England boss Fabio Capello to opening Barnet FC training ground in Edgware today (From Times Series)

England boss Fabio Capello to opening Barnet FC training ground in Edgware today

8:30am Tuesday 15th December 2009

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ENGLAND manager Fabio Capello will today officially open Barnet FC's new training ground in Edgware.

The Italian coach will be joined by Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA's director of football development, at the launch of the the complex at the Prince Edward playing fields.

The 44-acre site, which includes two full size astroturf pitches and 14 dressing rooms, is a joint venture between the club and Harrow Council, along with additional funding from the Football Foundation.

There will also be ten grass pitches, a fully equipped physio's room, office area and a meeting room.

At a cost of £11m, the ground, to be known as The Hive, will host Barnet's first team and Barnet Ladies, and will house a centre of footballing excellence, as well as providing sports facilities for the Harrow community.

Speaking on the club's website, Barnet FC chairman Tony Kleanthous said: “This country has some of the best football facilities in the world but unless you're at the academy of a Premier League club then you've got no chance of using it.

“The Hive is worthy of the Premier League and we look forward to welcoming local adult, youth and women's football clubs in the future.”

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said he believed their £1million grant had helped create a “major sporting hub” for the area, and Councillor Marilyn Ashton, from Harrow Council, who contributed £750,000, has praised the facility as “world class”.

The opening ceremony is by invitation only.

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