Hive Footbal Centre opened by Fabio Capello
15 January 2010
The England manager recently opened the new football training facility for Barnet FC.
The 44-acre complex is dominated by two of TigerTurfs' Soccer Real pitches, which are laboratory tested to FIFA 1 and 2 Star, FA and EN Standards and provide a natural looking and highly durable surface. The Hive, which has been built as a result of a partnership between Barnet FC, Harrow Borough Council and the Football Foundation, will be the training base for all of Barnets' football teams including the 1st team, Ladies, Centre of Excellence and will also be used widely by the local community.Capello, who has coached all around the world and is charged with leading England in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, was astounded by the new facility, he said;
"I've never seen a place for training as big as this. I am surprised, it is incredible. It's a fantastic centre and it is an honour for me to be here."
Former England legend and FA Director of Football Development, Trevor Brooking, was equally impressed by the state of the art facility that will be open to use for local grass roots sport as well as the professional side. Trevor commented;
"The players lucky enough to be in Fabios' final squad in the World Cup know that it all starts at Grass Roots level at a centre like this. Football is also now the biggest girls' sport in the country and I know they are excited about the Olympics in London. Football development has a fantastic opportunity here, particularly in the winter months, where without the synthetic pitches we wouldn't have had any activity. It is really key to get the quality of facilities we have here."
Tony Kleanthous, Chairman of Barnet Football Club and driving force behind the project said;
"In England we have some of the best football facilities in the world – but they are locked behind Premier League club gates. Here we have Premiership-class facilities for everyone. I am very proud of what we have achieved here."
Bryn Lee, Managing Director of TigerTurf, said;
"Soccer Real is probably the most natural synthetic surface in the market today. Professionals often struggle to differentiate between natural grass and this surface and the Barnet manager commented that it is the best surface he has ever played on. We are delighted to have played our part in this outstanding facility and we look forward to seeing the next crop of England hopefuls coming from this area."
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