They were split into 3 groups and headed off with the SGP staff for a look round the facility. They visited the indoor 3G pitch, the outdoor identical Wembley pitch, where they had the opportunity to take photos and went through the making and the use of the pitches.
 
They were shown the Perform Centre, which is home to top-class clinicians and state-of-the-art equipment with an internationally-renowned centre of excellence for sports and exercise medicine, performance science, injury rehabilitation and strength and conditioning. The group were shown the 3 different types of pool that introduced them to how the players recovered after a game/training session.
 
The final part of the tour included visits to the excellent gym facilities, indoor Futsal pitch and the signatures wall where all famous people attending SGP are invited to sign; these included FC Barcelona, Kelly Holmes, David Cameron as well as past and current England internationals. 
 
After a quick drinks break the group headed down to the David Beckham pitch for the practical.  Jack Walton and Julie Callaghan led sessions on attacking play.  All 28 players joined in the sessions whilst coaches viewed different sessions and how to improve their coaching skills including techniques on letting the players play and communication styles.
 
After 2 hours of practical it was back to the hotel bar, where the group gathered to watch the Manchester United v Arsenal match before heading back up the motorway after a great day out.

Everyone really enjoyed the day and got to see all the facilities and having a kick-about themselves with the feedback below:
 
“Just a quick email to say thanks for yesterday, well organised and Owen really enjoyed the day”.
 
“A huge congratulations to you for organising such an interesting and valuable trip, and to all the staff at SGP who made it a very special birthday treat for Josh. Personally speaking, I thought Josh learned a huge amount from the session which he did with our guys, so thanks and shouts out to them”
 
“Cheers Dan it was a great day”
 
For more information on St George’s Park visit //www.thefa.com/st-georges-park the website includes packages where you can go down as a team and train at the national facility
 
For more information on CPD events contact Daniel.Ferguson@WestmorlandFA.com or contact 01539 730946 or 07944033337