UK's biggest sports centre coming to Wirral

The Wirral is all set to become the home of the biggest indoor football sporting academy in the UK.

After a few hiccups in the set up of the £3m academy, council planners have backed the idea and the academy looks set to be open by January, if not before.

The details of the plan have now been sent to the Government Office North West for approval. John Granby, chief executive of Sport Excel who are behind the scheme said: “All we are doing is converting a derelict building from one use to another. We’re not doing anything radical. This project is unique. Nowhere else in the UK does this. It’s going to be a draw to people all around the world.”

The project itself will be giving an excellent opportunity to young promising footballers. Mr Granby added: “The scheme will enable young boys who have been released from professional clubs to play in a national college league where they will be watched by scouts from professional clubs. It gives players a second bite at the cherry. Often clubs will regret letting these players go. Look at Everton with Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines. They’ve had to pay big money to sign these players later on in their careers.”

The academy will also offer careers in coaching as well as playing. The staff will be able to offer training for badges as high as FA Coaching Level 3 and UEFA B Licence standard.

Mr Granby revealed that they have already made some major signings in terms of coaching. He said: “Liverpool F.C have just released twenty academy coaches. Let’s face it they’ve produced Gerrard, Carragher, Owen and many more. We have managed to snap them up. We are also in advanced talks with Champions League standard coaches. It’s a fantastic moment for us.”

Steve Niblock, a local Bromborough Councillor, has also played a massive role in the set up of this project. He is very confident that the academy can be up and running very quickly. He said: “We already have fantastic facilities so this could be a fairly quick conversion. It’s ready to go as soon as possible.”

Mr Niblock also believes that not only will the scheme provide excellent facilities and coaching, it will also provide a boost to everyone in the local community. “It’s a bit of a no-brainer. It’s unique and will bring the community something that isn’t already available. With it being the largest of its kind in the UK, there will be a positive knock-on effect with a boost in tourism and of course employment.”