FA to push ahead with £70m National Football Centre

The Football Association (FA) has today (Friday) confirmed that its £70m National Football Centre will be built in Staffordshire despite financial pressures.

Proposals for the multi-million pound development, due to be built at Burton-on-Trent, seemed in jeopardy when the FA stated in November that it was to review the project before it could fully commit to it.

Yesterday the FA added that it was looking at a range of methods to fund the coaching complex, which is due to include 14 pitches and associated facilities.

Methods being considered to finance the centre include a sponsorship deal, or taking out a mortgage on the property.

A statement made after an executive board meeting said: "It was unanimously agreed to proceed with the development of the National Football Centre as soon as possible.

"This will mean completing the initial landscaping works for pitches, utilities, drainage, infrastructure and ongoing estate management according to the current plan for practical completion at the end of May 2004.

"The FA will consider a revised schedule for the completion of building works as soon as possible."