Football pre-season report

With a new season on the horizon, September 26th saw the University of Warwick Men’s Football Club swap their flip flops for football boots as a gruelling preseason began. Despite the numerous reminders from Club Captain Lewis Treacy to stay in shape over the summer, there were undoubtedly a handful of members who had enjoyed a few too many home-cooked meals, meaning a week of intensive fitness testing, ball work, and strength and conditioning was much needed.

If any of the players arrived on the first day with questions over their fitness, they were soon answered in the Sports Hall. The Warwick fitness instructors took height, weight, body fat and peak flow measurements, before testing the players’ speed and endurance with a T-test, 30 metre sprint test and last but not least, the dreaded ‘bleep test’.

First team coach James Ellis promptly brought them crashing down to the manicured Cryfield turf by reminding the whole club that they were not yet the physical specimens required. His session involved a series of drills designed to hone the touch, passing and movement of the players (interspersed with some running of course) and gave everybody a chance to refocus on the season ahead, as well as experience the first cramp of the new academic year.

First team Captain Joe Bloomfield and Lewis Treacy ran the majority of the week’s remaining sessions, and by the fourth day, the improved fitness throughout the squad was already noticeable. There was also a punishing interval training and a track session the Athletics Club would be proud of.

The UWMFC even graced the strength and conditioning room, usually a reserve of rowers or rugby players, and recorded some impressive results.

Having welcomed new members after trials there are some exciting new options for the four captains. Indeed, the standard across the club is high as shown by the two close friendly matches between the 3rd team and 4th team scoring 2-2 and 3-2 to the 3s, as well as the 1st team’s hard-fought victory over the 2nd team. Whilst pre-season provided a physical challenge for all club members, the rewards are clear. The players already look sharper in training and with all four squads competing in challenging Bucs leagues, the club’s physical edge could result in a very successful season all-round.