Wrexham’s youth-team have taken part in an adrenalin fuelled white-water rafting day at Llangollen Nr Clywd in North Wales.
The day which was used as part of their pre-season preparations was fully subsidised by LFE’s Development Fund which is provided to help clubs enhance their individual apprenticeship programmes.
Eighteen players took part in team building exercises before braving the rapids on the 2km course that is notoriously difficult to navigate.
Fully kitted out in safety gear and wetsuit’s the players had four runs down the steep and rocky mountain river which was a stark contrast to the gruelling pre-season work they have been carrying out at their Colliers Park training HQ.
“It was a really good experience and one that most of the lads were happy to throw themselves into literally,” said current second year apprentice Stephen Tomassen who has already made his first-team debut.
“A number of us ended up in the water on more than one occasion but there’s a few wannabee action men here so it wasn’t a problem.”
After appearing in the club’s first-team last April, Tomassen, who is keen to push on this term, admitted the day threw up a different kind of examination to the ones that are regularly faced on the pitch.
“I think for a few of the lads it was respite from what is a tough time of year physically – especially on the legs,” added Tomassen.
“Players are a lot fitter these days when they come back for pre-season but running is a necessary evil if you want to be right come the first day of the season.”
“The rafting just broke up the work we’ve been doing and gave us a different type of challenge that I think everyone responded to really well.”
Head of Youth Andy Davies added; “It was a worthwhile day to take the lads out of their comfort zone and try something new.”
“At this time of year a lot of the new lads who have joined us from school are still getting used to full-time training so a day like this is perfect for camaraderie and team bonding.”
