Blackpool FC secures site for new training facility

Blackpool FC has exchanged contracts to secure nearly 100 acres of land for a new training facility.The site connects Blackpool and Poulton-le-Fylde along Garstang Road, bordered by the Grange Park Estate and Baines School. The facility will house a building with changing, medical, coaching, fitness and education areas. Initially with six grass pitches, one full size artificial pitch and a covered artificial area, the site will be designed for one of the pitches to be deemed a show pitch for development and under-18 games. When appropriate to do so, this facility will enable the club to progress from a Cat 3 to Cat 2 Academy.The club said it has worked to identify a suitable site for an elite training facility to house the first team and academy ever since its change of ownership in June 2019. The club said it has already conducted the required pre-application planning meetings with Blackpool and Wyre Councils. It added it will now undertake the rest of the required work to be able to submit the planning application “at the earliest opportunity”. Simon Sadler, Blackpool FC owner, said: “Since the very first day that I became the custodian of this football club, my priority has been to deliver a training facility that integrates the academy right through to the first team.””I have always maintained that our future success is being built upon three pillars – coaching, recruitment and the academy. This new training facility is integral to that, and will reinforce that Blackpool is the pre-eminent club on the Fylde Coast.”The training ground forms part of a holistic approach to developing the club’s infrastructure, with the other key part being a new East Stand and sports village.”He added: “The latter is intrinsically linked with Blackpool Council’s regeneration of the Revoe area and that will, in turn, provide facilities for community use and allow the club to further engage with supporters.”