PLAYERS from Bristol City’s U23 team were put through their paces by the army in Hullavington last week.

The team and coaching staff got an early wake up call on Thursday with a drill on parade square of Buckley Barracks by Sargeant Dave Biggs of 9 Regiment, before being tested on command tasks and weapons.

“It’s a bit different from what they experience on the pitch each week and from the moment they got here, they were treated as if they were in the army,” Sgt Biggs said.

“I’’m not sure some of them liked it at first, but they all got into it and it was a really enjoyable day.

“As well as doing weapon familiarisation, we also took the boys down to

Lyneham for a run on the assault course and a fun run around the base carrying equipment.

“I even got a letter from the club this week saying thank you for a fantastic day, and they have invited us up to their next pre-season so we can get a taste of what they do.”