Wigan Athletic Football Club Training Camp in Oman a Success

Wednesday 22nd Feb 2012

Wigan Athletic Football Club of the FA Premier League and home to Omani star Ali Al Habsi returned yesterday from a week long mid-season training camp in the Sultanate of Oman. The highlight of the 6 day trip was a one nil victory over the Oman National Team in front of an exuberant crowd of over 11,000. It was the first time an English team has played in the Middle Eastern country and heralded the return of the National Team star and captain to his homeland.

During their week-long stay in Oman, Wigan also enjoyed the benefit of warm weather training and participated in several media and grass roots events, including an afternoon tea with the British Ambassador, several meet and greet sessions with the local RAF squadron, young players and local fans.

“We are delighted with the training camp and our experience in Oman. James Grant Sports and the Oman FA have done a great job and fully understood our requirements from a technical perspective,” said Wigan Manager, Roberto Martinez. “Our time there was a great opportunity for our players and staff to break from our usual routine and recharge our batteries for the remainder of the Premier League season. The Oman FA was a wonderful host and we were able to have some excellent training sessions and enjoyed a very competitive game with the national team. We are looking forward to returning in the years ahead as we build our relationship with Oman.”

Damian Willoughby, U.S. Managing Director for James Grant Sports, who organized this international friendly and also represents Ali Al Habsi said, “This further demonstrates our global reach and ability to broker ground breaking events that deliver real value for all parties. We hope that this will become a regular event on the football calendar in Oman given the unrivalled profile and success of Ali.”