The Leeds United squad were put through their paces at Strensall Barracks on Monday, courtesy of the club's good friends at the Yorkshire Regiment.

Simon Grayson had accepted an invitation for the squad to spend a day at Strensall where they were welcomed by Captain Mally Birkett, who set the scene for a day's intense labour.

The players took part in a series of challenges including rifle shooting, problem solving, and tyre racing, before ending the day by tackling the assault course.

"There's a number of activities where they are thinking outside of the box," said Captain Birkett. 

"They have to get their heads together to do tasks, they took on the DCTT range with the oppportuinity to fire weapons, and they did the assault course which we timed them on.

"There was also a sting in the tail which was the gun run which was muddy, wet and about working as a team.

"We broke them into small knit teams where they have to work together and help the slowest man. It's an opportunity to get them out of their environment and see what we do as recruiters in the British Army."

The squad were split into three teams, with Ian Miller, Glynn Snodin, and the coaching staff all taking part.

"The reason is to get away from football and get something out of it," said Miller. "We've had a long hard season and this is different.

"It's interesting speaking to them. These guys put their lives on the line - we play 90 minutes football.

"There are similarites in terms of communication and team-work and that's what you look at from days like this.

"We think we're in a pressurised situation - these lads are in Afghanistan - and that puts things into perspective. We've got to deal with what we call pressure and finish the job.

"Saturday was disappointing after Tranmere and we got what we deserved, but it's gone now. We've 10 games and we have to go on and do it."

The day at Strensall further strengthens the club's strong relationship with the Armed Forces.

Captain Birkett added: "There's a lot of Leeds fans within all three battalions of the Yorkshire Regiment and the lads who are in Afghanistan knew about today and they will see this on a DVD which we are sending out.

"It creates what is a good bond between us all."