The site will now be known as The Norfolk County FA Football Development Centre and will be called ‘The FDC’.
It is envisaged that The FDC will become a hub of both regulated and recreational activity for the footballing community of Norwich and Norfolk.
Working in conjunction with Norwich City Council, Norfolk County FA plans to redevelop the site over the coming months making it one of the most sought after football facilities in the county.
The facility currently boasts 10 sand based floodlit five-a-side courts, with accompanying changing facilities, function room and licensed bar.
The facility will remain open and operational whilst the relevant planning applications and redevelopment programmes are drawn up. However, the centre will close for a short period towards the back end of 2009 to allow the appropriate work to be carried out ready for the re-opening and official launch of The FDC in January 2010.
Norfolk County FA Chief Executive Shaun Turner said:
“Securing our own Football Development Centre is a significant development for grassroots football in Norfolk. Such an acquisition was identified within our 4 year strategy, 4-4-3, which was launched last July. I am delighted we have achieved this target at such an early stage within our strategy.
“These are exciting times for grassroots football in Norfolk and The FDC will offer fantastic opportunities to the local and wider communities to utilise a purpose build football facility. The plans we have regarding the proposed redevelopment of the site are very impressive and, with the continued support of Norwich City Council and other relevant partners, this acquisition offers the Association a unique opportunity to service the community and football family further.”
Martine Holden, Sports Development Manager for Norwich City Council, said:
"This is an excellent development opportunity for football in the city area and we look forward to seeing plans for the site unveiled."
For more information on booking a pitch, or joining a league at The FDC, please contact a member of the Norfolk County FA Development Team on 01603 704050.