Flamengo's Latest Training Ground Innovation: State-of-the-Art Boot Dryer

The George Helal Training Centre in Vargem Grande stands as one of Brazil's premier football facilities. Despite already achieving elite standards, Flamengo continues to invest in facility upgrades. The latest addition is a Dry Boot system, officially commissioned this week at the entrance to the professional squad's dressing room.

Adriano Fontes / CRF

The machine uses heated air circulation to accelerate drying of football boots, gloves, and caps—equipment that previously required improvisation and considerable time to dry properly. For the club's kit managers, the innovation eliminates the old workaround and significantly improves daily operations.

"Previously, we had to transport boots, caps, and gloves to the machine room and rely on a large ventilation fan. We couldn't always get everything dry in time for the next session. Now it takes just two hours to have everything ready," explains Sidnei Bernardes—known as Sidão—36, who has been with the club for 13 years.

Players are equally enthusiastic about the upgrade. Training sessions in wet conditions previously meant starting the next day's work with damp, malodorous kit. For goalkeepers especially, waterlogged gloves and persistent odour create significant discomfort.

"For us keepers, this heated dryer is a game-changer. It's unpleasant stepping onto the pitch with soggy gloves and an unbearable smell," says goalkeeper Rossi.

Adriano Fontes / CRF

Jorginho, who spent years playing in Europe, echoed the sentiment about the new installation. "It's never pleasant taking the field in wet boots. This dryer is a real quality-of-life upgrade."

Sidão highlights another advantage of having dedicated drying infrastructure. Previously, during sunny periods with adequate time, kit staff would spread boots and gloves on the pitch to air-dry—a process that could damage the equipment through over-drying. "Now we can preserve the condition of the kit while ensuring it's ready for every session," he adds.

Adriano Fontes / CRF