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We
all had a brilliant weekend, despite getting walloped in
the rugby. The hotel was very nice and the transfers were
all on time etc. Everyone we spoke to seemed to agree that
it was a big success and thus will hopefully be repeated
next year.
Andrew Sheehan |
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Latest
News | News Archive
01-08-06
Busy Summer in Spain for UK football teams
 Only a few weeks after the season had finished the HI Group sport and travel division were busy welcoming three UK football teams into Southern Spain for pre season training camps.
First to arrive was Hull City AFC. The Championship team returned to the Costa del Sol for the third year running, this time opting to try a new venue at the 4 star Gran Hotel Benahavis.
They arrived at the beginning of July for a week long training camp at this superb facility. Benahavis is a fantastic place to relax and unwind, and is situated just 40 minutes from Malaga airport. However the players were there to work and with training starting at 6.30 am they certainly did. Morning training consisted of an early run in the hills before swimming in the pool, and this was all before breakfast!!
The players were shattered after a week’s hard training, with 2 pitch sessions every day. They left feeling ready for the start of the new season, and with the promise of returning soon.
"We were delighted with the facilities and service that the hotel afforded and we would certainly look to repeat the exercise in due course.Thanks to the HI Group for a well organised tour."
Phil Hough - Club Secretary Hull City FC |
 As Hull prepared to depart from the hotel Steve Bruce returned with us but this time with Birmingham City FC. He also chose the idyllic surroundings of the Gran Hotel Benahavis to base the team. However having trained there before, the team chose to train again at the MPFS Marbella centre, just 15 mins away by coach.
The team required an 11 day tour to include 3 friendly games. We arranged these matches with teams from the local region, and drawing on our relationships within this area we were able to tempt a few teams back early to play these games, as the Spanish season is a month behind ours!
The first match versus San Pedro was played at their stadium and after a few wasted chances Birmingham ran out comfortable winners 6-0. The second game mirrored this score against the Gibraltar National team. The game was a much stiffer test than it sounded as Birmingham’s first goal didn’t come until the 60th minute. Malaga CF provided the opposition for the final game which was a great end to the trip. The game finished 4-3 to Birmingham, with DJ Campbell scoring yet again.
"Thanks for a great tour, we will certainly return..."
Steve Bruce - Manager Birmingham City FC |
The West Bromwich Albion ladies team chose to travel to Torremolinos for a relaxed tour which they thoroughly enjoyed. They stayed in the lively resort of Torremolinos at the 4 star Hotel El Pinar. The trip was a great opportunity for both the younger and older players to bond, and to relax together.
We also organized a couple of friendly matches for the team, the first against a team from Gibraltar. The second match versus the Spanish team La Linea, also provided a great game. The trip was a huge success and plans are already underway for a return trip next year.
To finish the summer we have Watford FC who are currently away with us in Denmark for their second successive year. After the tremendous achievements of last season the team is working hard in preparation for the start of their season in the Premiership.
Flying out over the weekend, our final team Bolton Wanderers FC are heading off to Spain for a tournament with Sevilla, Sporting and Huelva. We wish them lots of luck for the tournament.
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