During the upcoming FIFA World Cup break, the Norwich City first-team squad, in collaboration with Visit Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay Rowdies, will undergo a warm weather training camp in the Floridian city.
The squad will train at Al Lang Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, with an open training session scheduled for Friday, November 25, allowing football supporters in the area a chance to meet the Norwich City players. Details and timings for this session will be confirmed in due course.
In what is a further commitment on both sides to the partnership that the club has held with Visit Tampa Bay for almost six years now, the squad will also engage in some community activity during the week.
As well as their own training sessions, first team players will attend a Yellow and Green Dream coaching session, hosted by the Rowdies on Tuesday, November 22.
The Yellow and Green Dream is a collaboration between City and the Rowdies, offering 7-14-year-olds the opportunity to take part in a range of football-based activities and experience a taste of the life of a professional footballer.
The squad will also be attending a 'watch party' for England's crucial World Cup group stage game against the USA at MacDinton's bar in downtown Tampa.
Sam Jeffery, commercial director at Norwich City, said: “We’re delighted to be heading back to Tampa Bay for our warm weather training camp this month.
“Over the last five years, we’ve enjoyed an outstanding partnership with Visit Tampa Bay, as well as the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and we’re proud to be training at Al Lang Stadium for the duration of our camp.
“We also look forward to welcoming fans to observe an open training session on Friday, November 25.
“We thank Santiago C. Corrada, Patrick Harrison and all at Visit Tampa Bay, along with Ryan Helfrick and his team at the Rowdies, for their support and assistance.”
Tampa Bay Rowdies vice chairman, Brian Auld, said: “After an exciting season of Rowdies soccer, we are proud to welcome Norwich City back to Tampa Bay.
“Sports has a way of bringing people together from all over the world, and partnerships like this one will continue to energise the community and connect us through the love of the game."
Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Norwich City to Tampa Bay for their second-ever warm weather training session.
“We’ve had a successful partnership with the club for several years and are incredibly impressed with the loyalty felt by its faithful fanbase. With British Airways offering non-stop service from London Gatwick, and a new Virgin Atlantic route bringing daily non-stop flights from London’s Heathrow Airport to Tampa International Airport, it’s never been easier for the Canaries and their fans to experience the treasures of Tampa Bay.”