A mystery bus tour, an Amazing Race around Canberra's attractions and a zumba class sounds like an unusual build-up to a season.
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But Canberra United is confident a weekend bonding camp will pay dividends in its bid to return to the top of the W-League.
Talk of game tactics and formations was traded for maps and dance moves as the revamped playing and coaching squad made up for lost time before Saturday's season opener against the Brisbane Roar in Queensland.
Players were taken to Old Parliament House, split into teams and completed an Amazing Race-type challenge before returning to a motel at Eaglehawk and finishing the day with a zumba class.
With an entirely new coaching staff and six additions to the playing roster, including three American imports, defender Ellie Brush said the camp would lead to improved performances on the field.
''We definitely got a laugh out of each other and got to know each other a lot better,'' she said.
''We only all came together on Wednesday, so it's really important we do a fast-track get to know each other before we have to play together for the first time.
''I definitely think it achieved all the goals and we had a lot of fun. It's important to develop those relationships off the field and hopefully that translates on the field.''
The entire squad will train together for the first time on Monday night. A practice game against a Canberra boys' team on Tuesday will be their only hitout before they kick off their campaign under coach Liesbeth Migchelsen.
Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams and US duo Lori Lindsey and Kendall Fletcher joined the squad last week.
United hasn't announced its captain for this season, but Brush - who has been either the captain or co-captain in the club's five previous seasons - would be one of the frontrunners.
She said Migchelsen and assistant coach Raeanne Dower had done everything possible to ensure United hits the ground running in the short 12-game campaign.
''It's similar to a lot of teams who have disrupted preparations, so we're not making any excuses for not performing well up in Brisbane,'' Brush said.
''We can't afford to drop games or points at all really seeing that the league will be so tough this year and such a short season.
''Things like this will go a long way to hopefully us going better than last year.''
■ SATURDAY
W-League round one: Brisbane Roar v Canberra United at AJ Kelly Park, Kippa-Ring, 4pm.