Copied from Arsenal.com (my linking isn't working for some reason!!) The Arsenal Training Centre was opened in 1999 and is the envy of football clubs around the world. The Shenley site boasts state-of-the-art facilities and some of the best playing surfaces in the country. The Centre plays host to the first team squad and young professionals, as well as the first and second year scholars in the Academy. In excess of 70 footballers use the facility on a typical day, and the Centre also stages youth team matches each weekend, as well as reserve team friendlies. In all, there are ten full-size pitches at the site, each built to the exact specifications of the playing surface at Highbury. Of the ten pitches, two have undersoil heating and all are maintained by award winning groundsman Steve Braddock and his team. The existing Training Centre replaces the former University College of London’s Student Union site at London Colney, which had nurtured and developed players since 1961. Prior to using UCL’s facilities the Arsenal players would train at the stadium in Highbury, running around the cinders track which used to circle the pitch or around the streets of Highbury itself, weight training in the old Highbury gym and using training facilities behind what is now the Clock End. Manager Arsène Wenger was a key figure in the development of the present Centre, in fact the contents and lay-out of the building were almost entirely decided by Arsène and his staff. The physiotherapy team, led by Gary Lewin, had complete control over what the site would require for their crucial work, and fitness coach Tony Colbert, working in conjunction with Life Fitness (UK), equipped the gymnasium with everything necessary to keep the players in perfect condition. As well as the excellent pitches, indoors the facility boasts six changing rooms, a steam-room, a swimming pool with adjustable floor, gymnasium, treatment rooms, massage baths, and restaurant. The private Centre provides an area of peace and relaxation for the players. In addition to the playing and coaching staff, also based at Shenley are two full-time gardeners, 10 groundstaff, four catering staff, three building supervisors, and the manager’s secretary. The Training Centre covers an area of 143 acres, including 45 acres of forestry. At the start of the 2004/05 season, a dedicated press briefing building was opened at the site. This building consists of 10 interview rooms and a press conference room, seating up to 100 people.
Thx. Can you tell me where in London this centre is situated? http://www.schwatzgelb.com/fotos/londonmapstadiums.jpg And does someone have any images?
http://www.successinsoccer.com/archive/0103.php Brief description of the training centre. And I heard that if you sign up to Arsenal.com you get a virtual tour of the training ground.
Arsenal's training complex based at Shenley was opened on 11th October 1999 by then sports minister Kate Hoey. Before the centre's opening Arsenal had previously trained on a ground owned by University college London. Arsenal are now settled into their Shenley complex which rates as one of the very best in Europe. The £10m Shenley complex comprises of a 2500sq metre building with 8 outdoor football pitches, some of which are under soiled heated. Arsene Wenger was instrumental in the training ground development. When Arsene Wenger first arrived he was shocked that a club the size of Arsenal did not own their own facilities. In 1997 the Arsenal board agreed to Wenger's request and set the wheels in motion to create a purpose built facility where the club could train uninterrupted with the best facilities available. In September of 1998 Arsenal were given planning permission to construct a new complex at Shenley in Hertfordshire. As well as having put forward the possibility of a new training centre Wenger was also heavily involved with the development of the centre and what facilities should be incorporated to achieve the best results. In a fact finding process to the facilities of the new complex Wenger set about on a world tour taking in the best ideas from clubs such as Nantes, Ajax, Auxerre, Bayern Munich, and Tokyo, all of which are renowned for producing young players for their first teams. Wenger worked closely alongside project architect Richard Marshall and project manager Peter Kelsall insisting on the best materials and equipment for the centre and also sought feedback and ideas from his fitness staff including: Physio Gary Lewin and fitness coach Tony Colbert. The end product is a training facility to rival anything previously built, a facility with the best training, exercise and recuperation facilities in Europe. Facilities 10 indoor and outdoor pitches, Hydro-therapy pool, Steam room and Massage baths, Gym facilities, Canteen, Media areas, Treatment rooms and Administration rooms, Swimming pools, Doctor's consultancy, Restaurant, Warm up rooms Common room Rooms for a doctor, manager, coaches and youth officer.
The nearest train station is Potters Bar. From there it's a ten minute cab ride. It's in the countryside by the M25, junction 23. Actually Hertfordshire not London!!
greatest county on earth, if your getting the train to potters bar, jonam, get off at the next stop on the fast train and come looting with me in my hometown!
He's not joking, the next stop is Hatfield, known locally as Chaville. i think it's worse that the town named the same in Zimbabwe!!
Isn't it closed to the public and they don't allow autograph seekers to wait outside? I'm sure if you donate to the right charity and the right amount of $$$$$ you can take a tour.
The last time that Brazil played England over here, they used Arsenal's training ground facilities, "with a little help/suggestion" from EDU. Maybe AW "suggested it" to get some more Brazilians to see what this club can offer.?