Sydney FC Head of Human Performance Craig Duncan believes Sydney FC’s first four-week block of Pre Season training at the Club’s Macquarie University training base has been overwhelmingly positive.
Increasing fitness levels, no injuries and a positive attitude amongst the playing group has seen the squad get through the first “block” of training on a high.
“The attitude has been fantastic amongst the playing group at training and the results are showing,” Duncan said. “All of the data we have captured has been positive and the players are responding to the coaching and fitness work.
“We have put the squad through four weeks of training at a higher intensity to last year and they have handled it well, improved their fitness levels and it has been achieved without injuries – so that-s a positive.”
The training program, put together by Duncan, coach Vitezslav Lavicka and his assistant coaches Ian Crook and Steve Corica, followed from a week where the squad was put through a rigorous series of tests to understand fitness levels and workload capabilities.
The testing was then studied by Duncan, physiotherapist Stan Ivancic and the coaching staff and tinkered slightly to make sure the increased intensity did not see players sustain injury.
So far so good.
“We have been going for four weeks and the only injury issues we have had to deal with were more prevention after early signs,” Duncan said. “Without jinxing ourselves, the players have worked hard but we have not had any injuries. That-s important.”
“Some of the players (Pascal Bosschaart, Terry McFlynn, Bruno Cazarine, Nathan Sherlock and Joel Chianese) have missed some sessions and had abbreviated programs but it is all part of making sure we are ready for the start of the season on October the 8th.”
The program has also had the thumbs up from Captain Terry McFlynn. “The boys are excited about the new season and that has shown in the first four weeks of Pre Season (training),” McFlynn said.
“We have worked hard but done it under a controlled situation and things are going well.”
The Pre Season continues this week with Sydney FC playing its third State League Community game against NSW Premier League side Parramatta FC at Parramatta Stadium on Wednesday (17 August). Kick off for the match is 7.30pm.
