The defender is one of six members of Gareth Taylor’s squad out in the United Arab Emirates this week to maintain their sharpness ahead of this season’s final run-in.
With City still competing on all three domestic fronts, 2023/24 has the potential to be a special season for the Club, and Stokes has welcomed the change of pace that our trip to Abu Dhabi has brought.
While she, Steph Houghton, Laura Coombs, Leila Ouahabi, Tara O’Hanlon and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw are being put through their paces every day, she’s welcomed the opportunity to explore experience a unique environment.
“Yeah, it’s been good. Obviously, the sun is the exciting part but it’s good to be out here and see what’s going on,” Stokes explained.
“It’s a really nice group as well, so we’re all enjoying it while also doing a bit of training.
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“Usually, you’re at home and just training full pelt, but to get some balance and switch off time is nice.
“We’ve been by the beach or the pool for a few hours and then obviously when you’ve got training it’s go-time. It’s been really good so far.”
Stokes also highlighted the close bonds that City’s training camp has helped to strengthen among the six players out in Abu Dhabi.
In particular, she believes the opportunity to spend quality time with new signing O’Hanlon will help the Ireland international adapt to life at the Club even quicker than she already had been.
Stokes added: “Because it’s small and quite intimate you get to have those small conversations and get to know everyone better.
“Like Tara [O’Hanlon] for example, it’s good to get to know her a bit more and integrate her into the team.
“So far, it’s been really good!”
