out our social media profiles.

I will finish just now by mentioning that we attended a match between Genk and Fenerbahce the other night. The atmosphere was so different to what we see back home but more about that at a later time.

Speak soon.

Jordan Allan.

Hard Work in the Sun

One thing you can never predict in Scotland is the weather. At this time of year it is understandable that clubs will look for better conditions in which to train and so whilst the first team enjoy a 'winter break' courtesy of the SPL, the Under 20 squad, under the tutelage of Steve Campbell and his assistant Dave Bowman, have headed off to Turkey in sight of sunshine and good surfaces.

The Scottish FA in partnership with the Leonardo da Vinci Fund has once more provided the possibility. The EU funded programme offers participating clubs a two week training programme in another EU country. Dundee United have been accepted in previous years meeting the strict criteria required to qualify for the fund. Youth Supremo Steve Campbell was delighted that the trip was once more approved  as he believes the advantages are massive for the continued development of our young stars.

Top class facilities are available for both work and relaxation.



During their stay the players benefit from experiencing different cultures as well as daily training at the top class facilities in a favourable climate with two sessions a day and access to state of the art gym, swimming and health spa facilities.


On the pitch the lads will take part in games against several teams from other countries and experience officiating and referees from different cultures. Off the pitch the interaction with fellow footballers from other countries, local people and Hotel staff give the players valuable education of local language skills.

Jumpers and Coats still on for the warm up!

 



The Coaches also benefit from the trip. They are able to observe their charges at close quarters for two weeks, including how they bond with each other away from the park and can also control what the guys are eating, when they are resting, when they are active as well as have the opportunity to discuss coaching methods with coaches from other cultures.

Steve Campbell and Physio Craig Reynolds discuss whether to have pudding or not!

 



This coming Saturday the youths will play their first game and we will bring more updates as the camp continues.

 

The Sun shines brightly on the guys as they play on lovely surfaces.