Dateline:	15th February 2024
	Source:	Desert Springs Resort
	Subject:	Lancashire Cricket
	Title:	Lancashire CCC return to Desert Springs Resort

Lancashire County Cricket Club will be stepping up their preparations for the 2024 season by completing a five (5) day warm weather pre-season bowling camp at Desert Springs Cricket Ground and Academy between Wednesday 21^st – Sunday 25^th February 2024.

Based at Emirates, Old Trafford, Lancashire CCC will be the first, of four, County Cricket Clubs to visit Desert Springs Resort to prepare for the 2024 season.  Lancashire CCC will be returning to Desert Springs Resort for the first time since being a regular visitor for pre-season preparation between 2016 and 2019. The Lancashire CCC training camp will comprise five (5) bowlers and three (3) coaches, all of whom will be spending their time completing a specific and carefully planned programme of numerous training sessions each day covering technical skills, bowling and batting, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

Grass net practice will take place at the Cricket Academy. Fielding sessions, strength and conditioning work, running, speed and agility work will be completed at the Cricket Ground and Gym at the Sierras Sports Club.

The players and coaches will be accommodated in some of the privately-owned Apartments and townhouses at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef will be on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the Crocodile Club Restaurant

To view the video of the Desert Springs Cricket Academy Click Here

For further information contact:

	Dateline:	7th March 2019
	Source:	Desert Springs Resort
	Subject:	Lancashire Cricket
	Title:	Lancashire CCC complete their second pre-season training camp at Desert Springs Resort

Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) have stepped up their preparations for the 2019 cricket season, having completed their second four (4) day warm weather training camp at the Desert Springs Cricket Ground & Academy.

Between Wednesday 27th February – Sunday 3^rd March, Glen Chapple (LCCC Head Coach) and Zach Spargo (LCCC Assistant Club Physio), accompanied nine (9) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Ground and Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

LCCC Head Coach Glen Chapple commented:

“The Lancashire Professional staff have once again benefitted from the superb facilities and off-season weather that Desert Springs offers.

The chance to train outside in January/February is pivotal to our preparations for the coming season. It gives batsmen the chance to work on their game in ‘real’ conditions that an indoor centre cannot replicate, whilst the bowlers can get away from the hard surface and get their workloads up in a safer way.

The time spent together at the resort with all its fantastic facilities is also a great way to come together as a team.

We look forward to returning next year!”

The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme using the academy facilities and training on the cricket ground, covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

To view the video of the Desert Springs Cricket Ground & Academy Click Here

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately-owned villas and apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in El Torrente Restaurant.

For further information contact:

Nick Gaywood

+44 (0)7793 558 132

ng@desertspringscricket.com

	Dateline:	18th February 2019
	Source:	Desert Springs Resort
	Subject:	Lancashire Cricket
	Title:	Lancashire County Cricket Club set to return to Desert Springs for second Pre-Season Warm Weather Cricket Training Camp

With the domestic cricket season drawing ever closer, and after the success of their training camp earlier this month, Lancashire County Cricket Club will be returning to Desert Springs between Wednesday 27^th February – Sunday 3^rdMarch to complete their second pre-season training camp in preparations for their 2019 season campaign.

The training camp will comprise eight (8) players and three (3) coaches, all of whom will be spending their time completing a specific and carefully planned programme of numerous training sessions each day covering technical skills, bowling and batting, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

Grass net practice, both bowling and batting will take place at the Cricket Academy. Strength and conditioning work, fielding, running, speed and agility work will be completed at the Cricket Ground and Gym at the Sierras Sports Club.

The players and coaches will be accommodated in some of the privately-owned Villas and Apartments at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef will be on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the Crocodile Club Restaurant.

For further information:

Kirk Lovell
+34 647 414 899
kl@almanzora.com

	Dateline:	12th February 2019
	Source:	Desert Springs Resort
	Subject:	Lancashire Cricket
	Title:	Lancashire CCC complete first of two scheduled pre-season training camps at Desert Springs Resort

With the domestic cricket season drawing ever closer, Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) are now stepping up their preparations for the 2019 campaign, having completed the first of two separate four (4) day warm weather training camps at the Desert Springs Cricket Ground & Academy.

