Shrewsbury Town toughen up at RAF boot camp

Tough but enjoyable and beneficial – that was the message from Shrewsbury Town’s squad as they today reflected on their pre-season RAF Shawbury training camp.

An intense 48-hour programme was brought to an end yesterday lunchtime after a demanding combat training session under the guidance of the physical training instructors.

Town had begun the camp with a high rope challenge and problem solving exercises on Tuesday while Wednesday’s activities included an early morning run and football and fitness sessions.

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Full-back Joe Jacobson, who was not fully involved in last season’s trip to the north Shropshire base. revealed how the squad enjoyed their taste of military life.

“It’s quite eye-opening,” said the 25-year-old. “We had the chance to chat with a few of the RAF staff and you can only respect what they do and what their job entails.

“It was a tough few days but it was also a really good experience and I think we will all benefit from it.

“We all had close-season programmes to work on so all the lads have come back with a good level of fitness and that has only increased after those few days.

“Now we are looking forward to getting going with the games.”

Last season’s player of the year Matt Richards believes the trip has developed an early bond in a squad which has nine new additions.

“There were a lot of team building exercises where you all have to help each other, which was great for getting all the lads together,” he added.