Guernsey senior men's football coach Colin Fallaize has challenged his players to ensure they stay fit and focused ahead of the Island Games.

The Games, to be held in Aland in 2009, are held 10 weeks after the domestic football season has finished.

Fallaize said he aimed to "keep their interest high and their attitude good so they come together as a real team".

He added: "We need to take them somewhere new in terms of their condition and mental strength."

The challenges set by Fallaize include timed runs up the 304 Icart steps which he said "has nothing to do with football" but it does "challenge their minds".

On this and other challenges he said: "When they come through it they're actually a little bit stronger than when we started.

"They've risen to the challenges we're put in front of them and I'm so pleased with them and so impressed and I know Tony [Vance] is too."

He said it was unique in island football to get the chance to work with a group of players for 10 weeks and "really mould them into Team Guernsey".

Fallaize, who has been involved with the team in previous Games, added: "It is always an unknown quantity but it is a marvellous experience.

"There is no other experience like the Island Games football tournament".

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