UD Almería 'B' Team Manager, Francisco Rodríguez
I met with the UD Almería 'B' Team Manager, Francisco Rodríguez, for an informal meeting to receive his views and opinion on how he felt the team´s first visit to the Desert Springs Football Academy had gone to get as much feedback as possible.
Unión Deportiva Almería 'B' Team (Almeria Football Club 'B') selected the Football Academy at the Desert Springs Resort to be host to their official Pre-Season Football Training Camp between Wednesday 1st – Friday 3rd August, 2012.
UD Almería 'B' Team 2012 Pre-Season Training Camp at Desert Springs Football Academy
A squad of 23 players and 8 officials from UD Almería 'B' – which currently competes in 2ª División B (Spanish Division Three) also benefited from access to and use of the 18-hole Indiana golf course and golf academy. They enjoyed the opportunity to swim, play tennis and use the gymnasium, trim trail, jogging tracks, padel tennis and beach volley ball courts. They also had access to the resort’s Private Reserve which incorporates a spa, private sauna and jacuzzi suite, personal fitness workout room, games room with bar, and a home cinema, which was used on several occasions as a conference and meeting room to further visualise videos as part of the training camp. Accommodation for the players and officials was in some of the privately-owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs. The resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the resort’s two restaurants – the award-winning El Torrente and the Croc Restaurant, part of the family-friendly Crocodile Club.
UD Almería 'B' Manager, Francisco Rodríguez, commented;
Accommodation
The Apartments where we stayed were absolutely fine; the community pools were used very often by the players after training and the quiet atmosphere at Las Sierras was quite convenient for resting purposes. We didn't miss a Hotel operation at all.
Food and Beverage
The F&B meals and service were absolutely spotless; I couldn't find any weaknesses or make any suggestions. The Menus were superb, as well as the quality of the food which was always served on time. All the staff were very accessible and polite with the players, rapidly attending every request.
Resort Staff
Everyone at the Resort has shown interest to assist our team, and I´m very grateful for the assistancereceived. Even at the Football Pitch we have had a member of the Staff at every session, to attend any irrigation or maintenance requests!
Football Pitch
The Pitch was kept in immaculate condition for us; I have already provided a very positive feedback to the UD Almeria President, as the Pitch is as good as it can get. This is obviously the most important facility for us and I would grade it as a perfect 10!
Sierra Sports & Fitness Club Facilities
During our short stay we haven't made much use of those facilities but they are sufficient and well maintained.
2013 Preseason Camp
Each Manager has his ownviews, but I would definitely like to come back to Desert Springs for Pre-season Training. The players are very comfortable here and it has been easy for them to concentrate and work hard. No doubt I will be requesting the use of thisResort in 2013.
Summary
I'm certainly happy with our Pre-Season Training Camp at Desert Springs. Before being a manager, I have played football professionally for 15 years, and out of all the Resorts where I have travelled for Pre-Season Training Camps, Desert Springs is second to none. I´m sure that Desert Springs has all the ingredients to attract many other teams and I´m surprised not to see them already!
UD Almeria could help spreading the word within the spanish football network as it is quite recommendable.
