The 2024 NWSL season takes another step forward next week as players start reporting to their respective clubs to begin preseason. Seattle Reign FC announced that their training camp will begin with a trip to two locations: Newport Beach, California and Alajuela, Costa Rica.
First, players will report to now exclusively-theirs Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila on Wednesday, January 24 before heading as a group to southern California. They will train there for six days and then move to even warmer climates in Costa Rica, staying there until Saturday, February 10. This will be the club's first time visiting Costa Rica, and while there they will be using the facilities of Costa Rican side, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense.
“We’re really excited to travel to Costa Rica for the first time in club history. This is not only an opportunity for the team to kick off preseason at a high level of play, but to establish a meaningful connection with the community, on and off the pitch," said Reign FC Associate General Manager Santiago Gallo in the club's announcement.
While a list of players that will be part of Seattle's training camp hasn't yet been revealed, the three players selected in last week's NWSL Draft and some undrafted college players/trialists are expected to be part of the traveling group joining Lauren Barnes, Jess Fishlock, Sofia Huerta, Alana Cook, Tziarra King, Olivia Van der Jagt, and the rest of the Reign squad. Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore hinted that a player or two that the club has been pursuing could be joining them in time for the start of camp.
“This time together, away from market, is key for the team and staff to be able to focus on setting the tone for the season. This creates an environment where, as a new group, we can begin to build relationships that foster the winning, competitive and united team mentality that makes us Seattle Reign FC," said Gallimore.
The 2024 NWSL season kicks off on Friday, March 15, as the league announced that 2023 NWSL Champions Gotham FC will face off against 2023 NWSL Shield winners San Diego Wave FC in a revamped NWSL Challenge Cup match. The rest of the league will also kick off that weekend, with matchups, locations, and kickoff times yet to be announced.
