AFC Bournemouth have received backing from Executive Chairman of the Premier League Richard Scudamore ahead of plans for a new training complex being heard.
In August, AFC Bournemouth submitted plans for a new training ground complex at Canford Magna.
The 57-acre Canford Magna Golf Club site could, if plans are approved, ten full-size pitches, three junior pitches, an indoor artificial playing surface, state-of-the-art medical, fitness, sports science and rehabilitation facilities, administrative space and a press conference theatre.
The complex would be used by AFC Bournemouth’s first team, development squad, academy and pre-academy training operations.
The plans are set to be considered by the planning committee next week.
Richard Scudamore wrote in a a letter to Borough of Poole`s planning manager Richard Genge…
“AFC Bournemouth joined the Premier League in June 2015 and, in that short time, I have watched the way in which the club has embraced and served its fan base, local residents and the wider community.
“The club has also shown genuine commitment to long-term investment and youth development, and the creation of the new training facilities will provide a lasting legacy of their Premier League status. as quoted by the Daily Echo.
It continued…
“The club is required to upgrade or create new training facilities to comply with Premier League rules and requirements associated with operating a Category 2 Youth Academy, which AFC Bournemouth aspires to. The proposed new facilities, which include an indoor artificial surface pitch, will ensure compliance with Premier League rules. More importantly, they will provide young players with increased access to coaching time, all year round.
“As English football clubs continue to compete at the highest level of the sport, investment by clubs such as AFC Bournemouth will only improve our competitiveness against other European clubs, help nurture home-grown future England stars, and generate further economic and social benefits to local communities.
Your Say…
northstandmark wrote…
Regarding the category of academy, we can aspire, plan, design and build to whatever standard in mind that we like. However the criteria for category grading changes regularly. Absolutely nothing to prevent the goalposts being moved after we’ve got permission to build a particular design.
Gradings are then undertaken once annually if a club wishes to try for a regrade. It’s been unheard of for any new club making Cat1 status in several years now.
Just achieving Cat2 straight off the bat with a new facility at the first time of asking would be an excellent and unlikely achievement for the club.
All for trying for Cat1 if possible, but I would hold little hope when clubs bigger, more historic and generally more acceptable clubs to the powers that be than us get turned down.
Snotty new money upstarts like us wouldn’t just be allowed to walk into the Cat1 club! – Join the conversation here.
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