The Barcelona Dragons wound up their 2021 Training Camp this past weekend at the team’s facility in Reus, Spain as they get ready for the 2021 European League of Football season.
A total of 78 players were in attendance from Friday, May 7 to Sunday, May 9 as head coach Adam Rita and his coaching staff put the players through their paces in two sessions on Saturday and one on Sunday. A scrimmage was held after the final practice session on Sunday. From the 78 hopefuls, 53 players will be picked for the team that will hit the field on June 19 in the opening game of the season against the Stuttgart Surge.
Head coach Adam Rita was pleased with what he saw:
I thought it went very well. The players and coaches brought lots of energy , the weather was great. We have a great staff and I’m really happy with how our young coaches performed. It was a high energy three practices, thanks to the players and coaches. We had lots of help and each position also had their own video person . We had an hour long scrimmage, with officials.
Dragons general manager Bart Iaccarino:
“We are very happy with how everything has gone. The team seems to be good, even better on the field than what we had in mind. The coaches are very satisfied, but we all know that this is only the beginning and that there is much work to be done. We still have a month or so ahead of us before the first game against Stuttgart to continue working and give the best possible image on that important day. In this Training Camp we have given a very good image. I think the league commissioners who have been here with us have had a very good impression and the idea that things are being done well in Barcelona”.
Dragons quarterback coach Joe Paopao was impressed:
“Camp went well. Guys were getting some good coaching and the energy levels and attitudes were strong. Bart did a great job organizing camp. It was professionally done.”
One of the players competing for a spot on the final roster is defensive lineman Yago Rivero:
“As a young player, it has been one of the best experiences I have had in football. It has been an incredible Training Camp, very welcoming people, a very professional staff and the truth is that I have nothing negative to say. I really enjoyed it and I would be here again training tomorrow. For earning a place in the team we would be here giving everything again tomorrow if this must be necessary.”