FCBARCELONA.CAT

09.07.2007 13:24

Scotland ideal location for pre-season

www.fcbarcelona.cat

FC Barcelona will be travelling to the Scottish town of Saint Andrews for a pre-season training camp, which will include the first friendly matches of the summer.

The players will fly up to Saint Andrews on the 23rd July and will spend the following five days training in this historic location. They will also play two friendlies against Dundee United and Hearts.

Historic location

Saint Andrews is well-known as the home of golf and the players will be staying at the Old Course Hotel, which has hosted the British Open and the Ryder Cup. Apart from its natural charms and historic connections, Saint Andrews offers unbeatable facilities for the players to begin their preparations for the 2007-08 season.

Thumbs up to the hotel

Several weeks ago, first team representative Carles Naval and fitness coach Paco Seirul•lo inspected the hotel in person. Among the factors they were interested in were the comfort of the rooms and the availability of meeting rooms and facilities for our coaches and medical staff. They were also keen to confirm that the sports facilities themselves are within a short distance of the hotel.

Barça will be taking over three floors of the Old Course Hotel, which are located in the modern part of the building.

University of Saint Andrews

The squad will train at the University of Saint Andrews. During their inspection tour, Carles Naval and Paco Seirulo were able to check out the pitches, which have been re-seeded for Barça’s visit, and other facilities. Apart from football, the university has facilities for cricket and rugby.

Information

FC Barcelona will establish a pre-season training camp in St Andrews, Scotland between July 23 and 28. Recognised UK and Irish media who wish access to the club's media centre should apply for accreditation to Paul Drury of event organisers, Platinum One. Please fax your accreditation request on headed notepaper to (UK number) 0141 638 0089. It should contain the name of the representative, their fax, mobile and email details, the organisation they represent, whether it is a reporter/photographer/TV/radio pass that is required . Photographic ID will be needed to collect accreditation; NUJ card or passport or photo driving licence. Closing date for applications is Monday, July 16.