PREMIER League football club Stoke City prepared for their match against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday at Loughton Academy.
Taking advantage of the quality facilities on offer Stoke had a light run to get the cobwebs out before their big match at White Hart Lane.
Former Spurs and West Ham United winger Matthew Etherington, who grew up in the area, was highly impressed by his side's temporary training base.
He said: “I can’t believe that I haven’t known about the facility, considering I’m from the area. What a great opportunity for local youngsters.”
Academy Director Andy Swallow was pleased that the complex was put to good use by some of the country's best footballers.
He said: “It’s great that Stoke have chosen to come down and utilise the facility. We were thrilled to have them and look forward to more clubs coming down when they play games in London.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here