Football at La Manga

Football at La Manga Club started in 1990, with the first official competition-sized football pitch built in order to increase still further the range of sporting facilities available on resort and meet a growing demand from overseas football teams willing to come and train in a warm climate. Over the following years, big teams such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Ajax and Galatasaray have all trained at La Manga Club.

The football experience acquired over the years, along with the ideal climate conditions and the excellent facilities on the resort, were the key factors that led the Norwegian Football Federation to choose La Manga Club as the winter training base for the Norwegian League teams. In May 1997, an historical 15-year agreement was signed in Oslo between La Manga Club and the Norwegian Football Federation, under which the Norwegian top league teams would train at La Manga Club from January to mid-April every year. Teams from other Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden, Denmark and Finland, also train here and take part in tournaments.

As a result, the Professional Football Centre was opened in February 1998 with five international-standard football pitches. This was the first year of the La Manga Club Cup, in which 20 premier and first division teams from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland competed in five weekly groups of four teams.

The same year, Glen Hoddle chose La Manga Club as his pre-World Cup training base and brought 30 England players to practise here, attracting massive press interest, especially as his 22-man 1998 World Cup Squad was named during their stay.England also used La Manga Club as a training base again in 2003.

Such was the success of the football facilities that in 2000 three more pitches were added to the Centre, bringing it to a total of eight and making it southern Europe's largest training facility. The principal football training season in La Manga Club runs from January to April each year. At this time of year, the climatic conditions in northern European countries make it extremely difficult for clubs to maintain a regular training programme. In this way, La Manga Club is proud to play a part in maintaining and enhancing the quality of European football. Should you wish to know if your favourite team is visting during your stay please do not hesitate to contact one of our sales advisors. For our kids football programme please see KIDS Stuff section.

Watersports

Strategically situated between two seas, La Manga Club is the ideal base for water sports. Take your car or a taxi, and just ten minutes from the resort you will discover a world of water-based activities waiting to be tried.

Covering an area of some 180 square kilometres, the Mar Menor is Europe's largest saltwater lagoon. This unique setting has everything you need for water sports: great weather, a constant breeze, warm, calm and shallow waters (less than seven metres at the deepest point)... all of which explain why it is considered one of Europe's best sailing destinations.

www.abclamanga.com

Sailing

For an unforgettable day on the waves, why not hire a boat? You can choose from a wide variety of craft - sailing, rowing or motorised - with or without a skipper. There are also organised boat trips to the islands in the Mar Menor, just sit back, enjoy the scenery and let yourself be gently rocked by the waves.

If you would like to learn to sail while on holiday, there are international-standard sailing schools, such as RYA-recognised Team Unlimited at Mar de Cristal, which offer top-quality tuition for all levels and an ample choice of craft, including catamarans, windsurfers, kayaks, yachts...

www.abclamanga.com

Horse Riding

Riding lessons and excursions, and picnic beach rides are available through the Rancho de la Fuente stables, a short drive from the resort.

1X Private Ride- 1hr– 28£

1X Lesson - 45 Min - 28£

Infant Ride– ½ Hr– 20£

Winter Opening times: 10am / 1pm – 4pm / 6pm

Wave-runner Excursions

Take to the sea and explore the Mar Menor on one of these high-speed craft and you will be assured a good dose of adrenaline and a sense of total freedom.

www.abclamanga.com

Scuba-diving and Snorkelling

The Islas Hormigas is one of the Mediterranean's best preserved and most varied marine reserves, located just off the coast near Cabo de Palos. The exceptional beauty and conservation of the depths here has earned it a reputation as one of the Mediterranean's best dive sites.

The Adventure Divers Scuba Centre at Las Lomas offers scuba-diving courses for all levels, including PADI programmes, and arranges off-shore diving sessions. The clear waters of the Mar Menor lagoon and the variety of its species make it an excellent place for snorkelling.

www.adventuredivers-spain.com/courses.htm

Open water Course
£430

Diving experiences
£87

Bubblemakers
£59

Qualified Divers
£52

Bowling

The green at the Tennis Centre is one of Spain's few bowling facilities on real grass. Bowls can be hired from Tennis Reception, who can also provide details of friendly tournaments.

Climbing

There is an outdoor climbing wall at the Tennis Centre. During the summer there are regular supervised sessions for youngsters.

Crazy Golf

Entertaining fun for all ages, there are miniature golf courses at the Tennis Centre and Las Lomas.

Hill Walking and Trekking

The hills surrounding the resort offer some excellent walking country, with well-marked paths and many stunning views.

Mountain Biking and Cycling

La Manga club is surrounded by some great mountain bike trails. Alternatively you may just want to hire a bike to get around the resort. Whatever your needs Biking La Manga has the bike for you. For families child seats, trailer bikes and child trailers are also available. Mountain bike rental includes helmets, locks and maps of the area. Guided rides are also run weekly .

www.abclamanga.com

Biking La Manga

There are a great selection of the latest generation of mountain bikes for all levels of experience. The younger members of the family need not be left behind, as there are also junior bikes for all ages, with or without stabilisers. For the tinies, a baby trailer can be attached to an adult's bike, so they need not miss out on the family excursion. Similarly, for those aged six and over who are determined to keep up with mum and dad, trailer bikes provide the ideal solution. Bikes can be hired from as little as one day to as long as a week or more. Helmets, locks and maps are all provided.

www.abclamanga.com

Paddle Tennis

Easy to learn whatever your age or level of fitness, this dynamic and entertaining sport combines some of the best features of tennis, racquetball and squash. La Manga Club Tennis Centre has two state-of-the-art paddle tennis courts with glass walls, so you can enjoy paddle tennis in the sun all year round.

Petanque

Put your skills to the test with this entertaining game at the Tennis Centre.

Pitch & Putt

There is an 18-hole, par 47 course opposite La Plaza, near the Tennis Centre. Complete with bunkers and water hazards, it offers ideal practice and enjoyment for all the family.

Sea Fishing

Sea fishing excursions can be arranged locally in Cabo de Palos.

Squash

There is a glass-backed squash court at the Tennis Centre. Racquets and balls can be hired from Tennis Reception.