Canada opens training in Hangzhou

Listen to coach Even Pellerud



Canada’s women’s national team had their first training today in Hangzhou. The team trained from 1700-1830 at the Zhejiang College of Sports.



Canada’s team arrived in Hangzhou on Thursday after flying from Singapore to China (they landed in Shanghai and traveled to Hangzhou by bus). Less than one week remains before Canada’s first match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup on 12 September.



“The purpose of our six days in Singapore was to wind down the training volume a little bit,” said coach Even Pellerud. “(It was) six days with a lighter training schedule, (it helped us) to reenergize the team by having team-building activities, having fun, but at the same time taper down the training volume and maybe increase the training intensity a little bit. We are heading in to China with light feet and happy minds.”



Canada has four training days left before their 12 September match against Norway (Norge). The match will be played at 20.00 local time (8.00 ET or 5.00 PT in Canada).



“Our trip from Singapore to China went very well and without any complications,” said Pellerud. “The first training today, which is Friday evening, went very well in extremely good conditions, not too warm, fantastic field. The players were very lively and performed very well. So all the coaches are very happy to see that the players seem to peak at the right time.”