Thursday Dec 20 2007 16:05
The Football Association has unanimously backed the concept of a National Football Centre.
The FA's board confirmed their preferred site remains at Burton-on-Trent, but work at the site in Staffordshire remains subject to a detailed exploration of the business and funding plans.
The National Football Centre is expected to include a world-class training complex linked to a hotel and conference facility.
The FA's medical and exercise science, coaching, video analysis and education departments will also be housed at the facility.
"I'm delighted that the board has given the green light for a National Football Centre," said the FA's chief executive Brian Barwick.
"This is a major step forward for the project. There was general agreement within the board that a National Football Centre would be a major asset in the development of players, coaches and referees in this country."
The FA's director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking added: "Everyone involved in the FA's coaching and player development structures believes that a National Football Centre is vital to the long-term health of English football.
"We were hugely encouraged by the extremely positive reception from both the professional and grassroots game."
Have your say on this article