Footballers from the Rangers’ Youth Academy were put to the test by soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
In a rigorous military-style training, 50 professional Glasgow footballers, aged 16 to 21, faced a day-long series of physical and mental challenges by the team responsible for keeping the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s 2nd Battalion (2 SCOTS) fit.
The group met at Edinburgh's Glencorse Barracks on July 10.
Sergeant John Fleming, physical training instructor at 2 SCOTS and his team, responsible for training the nation's infantry soldiers, delivered the 'full army treatment.’
The footballers' fitness, mental stamina, problem-solving, and communication skills were tested in the high-pressure environment.
Sgt. Fleming said: "This intensive training is focused on allowing the team to learn about themselves and each other in a high-stress, unfamiliar setting.
"The training is tough and acts as a reality check for even the fittest of people, but provides invaluable insights into the discipline and resilience required at the highest-level of physical training."
Carolanne Gay, education executive at Rangers Academy, said: “As an Academy we are more than just football development, and strongly believe in offering the correct combination of challenges and education to develop our young athletes.
"Within our Professional Development Phase, we have a responsibility to aid personal growth within the players football journey on and off the pitch, and our recent visit to Glencorse Barracks took these players out of their comfort zone and into a hard-hitting inspiring environment.
"The experience provided some intense team building tasks, and we hope generated some thought-provoking employment opportunities away from football.
"We ultimately aim for our young athletes to become leaders, role models and lifelong learners, which we feel this valuable experience has enhanced.”
The academy players were accompanied by their coaching team including ex-pros David McCallum and Steven Smith.
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