Norwich City: Canaries to hold Tampa Bay training camp

The Canaries will train at the home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, the Al Lang Stadium, and are inviting supporters to join them at an open training session on Friday, November 25. 

Norwich's season will take a three week pause after Saturday's game against Middlesbrough due to the World Cup in Qatar.

Dean Smith's men will have a week off before jetting Stateside for training. 

It's understood they will also look to organise a friendly fixture before the league resumes next month - although this is likely to take place behind closed doors. 

They return to Championship action on December 10 for a trip to face Russell Martin's Swansea. 

Members of City's first team squad will also be attending a Rowdies training session, a youth training programme and an event to watch England's World Cup clash with USA - which could involve striker Josh Sargent. 

Norwich have held a six-year relationship with Visit Tampa Bay. 

City's commercial director Sam Jeffery expressed his excitement at the upcoming trip.

“We’re delighted to be heading back to Tampa Bay for our warm weather training camp this month", he told official channels.

“Over the last five years, we’ve enjoyed an outstanding partnership with Visit Tampa Bay, as well as the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and we’re proud to be training at Al Lang Stadium for the duration of our camp.

“We also look forward to welcoming fans to observe an open training session on Friday, November 25.

“We thank Santiago C. Corrada, Patrick Harrison and all at Visit Tampa Bay, along with Ryan Helfrick and his team at the Rowdies, for their support and assistance.”

Tampa Bay Rays vice chairman, Brian Auld, said: “After an exciting season of Rowdies soccer, we are proud to welcome Norwich City back to Tampa Bay.

“Sports has a way of bringing people together from all over the world, and partnerships like this one will continue to energise the community and connect us through the love of the game."

Norwich City’s squad in 2018 during a trip to Tampa Bay. (Image: Archant)

Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Norwich City to Tampa Bay for their second-ever warm weather training session.

“We’ve had a successful partnership with the club for several years and are incredibly impressed with the loyalty felt by its faithful fanbase. With British Airways offering non-stop service from London Gatwick, and a new Virgin Atlantic route bringing daily non-stop flights from London’s Heathrow Airport to Tampa International Airport, it’s never been easier for the Canaries and their fans to experience the treasures of Tampa Bay.”