Speed-dating, sharks & Hunted - unique pre-season tales from WSL 2

Pre-season is not only about building fitness and integrating new players in the Women's Super League 2 (WSL 2), but it can also be a chance for clubs to have some fun. With the season set to commence on 4 September, clubs have been partaking in unique team bonding exercises. BBC Sport has uncovered the various activities that different clubs have engaged in during their pre-season camps.

One such club is Nottingham Forest, who while on a day off in Canada, visited a wildlife center and shared photos of the animals with their squad on social media. Manager Tom Mallinson also organized a speed-dating activity, pairing players to express their appreciation for each other and learn about their strengths. Forest captain Georgia Brougham shared that this exercise made people feel valued and brought everyone together on the trip.

One player even felt like she gained a sister in another player as she felt safe and could be herself.

Sheffield United engaged in a real-life version of the Channel 4 reality TV show, Hunted. The game required team-mates to work together to avoid being caught by those chasing them. Goalkeeper Joy Ralph laughed, saying that the experience was fun and similar to the TV show. Elsewhere, goalkeeper Fran Stenson, who moved from Southampton to Sunderland recently, was exploring the coast with teammates and encountered what she thought was a shark.

However, upon realizing it was actually a pod of dolphins, she expressed surprise, stating that it was one of her first days with her new team.

Wolves took their pre-season activities to the Lake District, where players were initially apprehensive about the trip due to rumors of a potentially military-style experience. However, goalkeeper Emily Orman reassured others that the activities included abseiling down a waterfall, fitness exercises, and campfires, all of which were geared towards team bonding.

Some players expressed concerns about maintaining their skin care routine amidst the outdoor activities, but Orman mentioned that she has recently developed a passion for video games and documentary making, both of which she enjoys as a way to connect with people from different backgrounds.