Jordan Owens believes Crusaders &apos; new full-time approach to football will stand the club in good stead next season and beyond.
The Irish Premiership champions are now training three mornings a week on top of their traditional two evening sessions.
Manager Stephen Baxter has also taken up a full-time position after signing a new five-year deal back in February.
The players took part in their first morning session yesterday as they prepare for their Champions League qualifier against Ludogorets next month.
And for striker Owens - who will have a testimonial game against Motherwell on Saturday - he believes the new approach will only benefit the Shore Road men.
"It is something new, and something the players are looking forward to," he said.
"It is more of a semi-professional set-up now, and the club will works around the lives and work commitments of the players.
"But we had a great turnout for our first morning session yesterday. The lads all enjoyed it.
"The aim will be to train on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, on top of Tuesday and Thursday evenings. It will be tough, but hopefully we will see the benefits next season.
"It will also help us get ready for Europe and a very tough test against Ludogorets. We got the toughest draw available so we are under no illusions, but we are looking forward to it."
Crusaders are guaranteed at least two games in Europe this summer.
They could qualify for the second qualifying round of the Champions League, or if they lose to Ludogorets they will then go into the Europa League qualifiers.
"It is good the way Europe is set up this year. These European games are great preparation for the domestic campaign. You end up chasing the ball a lot against these European teams, so it&apos;s tough."
First up for Owens is Saturday&apos;s testimonial game against Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.
The game will be played at Seaview with a 1pm kick-off.
The 28-year-old is the Crues&apos; record goalscorer and helped the Seaview outfit clinch their third Premiership title in four years last season.
And after 11 years of loyal service to the Shore Road men he will get a big testimonial game on Saturday.
"It&apos;s brilliant that Motherwell are coming here for the game. They are training in Dublin and are coming up for the game before flying home," Owens said.
"It&apos;s hard to believe that I am having a testimonial. I have been with the club since I was about 16 or 17. It has been a great experience, and to break the goal record was brilliant.
"I am there to score goals, so I suppose I am doing my job. Hopefully there are a few more in me next season."
Saturday&apos;s game against Motherwell is now pay at the gate.
Admission is £10 and £5 and tickets already bought are still valid.