Between Wednesday 6th – Sunday 10th February, Glen Chapple (LCCC Head Coach) and Sam Byrne (LCCC Team Physio), accompanied eight (8) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Ground and Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

LCCC Head Coach Glen Chapple commented: “We have enjoyed another fantastic training camp at Desert Springs. It is so very beneficial to our players to be able to spend all their time outdoors using top quality facilities at this time of year!”

The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme using the academy facilities and training on the cricket ground, covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

Lancashire CCC players said of their pre-season training experience at Desert Springs Resort:

“Great facilities and food to get the lads ready for the first-class season. Perfect conditions to test both bat and ball and push the players to perform their best.” Richard Gleeson

“I have had a great few days. Top facility, lovely staff and fantastic food.” Matthew Parkinson

“Awesome Resort! Thoroughly enjoyed myself, thank you very much for having us.” Robert Jones

“Healthy food all week to keep us well fueled. The facilities were very good to get high quality training.” Saquid Mahmood

To view the video of the Desert Springs Cricket Ground & Academy Click Here

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately-owned villas and apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in El Torrente Restaurant.

Lancashire CCC will be returning to Desert Springs between Wednesday 27th February – Sunday 3^rd March to complete their second pre-season training camp in readiness for the forthcoming season.

For further information:

Kirk Lovell
+34 647 414 899
kl@almanzora.com

	Dateline:	16th January 2019
	Source:	Desert Springs Resort
	Subject:	Lancashire Cricket
	Title:	Lancashire CCC to return to Desert Springs for two Pre-Season Warm Weather Cricket Training Camps

With the domestic cricket season drawing ever closer, Lancashire County Cricket Club will be stepping up their preparations for the 2019 campaign by completing two separate four (4) day warm weather training camps at the Desert Springs Cricket Ground & Academy between Wednesday 6^th – Sunday 10^th February and Wednesday 27^th February – Sunday 3^rd March 2019.

To view the video of the Desert Springs Cricket Academy Click Here

Each of the Lancashire CCC training camps will comprise eight (8) players and three (3) coaches, all of whom will be spending their time completing a specific and carefully planned programme of numerous training sessions each day covering technical skills, bowling and batting, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity. As they will be outside and on grass, the squad will also be able to do fielding and throwing practice in realistic conditions on the Desert Springs Cricket ground, something not possible indoors back in the UK.

The players and coaches will be accommodated in some of the privately-owned Villas and Apartments at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef will be on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the Crocodile Club Restaurant.

Almanzora Group Sales & Marketing Manager, Simon Coaker remarked: –

“Since their inaugural visit in 2013, Lancashire CCC have become both a regular visitor to, as well as a great supporter of Desert Springs Resort and the development of its cricket facilities.

We are delighted to be welcoming Lancashire CCC back once again this year for their pre-season winter training camps.”

For further information:

Kirk Lovell
+34 647 414 899
kl@almanzora.com

	Dateline:	17th May 2018
	Source:	The Almanzora Group
	Subject:	Lancashire Cricket
	Title:	Lancashire County Cricket Club agrees Partnership with with Desert Springs Resort in Almeria, Andalucía, Spain

It is with pleasure that we announce that Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) has entered into a partnership with Desert Springs Resort which will see the Club’s squad visit for warm weather pre-season training camps in preparation for the start of the season.

Desert Springs Resort is Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Ground and Academy, located in Almeria, Andalucía, south-east Spain.

The Manchester-based Lancashire players visited Desert Springs Resort for two separate four-day camps in February 2018.

The Lancashire players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately-owned Villas, Apartments and Townhouses at Desert Springs with the resort’s executive chefs on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the resorts restaurants.

Lancashire’s Director of Cricket, Paul Allott, said, “Desert Springs provides great facilities to enhance our warm weather training ahead of the county season in England.

Our first visit to Desert Springs in 2013 was an eye opener to the possibilities of winter practice in Spain and we have become regular visitors since, with two trips per year now becoming the norm.

Being able to train outdoors between January and March gives all our players a positive advantage going into the season.”

The Desert Springs Cricket Ground with an eighteen (18) wicket square, constructed to ECB standards and specifications, complimented by a Marquee pavilion, sightscreens, scoreboard and associated facilities, is open all year round and provides an outstanding facility to practice and play cricket.

