"Practice makes permanent" are the words of the late great Sir Bobby Robson. They epitomise the positive attitude of the former England manager and also underline the theory behind the nation's new national football centre, St George's Park.
The sprawling countryside of the National Forest close to Burton upon Trent is perhaps not the most obvious place to find a 21st Century footballing hub. But there is no doubt about the impression created by a venue which brings under one roof all aspects of Football Association hierarchical management, coaches, players, training facilities and medical resources.
Having first been conceived by the FA in 2001, when former technical director Howard Wilkinson's fact-fining mission selected Burton's central geographical location, St George's Park will on 9th October be officially launched by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, the former being the honourary president of the FA. After being temporarily mothballed in 2003, it has been a long time coming for English football but is worth the wait.
FA head of coaching and Under 17 England boss John Peacock, who is now based at St George's Park, told Sky Sports as part of an exclusive tour: "To finally see it come to fruition is really rewarding, personally. But I think, more importantly, from a national situation, this has got to be the right way forward. For the FA to have a technical base to now work from and encompass not just coaching but also refereeing, sports science and medical, all the aspects, they are right here."
Peacock is in his second stint with the FA having previously worked as regional director for the programme for excellence between 1990 and 1998. In those days, the school of excellence at Lilleshall was still in operation. But there is no doubt St George's Park is a cut above its spiritual predecessor and it is expected by the FA to create jealousy around the globe.
No comments:
Post a Comment