With the prospect of less than perfect training conditions throughout the winter months in the UK, like many professional sportspeople, you may be looking further afield for opportunities at this time of the year. Rather than endure freezing conditions and a motivation-sapping winter training regimen, heading to Europe for some warm weather training not only gives you a welcome burst of sunshine, it can also see you enjoying state-of-the-art facilities that, in some cases, are even better than those at home.
Malta – A Well Kept Secret for Winter Sports Training
With a wide range of destinations offering top-notch facilities and accommodation, depending on your particular sporting discipline you’ll have a difficult choice on your hands. One place that’s not as widely known as a training destination as some others is Malta – but this compact archipelago in the Mediterranean is well worth considering for its sporting facilities as well as its ancient history and fabulous weather.
Athletics
St Aloysius College, in Balzan, has an excellent reputation for holding warm weather training camps for track and field athletes. The Balzan Sports Stadium, within the college, includes an 8-lane, 400-metre track, hurdling equipment, triple and long jump runways, and various other track and field training facilities. As the island is so compact, there’s a wide choice of accommodation options, all of which are easily accessible from the airport by short transfer.
The Marsa Sports Complex is located in Marsa, right in the centre of the island. The stadium in the complex has an 8-lane ‘tartan’ all-weather track (100 and 400 metre), along with javelin, discus and shot put areas, and high jump, long jump and pole vault facilities. There’s an onsite fitness studio and plenty of other facilities including a pool and tennis courts so you can mix up your training programme. Marsa has no accommodation itself, but it’s just a short drive to the wonderful coastal resorts and there is good public transport if you don’t have a car.
Swimming
The outstanding facilities of the Tal Qroqq Sports Complex in Gzira, near the University of Malta, are perfect if you’re looking for some warm weather swimming training abroad. Complete with a state-of-the-art filtration system, the Aquatic Centre is equipped with an Olympic sized 10-lane, 50-metre pool and diving centre, as well as an adjoining fitness centre for additional land training. Tal Qroqq is also home to the headquarters of the Maltese Olympic Committee. Depending on your budget, you can choose from accommodation rated from three to five stars, all within easy access of the complex – some even within walking distance.
The Ta Qali Swimming Pool, within the Ta Qali National Stadium of the Maltese Football Association (MFA), is an indoor, heated facility. The 6-lane, 25-metre pool is ideal for training, with private hire available for sports clubs. Ta Qali is just a few kilometres from accommodation options in Mdina, Rabat or in any of the coastal resorts.
Football
The MFA Technical Complex is the most important facility for football and football training on the island. Home to administrative offices, rehabilitation centre, and the National Team Headquarters, it’s the perfect place to come as a team for some warm weather training to work on your ball techniques and skills. The complex has a superb reputation and some of the world’s most high profile international football teams have enjoyed the facilities, including A.C. Milan, A.C. Torino, Liverpool F.C., Manchester United F.C., and many more.
The Marsa Sports Complex, near Valetta, is also a highly popular venue for visiting international football teams for winter training camps. Boasting two full sized football pitches and a cement, hard-ground pitch, the complex also hosts weekly local league tournaments. As a multi-purpose sporting facility, it’s popular with other disciplines as well, including athletics and swimming.
Let Shuttle Direct Get You to Your Winter Training Camp in Malta
Malta Airport services the entire island, and Shuttle Direct’s airport transfer services are the first choice to get you to your accommodation or direct to your warm weather training camp. It takes just a few moments to book online and you’ll be instantly emailed a confirmation of all your travel details. A friendly local driver will meet you at the airport and transport you and any sporting equipment you bring straight to your accommodation anywhere on the island.
We offer convenient private transfers all to yourself, or budget-friendly shared services. No matter what service you choose, you can count on Shuttle Direct to get you to your resort or hotel in the fastest time without any of the annoying delays of public transport. Whether it’s football training at Marsa or athletics at the Balzan Stadium, we’ll take care of all your airport transfer details so you can enjoy the sun and get on with what you came for.
