The Duke of Cambridge gives St George's Park royal seal of approval on opening
Wednesday 10 October 2012 13:30, UK
Image:The Duke of Cambridge: Had positive things to say about the new National Football Centre
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.
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.