The Desert Springs Cricket Academy comprises an international size world-class quality grass pitch complimented with a full length artificial grass wicket, twenty-four (24) grass wickets and run ups with nets and requisite training equipment.

Both the Cricket Ground and Academy are conveniently located within the resort, within walking distance from team accommodations.

Desert Springs Sales & Marketing Manager, Simon Coaker remarked, “We have been welcoming the Lancashire CCC squad to Desert Springs for a number of years now and it’s great that we can both extend and develop our relationship with the Club which will see them continue to return and benefit from our facilities in preparation for the domestic cricket season.

Part of our agreement extends the opportunity for Lancashire CCC Elite Underage Squads and Women’s teams to visit Desert Springs for specific training camps and we are looking forward to developing that opportunity for both the benefit of those players and Lancashire Cricket as a whole.”

• For details of Cricket & Sports Training Camps, Corporate Golf Events and Meetings at Desert Springs call 01242 680 116 or visit the website, desertspringsresort.es
• To find out more about the Desert Springs Cricket Academy CLICK HERE:

Additional background Information

Warm weather winter training camps at Desert Springs

Desert Springs, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course, is already known as a resort specialising in family holidays, however it is also known as a centre for warm-weather training for cricketers, athletes, and footballers, as well as golfers and is proving to be one of the most popular destinations for sports warm weather winter training camps.

In addition to Lancashire CCC, visiting Cricket groups have included; the ECB Test and ODI Squad, the ECB Women’s Senior Academy, the ECB Young Lions, the ECB Pace Programme, Sussex CCC, Yorkshire CCC, Somerset CCC and Middlesex CCC to name but a few.

All sports camps to Desert Springs are bespoke. If desired, the programme can include time away from the resort for some local sightseeing in what many regard as ‘the real Spain.’

During their stay attendees have opportunities to swim, play tennis and use the gymnasium, trim trail, jogging tracks, paddle tennis and beach volley ball courts.

Desert Springs is easy to reach from the UK, thanks to three international airports. They are: Almeria Airport, around 40 minutes away by road; Murcia Airport, 80 minutes by car, and Alicante Airport which is a drive of less than two hours. Airlines currently flying to the region from the UK include British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and Fly Thomas Cook.

Accommodation is provided in the apartments and villas available for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs. Meals are served in the resort’s Croc Restaurant, part of the family-friendly Crocodile Club that is geared up for a wide variety of leisure activities and the award winning El Torrente Restaurant at the Club House.

The Desert Springs Resort & Golf Club

Facilities already completed and in use at Desert Springs Resort include:

• The Indiana course, a par 72 -18-hole USGA specification golf course, designed by former Great Britain and Ireland Golf Team Captain Peter McEvoy who was inspired by the desert courses of Arizona and California;
• a golf academy whose PGA qualified teaching professionals cater for several international teams, for many of the English County Union’s elite squads; PGA European Tour, PGA Europro Tour and LET players.
• two tennis courts, two paddle courts, beach volley ball and two football pitches – one is a full-size grass pitch; the other is designed for five-a-side games;

• a cricket ground with an eighteen (18) wicket square, constructed to ECB standards and specifications open all year round. Complimented by a Marquee pavilion, sightscreens, scoreboard, sprint strips, and associated facilities, it provides an outstanding facility to practice and play cricket.

• a Cricket Academy with facilities that comprise; twenty-four (24) grass wickets and run up with nets, one artificial wicket with nets, a full length artificial grass wicket, a Professional Bola Bowling Machine with 28 ball feeder, requisite training equipment and a specific hard standing area, which provides outside space for facilities such as a free weights gym, stretching mats and a medical area.
• a Spanish colonial style Golf Club House with a lounge, bar, restaurant, locker rooms, TV and reading rooms, and a Ralph Lauren Golf Boutique;
• The Crocodile Club which provides family fun at the heart of the resort with pools, equipped sand play areas, a kid’s battery powered John Deere Gator circuit as well as a Jacuzzi, sun lawns and a pool bar;
• a health and fitness club and spa.

