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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Inside Wales' World Cup training base with four pitches, fitness centre, massage rooms and a very Welsh feel

Upon arriving at Wales' World Cup training base, it swiftly becomes evident that those entering are about to get the full Welsh experience.

With the nation's branding plastered over every imaginable façade of the training centre, Wales' Al Sadd base already feels like home, particularly when greeted with the 'Croeso Cymru' (Welcome Wales) sign.

Traditionally used by Qatar Stars League outfit Al Sadd Sports Club - who have former Swansea City star Andre Ayew in their ranks - the complex will now play host to the training sessions of Wales' squad for the duration of the tournament.

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They already have several neighbours. Group E side Japan are based on the opposite half of the training complex to Wales, with a giant makeshift wall separating the two camps while reigning champions France are currently using the 15,000-seater Jassim bin Hamad Stadium which is located just 500 metres away.

Boasting a total of four pitches, Wales have access to two of the fields of play at their training ground, with Japan taking the other two. A small media centre is located immediately after the entrance to the venue - with several members of security who perform bag checks upon entry guarding the premises. It doesn't take long to get the Welsh feel.

Wales team training facility (John Smith/FAW)
The massage area at the training base (John Smith/FAW)

The Gorau Chwarae Cyd Chwarae (Together Stronger) motto is emblazoned above the sponsors behind the four-seater press conference desk while on the side of the media room, there are Cymru posters which include portraits of several members of the Red Wall.

At the rear, two large prints are plastered on the back of the camera stage, one of which details Wales' 64-year wait to play in the World Cup, leading with an explanation of the term 'amdani' (go for it). The second reads 'Our land, our history, our people, our Cymru'.

It's a theme that continues when you enter the playing fields that are currently being graced by those wearing the blood red of Wales.

The exterior of the changing rooms are painted in red, green and white, the same colour scheme which is used throughout the facility in recognition of those on the nation's flag.

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Situated on the centre of the touchlines which separate Wales' two pitches are large makeshift awnings covering an array of sofa seating and a carpeted floor area where players can take refuge from the sweltering Qatar heat.

On the opposite side of the pitch is the seating area where fans - or in this case, members of the media - can watch the action from the touchline.

Wales' Harry Wilson, Neco Williams, Dylan Levitt and Brennan Johnson during a training session at their base (John Smith/FAW)
Wales' Together Stronger message is everywhere at their base (John Smith/FAW)

As for the two largest building themselves, the first includes changing rooms and massage rooms. The latter is covered in Welsh logos and phrases - with 'Land of our fathers' written across the rear wall behind a row of massage tables.

The Football Association of Wales' official emblem has been stuck on to the floor of the dressing room while images of supporters accompany the words 'Teammates, friends, brothers, princes all, selected by the divine'.

Located next door is the vast fitness centre which boasts a range of weights, bikes and treadmills, although the Welsh feel inside still remains strong thanks to a range of posters and banners that adorn the suite.

It all ensures that - while at their first World Cup in 64 years - Wales remain close to their roots, despite being more than 4,000 miles away from home.

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