MK Dons Under-18s head to Spain today for a two-week training camp funded by the League Football Education (LFE).
MK Dons begin their trip today, with three matches each against Spanish opposition on the schedule before their return on Friday 10th August.
Edu Rubio's side, who are going to be based in Madrid, will play against Rayo Vallecano, Rayo Majadahonda and Athletico Madrid. MK Dons will also take part in several training sessions led by the European coaches.
In order to experience Spanish life, the players will take part in a range of cultural activities, which are designed to broaden personal and professional horizons. These include language lessons, tours at the Spanish Football museum and the Bernabeu, trips into the city centres and guest speaker sessions.
The initiative is fully subsidised by the LFE's Erasmus+ fund and aims to promote development and the exchange of skills and ideas between coaches and players in both countries.
LFE Project Manager Dan Jolley said: “This initiative meets the cultural and sporting aims aligned to Erasmus+ and at the same time allows over one-hundred players in the English academy system the opportunity to sample life, training and work in another European nation.
“Many of them will experience playing against continental opposition for the first time. Learning about different styles of play, coaching and tactics can only help them become better players.”
MK Dons’ Interim Academy Manager Simon Dwight added. “‘Our Academy have been working closely with LFE for a number of years as our Apprenticeship Education partner. This partnership has enabled us to apply to be part of the Erasmus+ project.
“We are delighted to have been successful in our bid and will look forward to enjoying the benefits of a trip to Madrid, hosted by the Spanish FA headquarters and working closely with our partner club Rayo Majadahonda.
"The tour will give our Under-18s squad a superb learning experience, training and games hosted in an alternate European culture.
‘We look forward to the matches against Rayo Majadahonda, Rayo Vallecano and Atletico Madrid in the second week of the tour.
"We would like to thank LFE for their work to implement the Erasmus+ project into Professional Football Academies in England, and for giving our young players from Milton Keynes the chance to travel, train and compete in Madrid.”
