After hugely successful camps held in 2005 and 2006, a group of players and staff will leave Melbourne on November 10 and return on November 26, and will again utilise the world-class facilities at Northern Arizona University.
Collingwood CEO Gary Pert explained the decision and benefits behind again sending the players to Flagstaff.
“Training camps at high altitude have become a critical part of the playing group’s preparation leading into a new season,” Pert told collingwoodfc.com.au.
“The physical and psychological benefits are undisputed and a growing number of the world’s elite athletes use altitude training as a key part of their training programs.
“The altitude at Flagstaff, Arizona, combined with the elite facilities at the Northern Arizona University, ensures the players experience a world-class training environment.”
After first heading to Flagstaff in November 2005, the Magpies returned 12 months later before using Potchefstroom, South Africa as their high altitude training base earlier this year in preparation for the 2008 season.
Aside from the intense training schedule the players will take part in, they will also experience unique physical challenges that would push any elite athlete to the limit.
These include the hike from the Grand Canyon to the river valley and back up the other side in a single day, as well as the trek to the top of Mt Humphrey, the highest point in Arizona at over 12,600 feet.
“Apart from the physical benefits of the training camp, it is a great team building environment, the entire player group must support each other to get through some of the most gruelling challenges the players will experience in their lives,” Pert added.
“It has always been the club’s ethos to give every player the opportunity to improve and find new levels of performance for themselves and the team.”
CTV will be in Arizona to bring Magpie supporters daily updates, player interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes vision and photos.
A unique opportunity also exists for supporters of the club to travel with the team to Arizona and experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. CLICK HERE for more details.