Awards

Desert Springs Resort was awarded Best Golf Resort for Groups in Europe by the 2016 European Group Travel Awards (EGTA). The Indiana Course at Desert Springs Resort has also been recognised as the 6th Best Golf Course in Spain, based on the reviews of players who rated the course on the Leading Courses website. Out of the 345 courses present on this ranking the Indiana Course at Desert Springs occupies 6th place with a score of 8,8/10, and awards Desert Springs Golf Club with the “Outstanding” badge. This distinction is only given to the best 10 courses in the country.

Desert Springs Resort has been awarded the Daily Mail Best Almeria Award and the Bentley International Property Awards for the Best Spain Development and Best Architecture, as well as the Spanish National Madera Verde Prize for Environmentally Sensitive Development, the SICTED award for the distinction of “Commitment to Tourism Quality” and Andalucía’s Premier Tourism prize for 2017, the coveted and prestigious ‘Excellence in Management’ Award.

El Torrente Restaurant has received the New Millennium International Gastronomy Award for the Tourist, Hotel and Catering Industry. This award was created by the Trade Leaders Club with the aim of distinguishing companies from all countries, for the outstanding quality of their products or services.

The climate of the Almanzora coastal region

Desert Springs takes its name from the region’s desert microclimate, which is unique in Europe. It has the warmest winter weather on the continent with an annual average of more than nine hours of daily sunshine and maximum daily temperatures of between 16°C (60°F) and 30°C (86°F) throughout the year. Annual rainfall is less than 200 mm. The Almanzora coastal waters are among the cleanest and warmest in Europe, attracting both fish and diving enthusiasts.

Reader enquiries:

NOTE: High Resolution Images available upon request.

Simon Coaker

The Almanzora Group Ltd

The Manor, Boddington, Cheltenham,

Gloucestershire GL51 0TJ

Tel: +44 (0) 1242 680116

Mob: +34 678 235 716

e: scc@almanzora.com

www.desertspringsresort.es

	Dateline:	5th March 2018
	Source:	Desert Springs Resort
	Subject:	Cricket at Desert Springs
	Title:	Lancashire CCC complete second scheduled pre-season cricket training camp at Desert Springs Resort

Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) have stepped up their preparations for the 2018 cricket season, having completed their second four (4) day warm weather training camp at the Desert Springs Cricket Ground & Academy.

Between Wednesday 28^th February – Sunday 04^th March, Sam Byrne (LCCC Team Physio) and Chris Benbow (LCCC 2^nd XI Coach), accompanied nine (9) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Ground and Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

LCCC Coach Chris Benbow commented: “Being able to train outdoors in February gives us a great opportunity to transition from indoors to our pre- season tour in March. Being back on grass is key for us during this time of year. Thank you for a great visit.”

The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity. Lancashire CCC players said of their pre-season training experience at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy:

“Great facilities, thanks again for looking after us, look forward to seeing you next year.” Simon Kerrigan

“Excellent camp, fantastic food!” Tom Bailey

“Another productive visit, excellent facilities all round, thank you.” Liam Hurt

Sam Byrne, LCCC Team Physio remarked;

“Another excellent visit. We are so well looked after at Desert Springs and get all that we require cricket wise. Everything ran smoothly as usual, thank you to all the staff. See you next year.”

To view the video of the Desert Springs Cricket Academy Click Here

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately-owned villas and apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in The Crocodile Club Restaurant.

For further information:

Kirk Lovell
+34 647 414 899
kl@almanzora.com

	Dateline:	19th February 2018
	Source:	Desert Springs Resort
	Subject:	Cricket at Desert Springs
	Title:	Lancashire County Cricket Club set to return to Desert Springs for second Pre-Season Warm Weather Cricket Training Camp

With the domestic cricket season drawing ever closer, and after the success of their training camp earlier this month, Lancashire County Cricket Club will be returning to Desert Springs between Wednesday 28^th February – Sunday 04^thMarch 2018 to complete their second pre-season training camp in preparations for their 2018 season campaign.

To view the video of the Desert Springs Cricket Academy Click Here

The training camp will comprise nine (9) players and two (2) coaches, all of whom will be spending their time completing a specific and carefully planned programme of numerous training sessions at the cricket academy each day covering technical skills, bowling and batting, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

With the opening of the new cricket ground at Desert Springs, the squad will be outside and on grass, enabling them to be able to do fielding and throwing practice in realistic conditions, something not possible indoors back in the UK.

