Melbourne City have announced they’ll departure from Australia on the 7th July, as the squad and staff travel to Manchester City’s Carrington based training centre for a 17 day pre-season camp.
Whilst based in England, City will take on a range of pre-season opponents, ranging from Football League Two side Bury FC, Oldham Athletic in Football League One, as well as a select XI from Championship side Bolton Wanderers.
It’s there that new signing Damien Duff will link up with his new teammates, with the Republic of Ireland winger getting the chance to meet with the rest of the squad.
Coach John van ‘t Schip has seen the opportunity as the perfect way for the group to gel as well as experience a world-class set up for training.
“Well I think it’s going to be a good experience for the group; the training and being a part of the Manchester City facilities,” he said.
“[The trip’s about] being there and training on the best kind of facilities you can think of, and gelling as a team.
He also anticipates the camp will provide a sturdy base for the upcoming A-League season, with expectations at an all time high for the newly branded club.
“This tour will form an important part of our pre-season and it is a great opportunity to prepare for the A-League season, utilising Carrington – an exceptional Premier League level facility,” van’t Schip said.
“It also presents us with a great opportunity to play teams from the English leagues, for our squad to gain fitness and experience, and to ensure we are progressing well ahead of our season.
“It is unique for teams and players in the A-League to have this kind of opportunity, so we are looking forward to forming further bonds with Manchester and Manchester City.
Foundation player Jason Hoffman echoes the sentiments of his coach, pinning the trip as a fantastic way to prepare for the season ahead.
“It’s going to be a great experience for the whole team to go over to Manchester and to use what is a top class training facility at Carrington,” Hoffman said.
“We’ve got some great matches lined up against some quality opponents and as a group it will be a great opportunity for us to prepare in the best possible way for the A-League season and the FFA Cup.”
Melbourne City’s Carrington schedule:
7th July: Depart Australia
8th July: Arrive at facility
19th July: Second match vs. Oldham Athletic FC at Boundary Park, Oldham
23rd July: Third match vs. Bolton Wanderers XI at The County Ground, Leyland
24th July: Depart Carrington for Australia
12th Aug: FFA Cup vs. Sydney FC, Round of 32
Note: First match against Bury is set to take place behind closed doors and as such, no date was announced for the clash.
