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FootballRanking the best training grounds in England 2023 with their cost
You probably believe that football players train at their teams' stadiums. However, modern football has evolved such that almost every club has a separate training centre. The standards of these training grounds vary from one club to another. So, what are the best training grounds in England? Join us as we find out.
A club playing in England's Championship league is unlikely to have the same facilities as a Premier League side playing in European competitions. So join us as we take a look at the best football grounds in the UK and their owners.
Best training grounds in England 2023
England boasts of arguably the best and most competitive league globally, attracting millions of fans worldwide. The English Premier League has also lured several investors who have pumped in money through sponsorship.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are among the big clubs in EPL with top-notch football facilities. So, which team has the best ground?
10. Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves officially opened their state-of-the-art training ground on 9 November 2005 at an estimated cost of $4.5 million. It was opened by the late Sir Jack Hayward, who served as the club's president for 17 years.
However, the club's former chairman, Steve Morgan, later invested $67.9 million to refurbish the facility into one of the best in England.
Profile summary
- Full name: Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground
- Owned by: Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club
- Opened on: 9 November 2005
- Location: Compton Park, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
- Cost: $67.9 million
9. Bodymoor Heath Training Center – Aston Villa
The prestigious centre is regarded among the best football facilities in England. It was built in the early 1970s and later expanded in 2019. The club also unveiled a new $8.2 million High-Performance Centre in May 2020, in front of the preparation ground.
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CricketThe new facility features a modern gym, indoor 50-metre running track, match analysis and treatment rooms.
Profile summary
- Full name: Bodymoor Heath Training Center
- Owned by: Aston Villa Football Club
- Opened on: 1970s
- Location: North Warwickshire, England
- Cost: $19 million
8. Newcastle United Training Centre (Darsley Park) - Newcastle United
The English Premier League club has used their facility since 2003. However, the club is keen on upgrading and expanding it to meet higher standards.
Profile summary
- Full name: Darsley Park
- Owner: Newcastle United Football Club
- Unveiled in: 2003
- Location: North Tyneside, England
7. Barnfield Training Centre - Burnley
Despite their struggles in the English top-flight, Burnely boasts of one of the best facilities in England. The Barnfield Training Centre is a modern complex used by the senior and youth teams of the club.
Profile summary
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Football- Full name: Barnfield Training Centre
- Owned by: Burnley Football Club
- Unveiled in: 2017
- Location: Stockbridge Drive, Padiham, Burnley
- Cost: $12.9 million
6. AXA Training Center - Liverpool
The Reds used their facility at Melwood for over 60 years before moving to the AXA Training Center in November 2020. It is a 9,200sqm base and ranks among the most expensive grounds in the UK.
Profile summary
- Full name: AXA Training Center
- Owned by: Liverpool Football Club
- Unveiled in: 2020
- Location: Kirkby, Liverpool
- Cost: $67.9 million
5. Leicester City FC Training Ground – Leicester City
Also on this list is the lavish seven-building complex unveiled in 2020, owned by the 2015-16 Premier League champions, Leicester City. Initially, the Foxes trained at their old facility, the Belvoir Drive, since 1964, but they left it to the club's women's team.
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FootballThe new ground has administrative and medical hub sections named after the later owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
Profile summary
- Full name: Leicester City FC Training Ground
- Owned by: Leicester City Football Club
- Unveiled in: 2020
- Location: Seagrave, North Leicestershire, UK
- Cost: $135.9 million
4. Cobham Training Center - Chelsea
The Cobham Centre sits on a 140-acre piece in Stoke d'Abernon village. It is used by the first team, academy, reserve and women's team.
- Full name: Cobham Training Center
- Owner: Chelsea Football Club
- Unveiled in: 2007
- Location: Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey, UK
- Cost: $27.1 million
3. London Colney - Arsenal
Arsenal's London Colney ranks third among the top-notch football facilities in the UK. The training ground was financed by Nicholas Anelka's transfer to Real Madrid. London Colney was officially opened in 1999 upon completion.
- Full name: London Colney
- Owned by: Arsenal Football Club
- Unveiled in: 1999
- Location: London Colney, Hertfordshire Seagrave, North Leicestershire, UK
- Cost: $13.6 million
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Football2. AON Training Ground - Manchester United
Located near Carrington village in Manchester, the AON centre is class. It was previously known as Carrington. Its construction began in 1999, but the first team moved in a year later.
- Full name: AON Training Ground
- Owned by: Manchester United Football Club
- Unveiled in: 2000
- Location: Carrington, Manchester
- Cost: $73.3 million
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1. Etihad Campus – Manchester City
Manchester City's first team shares the 80-acre state-of-the-art facility with the women's and academy teams. In addition, Etihad Campus has modern facilities and equipment that has helped the club develop its academy.
- Full name: Etihad Campus
- Owned by: Manchester City Football Club
- Opened in: 2013
- Location: Beswick and Clayton, Greater Manchester
- Cost: $217.8 million
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FootballWorst Premier League training grounds
While most Premier League clubs have beautiful training centres, others, like West Ham, still struggle to upgrade their old facilities to modern standards.
The Hammers moved to the Rush Green ground in 2015 from Chadwell Heath. However, the club's management will need to upgrade their current base, resembling a Championship level facility.
Some of the best training grounds in England also rank among the most attractive locations on earth. With increasing investors, the standards of the facilities are also expected to improve to attract world-class players to the league.
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