Liverpool Academy pay visit to 2 LANCS
Liverpool U18s enjoyed a two-day training visit to the local army battalion, 2 LANCS from the Duke of Lancaster's regiment.
The trip to Weeton Barracks near Preston saw the Academy players and coaches put through their paces with two tough physical sessions overseen by army PT instructors.
They were also given several 'Command Tasks' where the players had to problem solve within teams in exercises designed to improve communication and leadership, some of them blindfolded.
A paintballing exercise on the first evening saw the players team up in groups to clear a building before an evening meal of some army rations and bedding down in sleeping bags for the night.
A 5.30am roll call next morning was followed by a tough morning of physical tests. Later the players were able to take part in a test simulator and were given a tour of some of the vehicles used by 2 LANCS.
The players also heard about the regiment’s history and its strong connections with the north west – where it recruits the majority of its staff - as well as Liverpool FC.
It was soldiers from the battalion’s predecessors who took part in the battle of Spion Kop during the Boer War - the hill at the centre of it giving rise to the naming of Anfield’s most famous stand.
Phil Roscoe, head of education and welfare at Liverpool FC, said: "We were delighted to pay a visit to 2 LANCS and I’m sure it will prove a valuable experience for many of our young players.
"I’d like to thank everyone at 2 LANCS for creating a programme for us which was as challenging as we’d hoped but also fun and rewarding.”