Our Under-18 side continued their pre-season work in a slightly different format last week as they headed to the East Midlands for some military training designed to develop teamwork as well as mental and physical resilience.

Lydia Bedford, her staff and the playing squad all headed to Kendrew Barracks for an overnight stay, which included two days of tough challenges.

The group were put through their paces by serving military staff as they were taught important characteristics that the team hope will serve them well during the 2023/24 season- which kicks off on 5 August against Stevenage.

The players were split into groups and completed a range of gym work and distance-based challenges on the first day before camping out overnight in wet and windy conditions.

The group were then up early for some obstacle challenges which included carrying heavy weights between them. They then headed to Rutland Water for more running drills which included getting very wet as teams competed to complete the course first.

Lydia Bedford will be in charge of a young Brentford side who make the trip to Surrey as they continue their preparation for the 2023/24 campaign on Saturday 21 July in a 3pm kick-off against Leatherhead.

After welcoming 12 new arrivals the U18s played their first pre-season fixture on July 8 against Portsmouth in a narrow 2-1 defeat. The U18 side begin their league campaign against Sutton United on 5 August in the South East Youth Alliance League.