Curtis Main believes PFA Scotland’s Pre-Season Camp is providing out of contract players with the ideal environment to prepare for their next opportunity.
Having completed three weeks of full-time training alongside fellow members, the experienced forward has praised the professional standards, coaching and support available throughout the camp, which has already seen several participants secure new clubs. With the squad now preparing for its first friendly fixture against St Mirren, Main believes the camp is delivering exactly what players need during one of the most challenging periods of their careers.
“It’s exactly what you need if you’re in this position,” said Main.
“When the season ends, you’re out of contract and unsure what’s next, you want somewhere to continue training as if you’re at a professional club, in a professional environment. This is exactly what you need.”
Since launching, the Pre-Season Camp has welcomed more than 30 players, offering a structured, full-time environment designed to help members maintain their fitness, sharpness and professionalism while searching for their next club.
For Main, the standard of the programme has mirrored what players would expect within a professional dressing room.
“The sessions have been top drawer,” he said.
“The staff have worked round the clock to put on everything they possibly can to make it feel like you’re at a club. They’ve nailed it. It’s exactly what you would expect if you were in a club.”
Alongside the work on the pitch, Main believes the atmosphere within the squad has played a major role in making the camp such a positive experience.
“Everybody comes together quite quickly. It settles into that dressing room environment and that naturally helps on the training ground.”
The camp has already fulfilled one of its key objectives, with a number of participants securing contracts during the programme, something Main believes highlights the value of the initiative.
“Some boys have gone on to sign contracts, which is exactly what this is all about – preparing boys for that opportunity.”
Next week brings another important milestone as the squad takes to the pitch for its first friendly fixture against St Mirren. For Main, who spent two seasons in Paisley, the match provides players with another opportunity to put weeks of hard work into practice while showcasing themselves ahead of the new season.
“That’s the only thing that’s really been missing,” he said.
“The boys have worked incredibly hard on the pitch and in the gym. The natural ending to that cycle is games.
“You need those games in your legs. You need to feel the game. That’s what gets you sharp, gets you ready and gets you match fit.”
While the fixture offers valuable minutes and another chance to impress, Main believes the wider impact of the Pre-Season Camp extends beyond the training ground, strengthening the support available to PFA Scotland members throughout the summer.
“The union are working really hard to develop the organisation and the members’ benefits,” he said.
“This is just another thing that’s going to elevate that. It’s ideal for out of contract players and hopefully it grows and builds year on year because I’m sure it will.”
As preparations continue for Tuesday’s friendly, PFA Scotland’s Pre-Season Camp continues to demonstrate the union’s commitment to supporting members both on and off the pitch. By combining professional coaching, sports science support, strength and conditioning, gym sessions and competitive fixtures, the programme is ensuring players remain fit, sharp and ready when their next opportunity arrives.
