MK Dons and Signs Express create under 18’s first-ever European tour
In readiness for the 2013/14 season, Milton Keynes Dons are making sure everyone is prepared for the long season ahead - and that includes their Under-18s squad.
Getting players ready for professional football requires more than tactics, training and team talks. Working as a team under pressure situations, dealing with different environments and facing unusual opposition are all part of adapting to the demands of professional football.
Local business Signs Express (Milton Keynes) has worked alongside Mike Dove, Director of Youth, to create the first-ever Under-18s European Tour for the Club. The squad will spend a week staying in a training camp in Malaga later this month as part of their preparations for the forthcoming season.
Built into the tour is a match against Malaga’s youth team which will offer Dove’s side the chance to test themselves against a new, European brand of football. The tour will allow the Dons youngsters a unique opportunity to experience a foreign culture as individuals and a team.
Mike Dove believes the trip will add value to his side’s player development. He explained: “This is a great opportunity for the players to experience a different playing and social culture. I think it is important we take the players out of their normal environments so they can focus on their football.
“They will learn what it is like to be away from home for a long period of time, which is something they will experience at a professional level, and I am also keen to ensure the players are active in exploring the local community.
“I am grateful to Signs Express for their support to the Academy and we hope it will be the first in a series of these important tours.”
Stuart Harrison, Owner of Signs Express (Milton Keynes) also recognises the value of such a tour. “In my business, improving the quality of our work and the expertise of our people to deliver our customers the best service requires innovative training and constant support. So I am delighted to support the MK Dons in offering the same to its young players.”