The players and coaches will be accommodated in some of the privately-owned Villas and Apartments at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef will be on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the Crocodile Club Restaurant.

For further information:
Kirk Lovell
+34 647 414 899
kl@almanzora.com

	Dateline:	12th February 2018
	Source:	Desert Springs Resort
	Subject:	Cricket at Desert Springs
	Title:	Lancashire CCC complete first of two scheduled pre-season cricket training camps at Desert Springs Resort

With the domestic cricket season drawing ever closer, Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) are now stepping up their preparations for the 2018 campaign, having completed the first of two separate four (4) day warm weather training camps at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy.

Between Wednesday 7^th – Sunday 11^th February, Mark Chilton (LCCC Coach) and David Roberts (Lancashire County Cricket Clubs official medical services partner), accompanied nine (9) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Ground and Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

LCCC Coach Mark Chilton commented: “Desert Springs has provided us with an excellent 4-days experience. It serves its purpose completely as a training camp venue prior to the English season. The staff and food have been outstanding with service levels received impeccable.”

The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity. Lancashire CCC players said of their pre-season training experience at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy:

“This is my second visit to Desert Springs, a fantastic facility and all-round resort with perfect weather for this time of year, thank you.” Karl Brown

“Brilliant facilities all round and a great few days training, see you next month for our second visit!” Simon Kerrigan

“It’s great to be back at Desert Springs, everything was top draw!” Tom Bailey

“Fantastic training facilities and perfect for this time of year and the weather was great to!” Liam Hurt

To view the video of the Desert Springs Cricket Academy Click Here

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately-owned villas and apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in El Torrente Restaurant.

Lancashire CCC will be returning to Desert Springs between Wednesday 28^th February – Sunday 04^thMarch 2018 to complete their second pre-season training camp.

For further Information contact:

Kirk Lovell
Tel. +34 647 414 899
E-mail: kl@almanzora.com

	Dateline:	10th January 2018
	Source:	Desert Springs Resort
	Subject:	Cricket at Desert Springs
	Title:	Lancashire County Cricket Club Set To Return To Desert Springs For Two Pre-Season Warm Weather Cricket Training Camps

With the domestic cricket season drawing ever closer, Lancashire County Cricket Club will be stepping up their preparations for the 2018 campaign by completing two separate four (4) day warm weather training camps at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy between Wednesday 07^th – Sunday 11^th February and Wednesday 28^th February – Sunday 04^thMarch 2018.

To view the video of the Desert Springs Cricket Academy Click Here

Each of the Lancashire CCC training camps will comprise seven (7) players and three (3) coaches, all of whom will be spending their time completing a specific and carefully planned programme of numerous training sessions each day covering technical skills, bowling and batting, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity. As they will be outside and on grass, the squad will also be able to do fielding and throwing practice in realistic conditions, something not possible indoors back in the UK.

The players and coaches will be accommodated in some of the privately-owned Villas and Apartments at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef will be on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the Crocodile Club Restaurant.

Almanzora Group Sales & Marketing Manager, Simon Coaker remarked: –

“Since their inaugural visit in 2013, Lancashire CCC have become a regular visitor to Desert Springs Resort and we are delighted to be welcoming them back once again this year for their pre-season winter training camps.”

For further Information contact:

Kirk Lovell
Tel. +34 647 414 899
E-mail: kl@almanzora.com

	Dateline:	2nd March 2017
	Source:	Desert Springs Resort
	Subject:	Cricket at Desert Springs
	Title:	Lancashire CCC Complete Pre-Season Cricket Training Camp

Lancashire County Cricket Club players are now back in England having completed a successful four (4) days of warm weather pre-season cricket and fitness training between Sunday 26^th February – Thursday 2^nd March at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Glen Chappel (LCCC Head Coach), Sam Bryne (LCCC Team Physio) and Warren Hegg (LCCC Business Development Manager), accompanied eight (8) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2017 season.

LCCC Head Coach Glen Chappel commented: “It has been absolutely great for us to get some outdoor practice after a long winter of indoor training. The facilities have been outstanding and the service we have received has been first class. We already look forward to our next visit!”

