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FA finalises Burton football centre plans

04/06/2008

The Football Association has given its final approval for the new National Football Centre (NFC) to be constructed in Burton-on-Trent.

The proposal, which was originally scheduled to open in 2003 but then shelved due to financial constraints, has been given the green light by the FA board.

It is expected to be operational by 2010 and forms a major part of the FA's Strategic Vision initiative, announced on May 6th, to improve the infrastructure of the domestic game.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick said: "I'm delighted that we have reached this point, the NFC is an extremely important part of our future and we can now press ahead with making it a reality.

"It is great news that progress is being made, and now we must look to the finer detail and achieve a world-class facility to help our cause."

Chairman Lord Triesman described the Burton project, which is designed to mirror the success of Clairefontaine in France, as "an integral part" of the plans to improve the success of the England team on the international stage.

"It is essential for the coaching framework, and for the progress of all our teams, to have a base in which they can foster that winning mentality," he said.

FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking added: "It is essential to the long-term development of coaching and young players that we have a hub for all our activity, and the NFC will provide that.

"Everyone recognises the significance of the facility across all levels of the game, and that has been reflected by the Burton [announcement]."