Leicester City’s Youth Academy recently spent four days at the Royal Navy’s training establishment HMS Collingwood in Portsmouth.
The young Foxes completed team-building activities and a punishing assault course during their stay, giving them a real experience of some of the training undertaken by the Royal Navy.
The visit, organised by CPO Mark Pell, HMS Collingwood’s Football Manger, saw the Apprentices take part in some supervised Physical Training and Command and Leadership tasks.
These included a 5am jog down to Lee-On- Solent, with a frosty dip in the sea before returning to base for a full day of activities.
In addition, the team along with Academy staff Steve Beaglehole, Chris Tucker and Keith Burland enjoyed a cultural visit to the Navy’s most famous ship HMS Victory, and an authentic naval parade ensured the squad received their marching orders.
Despite the tough regime and early morning wake up calls the Academy players fully enjoyed the experience. Assistant Academy Manager, Steve Beaglehole said,
“It was a real privilege to be at HMS Collingwood. The team are learning a lot about leadership skills and the importance of working as a team. Learning about how the Phase 2 train has been a real eye opener to the players.”