Speaking of the grass wickets Glen remarked: “The wickets were a touch ‘spicy’ on day one but flattened out beautifully for the rest of the stay. The wickets lasted the full 4-days of heavy use, our ‘net’ wickets outside Old Trafford CG only last 3-days!

We are more than happy with the performance of the wickets, they are on a level with the ‘nets’ received at County Grounds back in England!”

The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity. Lancashire CCC players said of their pre-season training experience at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy:

“Brilliant facilities.” Simon Kerrigan

“Top draw 4-days, definitely coming again!” Tom Bailey

“Brilliant trip, top class staff and an enjoyable week had by all.” Kyle Jarvis

“Brilliant facilities and great food!” Daniel Lamb

“Great facilities and impressed with the quality of the wickets.” Karl Brown

“Excellent facilities for cricket and golf and the villa we were accommodated in was excellent.” Josh Bohannon

Sam Bryne, Lancashire CCC Team Physio commented: “Desert Springs Resort is an outstanding venue for pre-season training, both the wickets and gym are brilliant, what a place for getting fit!”

Warren Hegg Lancashire CCC Business Development Manager added: “Desert Springs Resort is a first class facility with excellent customer service!”

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments and villas normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in El Torrente Restaurant

For further information contact:

Kirk Lovell

+34 647 414 899
Email: kl@almanzora.com

	Dateline:	18th January 2017
	Source:	Desert Springs Resort
	Subject:	Cricket at Desert Springs
	Title:	Lancashire County Cricket Club Set To Return To Desert Springs For Pre-Season Warm Weather Cricket Training Camp

Further to their initial visit in 2013 and with the domestic cricket season drawing ever closer, Lancashire County Cricket Club will be stepping up their preparations for the 2017 campaign by completing their four (4) day warm weather training camp at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy between Sunday 26^th February – Thursday 02^nd March.

The Lancashire CCC training camp will comprise ten (10) players and two (2) coaches, all of whom will be spending their time completing a specific and carefully planned programme of numerous training sessions each day covering technical skills, bowling and batting, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity. As they will be outside and on grass, the squad will also be able to do fielding and throwing practice in realistic conditions, something not possible indoors back in the UK.

The players and coaches will be accommodated in some of the privately owned Villas and Apartments at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef will be on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the Crocodile Club Restaurant.

Almanzora Group Sales & Marketing Manager, Simon Coaker remarked: -

"We are delighted to welcome the return of Lancashire CCC for their pre-season winter training camp at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy.”

For further information contact:

Kirk Lovell

+34 647 414 899
Email: kl@almanzora.com

	Dateline:	25th January 2013
	Source:	The Almanzora Group
	Subject:	Sussex & Lancashire Cricket
	Title:	Desert Springs sign up cricket ace duo James Anderson and Matthew Prior

Lancashire and England fast bowler James Anderson and Sussex and England wicket-keeper Matthew Prior have followed in the footsteps of some of the leading names in sport by becoming ambassadors of the prestigious Desert Springs Resort in Almeria, Andalucía, south east Spain.

Anderson and Prior have followed the likes of Sir Ian Botham, OBE, generally regarded as being England crickets greatest ever all-rounder, and double Olympic Gold medalist Daley Thompson CBE, one of the greatest all-round athletes the world has ever seen in giving their backing to the five-star Spanish resort.

James Anderson is the fifth-highest England wicket taker of all time in Test cricket with 288 wickets in 77 appearances and is currently ranked sixth in the world Test bowler standings.

James remarked:

“Desert Springs has developed a fantastic reputation not only for golf and its additional sporting facilities, but also for providing a quality of lifestyle that all of the family can enjoy. That in particular is something our family is looking forward to during our visits to the resort throughout the year. It is a privilege to be an ambassador for them.”

Matthew Prior, the fourth-highest England wicket taker of all time has amassed 186 dismissals from 113 innings.  He was the first England wicket keeper to score a Test hundred on debut, taking just 105 deliveries and hitting 16 boundaries after coming in at number 7, and finishing on 126 not out, becoming one of only 17 English batsman to record the feat overall.

Matthew commented:

“Desert Springs is an outstanding venue which provides some excellent new cricket practice facilities for warm weather pre-season team building and training as well as players rehabilitation, and both James and I look forward to being part of its expanding plans for the future.”

