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Australian Olympic Football team, The Olyroos, will run a 10 day training camp in Darwin thanks to a $37 000 grant from the NT Government.

 

Sports Minister Matthew Bonson said the camp will run from June 24 to July 1, and consist of 25 players and 10 support staff to focus on increasing the fitness of the squad in the lead up to the Beijing Olympics.

 

“Bringing this level of elite soccer into the Territory is a real feat – we love our football, and soccer certainly has a huge following in Darwin with lots of long-time Territory families big supporters of the code,” Mr Bonson said.

 

“The Olyroos are Australia’s Olympic under-23 team, and to have them up in Darwin for acclimatisation prior to the Beijing Olympics will give fans an opportunity to get a look at the team.”

 

This follows the NT Government’s $37 000 funding towards the Hockey four-nations tournament earlier this month.

 

Mr Bonson said the Olyroos will undertake training in Darwin that will assist their acclimatisation to high core temperatures, rapid fluid loss and high levels of cardiovascular strain.

 

“The 10 day camp will help promote improved heat loss through adjustments in sweating and the amount of blood sent to the skin for cooling.

 

“The athletes’ ability to pace their effort in hot conditions will also be improved, as well as adjusting their fluid consumption to compensate for higher sweat losses.”

 

Mr Bonson said the NTIS will  monitor core temperature and sweat rates of the squad to assess which squad members could benefit from innovate cooling strategies prior to and during games.

 

The NTIS will also implement such cooling strategies while in Darwin and educate the Olyroos and support staff in terms of cooling strategies and how to maximise team performance in the expected hot conditions of Beijing.

 

Mr Bonson said the funding will also enable for football development clinics to be held for local children across the Top End, as well as coaches’ information sessions