Brighton and Hove Albion will face French club FC Annecy in their upcoming pre-season schedule, giving fans a look at their side ahead of the new campaign.
FC Annecy are based in the picturesque Alpine town of Annecy in south-eastern France, sitting close to the Swiss border in the Haute-Savoie department.
The club has a history stretching back decades, though they have spent much of their existence competing in the lower tiers of French football.
In recent years, FC Annecy have risen through the divisions, earning promotion to Ligue 2 and establishing themselves as a competitive force in the French second tier.
Their rise through the French football pyramid has been driven by strong local support and a club structure focused on sustainable development rather than heavy spending.
The Haute-Savoie region is well known for its outdoor lifestyle and tourism, with football serving as an important part of the local sporting and cultural identity.
For Brighton, a trip to France represents an opportunity to build fitness and cohesion in a competitive but manageable environment before the Premier League season begins.
Pre-season friendlies against continental opposition have become increasingly popular for English top-flight clubs looking to test themselves in different tactical and cultural settings.
Brighton have established themselves as one of the more progressive clubs in English football, regularly challenging for European places and attracting interest in their playing style.
Facing a side like FC Annecy will give the Brighton coaching staff a chance to assess their squad in a genuine match environment while continuing their preparations.
Supporters planning to travel to the fixture will find Annecy itself a rewarding destination, with the town widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in France.
The match forms part of Brighton’s broader pre-season programme as the club looks to hit the ground running when competitive action gets underway.