• For details of Cricket, Golf & Sports Training Camps, Corporate Golf Events, Meetings and Family Holidays at Desert Springs call 01242 680 116.

Additional background Information

Warm weather winter training camps at Desert Springs

Desert Springs, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course, already well known as a resort specialising in family holidays is proving to be one of the most popular destinations for warm weather winter training camps for Golf, Football and Cricket among the growing number of schools with their own academies and teams in the UK.

The resort will be host this winter season to the Cheltenham College Cricket Junior School, Darren Clarke Golf School, Lee Westwood Golf School and the Hartpury College Football Academy to name but a few, where budding sports stars of the future can improve their skills.

All Sports Training Camps to Desert Springs are bespoke. If desired, the programme can include time away from the resort for some local sightseeing in what many regard as ‘the real Spain.’

During their stay attendees have opportunities to swim, play tennis and use the gymnasium, trim trail, jogging tracks, paddle tennis and beach volleyball courts at the Sierras Sports and Fitness Club.

Desert Springs is easy to reach from the UK, thanks to three international airports. They are: Almeria Airport, around 40 minutes away by road; Murcia Airport, 80 minutes by car, and Alicante Airport which is a drive of less than two hours. Airlines currently flying to the region from the UK include easyJet, Monarch, Ryanair, Jet2, Jetair Fly and Thomas Cook.

Accommodation is provided in the luxury apartments and villas available for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs. Meals are served in the resort’s Croc Restaurant, part of the family-friendly Crocodile Club that is geared up for a wide variety of leisure activities and the award winning El Torrente Restaurant at the Club House.

A spokesman for Desert Springs said that, depending on the size of the group and its requirements, the total cost of a four-day trip for warm weather training, including flights, would work out at between £350 and £400 per person.

The Desert Springs Resort & Golf Club

Facilities at Desert Springs include:

• The Par 72, 18-hole USGA Indiana golf course designed by former Great Britain and Ireland Golf Team Captain Peter McEvoy who was inspired by the desert courses of Arizona and California; 
• A golf academy whose PGA qualified teaching professionals cater for several international teams, for the women’s elite squads of the Golf Union of Wales and for many of the English County Union’s elite squads; PGA European Tour and LET players.
• Two hard tennis courts, two paddle courts, beach volleyball and two football pitches - one is a full-size grass pitch; the other is designed for five-a-side games; 
• Two cricket mobile cage nets with artificial wickets and a Professional Bola Bowling Machine with 28-ball feeder.  A slip catch cradle and both full length artificial and grass wickets.  
• A Spanish colonial style Golf Club House with a lounge, bar, restaurant, locker rooms, TV and reading rooms, and a Ralph Lauren Golf Boutique; 
• The Crocodile Club which provides family fun at the heart of the resort with pools, equipped sand play areas, a kid’s battery powered John Deere Gator circuit and a games room as well as a Jacuzzi, sun lawns and a pool bar; 
• A health and fitness club and spa. 

Awards

In 2005 Desert Springs won the Daily Mail Best Almeria Award and the Bentley International Property Awards for the Best Spain Development and Best Architecture.  In 2006, it was awarded the Spanish National Madera Verde Prize for Environmentally Sensitive Development.   In 2007, the El Torrente Restaurant received the New Millennium International Gastronomy Award for the Tourist, Hotel and Catering Industry. This award was created by the Trade Leaders Club with the aim of distinguishing companies from all countries, for the outstanding quality of their products or services.

The climate of the Almanzora coastal region

Desert Springs takes it name from the region’s desert microclimate, which is unique in Europe. It has the warmest winter weather on the continent with an annual average of more than nine hours of daily sunshine and maximum daily temperatures of between 16°C (60°F) and 30°C (86°F) throughout the year.  Annual rainfall is less than 200 mm.  The Almanzora coastal waters are among the cleanest and warmest in Europe, attracting both fish and diving enthusiasts.

Reader enquiries:

Simon Coaker

The Almanzora Group Ltd

The Manor, Boddington, Cheltenham,

Gloucestershire GL51 0TJ

Tel: +44 (0) 1242 680116

email: tag@almanzora.co.uk

	Dateline:	21st February 2013
	Source:	The Almanzora Group Ltd
	Subject:	Cricket at Desert Springs
	Title:	Lancashire County Cricket Club completes a successful fortnight of warm weather fitness and cricket training at Desert Springs

Lancashire's players are now back in England having completed a successful fortnight of warm weather fitness and cricket training between 27th January & 10th February at Desert Springs Resort.

