Manchester City Women have taken a significant step forward by submitting a planning application to Manchester City Council for the construction of a specialized training facility at their existing training center, the City Football Academy. The proposed development, valued at up to £10 million, outlines plans for a standalone facility exclusively designed for the women’s first team. This initiative underscores the club’s ongoing commitment to investing in top-tier facilities for the women’s team.
If the planning application is approved, the new facility is expected to be operational by 2025. The proposed structure will encompass key features such as a hydrotherapy area, a high-performance gym, and an analytics space. These amenities are meticulously designed to elevate player development by replicating the high-performance environment already established for the men’s first team. Throughout the planning stages, the club collaborated closely with experts from various disciplines to ensure that the facility aligns with the specific needs of the players. The 17,000 square foot building is also designed with flexibility for expansion in the future, accommodating the potential growth of the women’s team.
Apart from the private training facility, the women’s team will maintain an integral role within the broader City Football Academy, a £200 million complex. This interconnected ecosystem enables the team to leverage resources and expertise across the organization’s comprehensive operations and facilities. In proximity to the proposed training facility lies the Joie Stadium, a 7,000-seater venue for Manchester City Women, marking the first and largest purpose-built stadium in the Barclays Women’s Super League. The stadium is part of the interconnected site that also houses the men’s first team and Academy training facilities.
Charlotte O’Neill, Managing Director of Manchester City Women, expressed delight at the plans, emphasizing the need to evolve facilities to meet the changing needs of the team. She emphasized the decade-long contribution of the City Football Academy to the team’s success and acknowledged the importance of investing in state-of-the-art facilities to provide a bespoke and industry-leading environment for player training and recovery. O’Neill believes that such an environment will enhance player welfare and attract top talent to Manchester City, contributing to the continued growth of women’s football.
Steph Houghton, the captain of Manchester City, who has been with the club since its professional relaunch in 2014, echoed O’Neill’s sentiments. Houghton expressed immense pride in calling the City Football Academy home for the past decade and highlighted the contributions of integrated facilities in the development of the women’s team. She acknowledged the support of coaches, researchers, and nutritionists, emphasizing the positive impact on the team’s professional development and competitiveness. Looking ahead, Houghton sees the construction of a purpose-built home at the heart of City Football Academy as the next step in the journey to further develop women’s football.
The club’s investment in a dedicated training facility underscores its commitment to the continuous growth and development of Manchester City Women, providing them with a cutting-edge environment to train, recover, and compete at the highest level in women’s football.
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By- Sahiba Suri