The Duke of Cambridge gives St George's Park royal seal of approval on opening

Last updated: 10th October 2012  

The Duke of Cambridge gives St George's Park royal seal of approval on opening

The Duke of Cambridge: Had positive things to say about the new National Football Centre

It gives me great pride we have created in this country facilities that are beyond compare anywhere else.

The Duke of Cambridge
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The new National Football Centre at Burton has been given the royal seal of approval by the Duke of Cambridge following its official opening on Tuesday.

The Duke, who was joined by his wife the Duchess of Cambridge, today formally opened the £105 million St George's Park project which was first mooted more than a decade ago.

The aim is for the 330 acre complex to produce more and higher quality coaches - and with it better players to give England the best chance of becoming a major footballing force.

Long-term investment of a similar nature by France and Spain at their respective bases in Clairefontaine and Madrid was key to their recent World Cup and European Championship success.

William, who is president of the Football Association, said: "Coming here and seeing these wonderful facilities gives the same feeling as when I first went to the Olympic Park.

"It gives me great pride we have created in this country facilities that are beyond compare anywhere else.

"St George's Park is a concept totally new. It will provide more than just world class facilities for our national team and more than a university from which hundreds of coaches will graduate.

"It will provide employment and a social hub for local people and will foster community spirit and purpose and hope throughout England."

As FA president, William takes a keen interest in the on-going fortunes of the national team, although he couldn't resist a little humour as his part in proceedings came to an end.

"I feel tempted to cry 'God for Harry, England and St George' but I really don't want to lower the tone by bringing my brother into it," he said.

William chatted with and shook hands with members of the England side at the climax of their training session, including Ashley Cole who has been charged with misconduct after his Twitter tirade against the FA.

Future

David Sheepshanks, the chairman of St George's Park, said: "We are investing in the future and the long term success of the England side with St George's Park.

"Now is just the beginning. We hope for quicker returns but this is an investment for the long term.

"The full benefits will be seen in a decade or so.

"That is what we have to believe and it comes down to better coaches making better players.

"We hope to increase significantly the number of higher level coaches - UEFA A, B and pro-licence - because as things stand we are well behind the likes of Spain, Italy and Germany numerically."

Based just outside Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, the facility has 11 external pitches, a dedicated practice and training area for goalkeepers, and sports pavilions for post-training de-briefs.

Among other facilities it also has a world-class sports and exercise medicine, human performance and research centre.