The FA Board today gave their full support to a business plan presentation from National Football Centre Chairman David Sheepshanks and his team.
After being presented with details of the project and long term strategy for the NFC, the Board approved the aims and objectives. And it was agreed that a further update would be made in the spring to demonstrate progress and advancement of financial aspects of the business plan.
The Board recognised the many football benefits alongside exciting commercial and revenue opportunities which can be generated by the creation of the NFC.
The NFC board will now take the project forward towards the preparation of a planning application which will include a public consultation process in the Burton area.
The objectives of the NFC include:
- An inspirational centre for coach education
- A route to a career path in coaching and for delivering courses, in association with higher and further education providers for all football related careers
- A leading centre for research and development for sports science and sports medicine
- An inspirational training home for Club England (all England mens and womens teams across all age groups)
- A sporting destination of choice for coaches, players, administrators and officials alike
David Sheepshanks said: “I am very pleased at the reaction of The FA Board today and for their support and encouragement going forward.
“Nevertheless, there is still a huge amount of work to be done before we can bring this project to fruition.
“These plans will see the NFC become a special place. We will provide an inspirational centre for coach education and a learning and development centre for refereeing, administration, medical and sports science. It will also be used as a training home for Club England.”