First team ready for Spanish training camp
Oxford United head for Spain on Sunday with a busy week of pre-season training at their base camp near Benalmádena.
Michael Appleton’s new-look squad flyout to Spain on Sunday and will enjoy a tough day of training on Monday with temperatures forecast to be well into the 30s.
On Tuesday they will play their first game when they take on Spanish fourth division side Alhaurin de la Torre in a training game at 7.30pm local time (6.30pm in the UK).
The game takes place at Alhaurin de la Torre’s 3,000 capacity stadium which is around 20 minutes from Benalmadena.
Wednesday will see the players training once more before the Yellow Army host a Beach Club Party for fans and staff on the Thursday evening at the Forever Beach Club in Benalmádena.
The venue, which is close to the Marina and one of the best bars in Benalmádena, will host an evening for fellow yellows to join together and celebrate an amazing year and look forward to next season in League 1. There is an outside terrace, and a big indoor bar area, with Oxford fans having exclusive use of the venue, from 7pm, into the early hours. Club staff will be in attendance, subject to training commitments.
Johnnies Bar in Bonanza Square will be the fans bar for the week in Benalmádena. If you want to have a drink with fellow yellows, either day time or evening, this will be the place to be. Bring your flags and decorate the bar and square in yellow and blue!
On Tuesday or Wednesday morning there will also be an 11-a-side fans v fans match in Benalmádena (at Campo Futbol El Tomillar). With Steve’s blessing the match has been named the “Steve Dyer Fans Match” and the Yellow Army will be looking to match Steve’s wonderful donation to Helen & Douglas house by asking those who take part on the day to make a donation themselves. The date and time are still to be decided, keep an eye on the Yellow Army website
Then on the Friday evening will come the focal point of the week, a game against UD Marbella at United's training base at La Cala. Marbella play in the third tier of Spanish football. Kick off is at 7pm and the game will be free to watch. Players, management and staff will all be there to meet fans and look ahead to the new season.
Transport to and from the games is available from Benalmadena. Over 400 fans have already told us they are coming and we will are busy booking transport to help everyone get to the game. To help us get numbers right for this and the barbecue please email Sarah Gooding (sgooding@oufc.co.uk) and tell us how many are in your party. Please note that we will only be able to offer transport if you tell us you require it in advance!
Full coverage will be available every day, with exclusive behind the scenes coverage in Yellow Player where we will also have both games live.