A look at the La Cala resort in southern Andalusia, Wanderers' pre-season base
Nestled in the mountains of southern Andalusia, Wanderers’ first team and development squad are currently undergoing arguably the most intense part of pre-season training.
High humidity levels and blistering heat makes for tough training conditions for the players, but what else makes up this popular training base?
The LaCala Resort is situated 4km inland of its coastal namesake town, which was previously nicknamed ‘the bay of mulberries’ due to its variety of mulberry trees. With Malaga located to the east and Marbella the west, this region of Spain is a popular destination for many of the world’s top golfers.
Sprawling over 1,000 acres, the resort is home to a hotel, three 18-hole golf courses, a golfing academy, spa, swimming pools, restaurants, private residential properties and top of the range sporting facilities.
Wanderers’ first team FIFA-approved training pitch, complete with dressing rooms and showers, is an approximate ten minute walk from their base at the resort’s hotel.
Everton, Sevilla, Borussia Monchengladbach, Al-Ahli, Dynamo Kiev, Team GB and Freedman’s former side, Crystal Palace, have all geared up for previous new seasons at the resort. A designated rest and relaxation room houses photographs and memorabilia that pays homage to clubs’ visits down the years.
La Cala Resort Factfile
Full name: La Cala Resort
Opened: 1997
Opened: 1997
Size: 4.5million square metres
Hotel: One with 107 rooms
Football: FIFA-approved pitch and training facilities
Golf: Three 18-hole championship courses, one 6-hole course plus golfing academy
Restaurants: 6