Two groups of six players completed three sessions a day for five days as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2013 season.

Phil Scott, Lancashire's Strength and Conditioning Coach said:

"Having dry weather and grass meant the players could really throw themselves into the fielding drills and increase the volume and intensity of their throwing and catching which is really important as they get closer to the season. The lads worked incredibly hard throughout the week, and since we've been back the gains they have made are already becoming obvious."

The training camps, which were a joint initiative between David Roberts Physiotherapy who has been Lancashire’s official medical services partner for the past 12 years and Desert Springs were also a great opportunity for new players to integrate into the team and spend time learning about the value of nutrition, diet, adequate rest and recovery techniques.

Sam Byrne – Physiotherapist, Lancashire County Cricket Club remarked:

“Desert Springs really is a fantastic place to bring your team or athletes to train. The variety of facilities from the immaculate grass training field and well-equipped gym, to the gruelling ‘Sand-Pit’ and ‘Hill Sprint’ all make for a great place to push your players to their limits while still having fun.

The accommodation is modern, spacious and comfortable, the staff simply cannot do enough to help you, and the Chef really does go out of his way to prepare extremely healthy and tasty options. All this, combined with the endless sunshine on your back makes it the perfect place to create a pure training environment for any team or athlete.”

Peter Moores Head Coach Lancashire County Cricket Club commented:

"After spending a week at Desert Springs with several of the Lancashire CCC professional squad I can thoroughly recommend it as a venue.

The excellent outdoor grass facilities provided us with the perfect conditions for fielding and agility work.

This alongside the gymnasium, sandpits and trim trail gave ample scope for varied and constructive training.

This all takes place in the idyllic setting of a golf course, which provides a perfect environment for hard work, in depth discussions and pure enjoyment.

By the end of the week not only had we gained knowledge and experience, but also as a team we had become fitter and stronger, not just physically but mentally.

The staff were outstanding in all aspects and the food was exceptional and completely tailored to our requirements. All in all a fantastic week for all involved."

For further information contact: The Almanzora Group Ltd
Email: tag@almanzora.com

	Dateline:	25th January 2013
	Source:	The Almanzora Group Ltd
	Subject:	Cricket at Desert Springs
	Title:	Lancashire County Cricket Club Select Desert Springs To Host Two Week Warm Weather Training Camp

With the domestic cricket season drawing ever closer, the Lancashire County Cricket Club playing squad will be stepping up their preparations for the 2013 campaign by doing some warm weather training at Desert Springs from 27th January - 10th February.

Over the course of the next two weeks, two groups of six players will be spending a week each at Desert Springs, completing three training sessions a day which will include strength work, running, and speed and agility work. As they will be outside and on grass, the squad will be able to do more fielding practice than would be possible indoors.

David Roberts Physiotherapy, who has been Lancashire’s official medical services partner for the past 12 years, arranged the sessions through their partnership with Desert Springs.

Lancashire physiotherapist Sam Byrne said: "The players are all desperate to bounce back out of Division Two and build on some impressive one day performances last year.

They have been working hard on their skills with Peter Moores and the coaches since late November and putting in the hard yards with Phil Scott our new Strength and Conditioning Coach in the gym.

Being able to get outside at Desert Springs, with the facilities and weather they have, will really give us the chance to increase the amount and intensity of physical training we're doing.

The bowlers will be able to start to run through on grass and we'll get plenty of high intensity fielding and throwing done in realistic conditions."

A spokesman for Desert Springs said: "We've been supporters of English cricket for a long time, and when Dave Roberts approached us with the idea of jointly sponsoring the team to come out to Desert Springs along with David Roberts Physiotherapy, we jumped at the chance to host them. We have hosted numerous football and cricket teams as well as school groups, and the quality of the facilities and service we provide, coupled with the food and weather, make Desert Springs the perfect one-stop-shop for teams to come and train."

For further information contact: The Almanzora Group Ltd
Email: tag@almanzora.com