THE Watford Academy once again spent five days at the Marine base at Lympstone, Devon in July as David Dodds prepared his squad for the tough season ahead.

Academy boss Dodds took 12 scholars down to the base to see how the young 'Orns cope with a different type of pressure and physical endurance.

The Academy with the Marines near Lympstone

Jonathan North and Ross Jenkins

Four first years attended and they were Jonathan North, Ross Jenkins, Billy Gibson and Marvin Sordell. The second year scholars were Dale Bennett, Aaron Morgan, Raphael Brown, Kieron Forbes, Lewis Young, Loren Maxwell, Ewan Clarke and Liam Henderson. All of the second year scholars had attended before so knew what to expect.

Marine Gary Jackman putting the Academy through their paces

Marine Gary Jackman was in charge of the Hornets for the second season running and along with fellow Marine Anthony Newton put them through a number of grueling mental and physical tasks.

The endurance test proves tough going

During their stay at the base they lived as a Marine would do, so they were staying in accommodation at the base. The rooms were basic with just a bed and a locker with three or four lads in each room.

Raphael Brown and Dale Bennett

The endurance course was a real test of their stamina, and was in terrain not usually associated with young footballers. They went up to the hills and valleys near Lympstone taking in the 'smartie tunnel', 'crocodile pit', some traditional hill climbs and generally a tough test of their characters and fitness levels. First time round was individually then they were divided into two teams by manager Dodds and co. and were up against one another.

Billy Gibson

The time away gives Dodds the perfect opportunity to take a look at his youngsters outside of their normal environment at the Hornets' training ground at London Colney. It is a period where he learns more about the young individuals under his wing and gives him the perfect opportunity to assess their individual characters and mental toughness - something that they'll need plenty of if they are to succeed in the tough world of professional football.

Dale Bennett

Dodds is clearly enthusiastic about the week away, he said: "The Marine base is a real test. Obviously we're up to the date with the modern techniques and sports science; however the camp is about going back to basics. The lads are running on uneven ground, through forest and marshland, ducking and diving in pipes with water in them and going on assault courses. Here I find they get a little bit tired and you find a lot out. Not about their football but about their mental strength, it was very interesting last year."

Watford Academy

The week isn't all about running and discipline as Dodds explained, "It's not all about running them into the ground, there are a lot of leadership topics covered too. So again you find out who the leaders are of the group. For me it's a good indicator about how the season will plan out.

"It is definitely a bonding week, what we try and encourage with the group is that if someone is having a bad time, whether its on the pitch or in their personal life, that the squad gets around them and doesn't let anyone drop out.

Manager Dodds has a go!

"I think that's important in football, it will give them better chances as individuals and it's a good team-morale exercise. We found out that it got them together last year and when they were really tired on camp they found that little bit extra. Then we used that in games for example when we had to go to extra time, and in certain situations such as when we were playing against teams that were older."