Plans to create Yorkshire's first state-of-the-art football centre in Sheffield

Footballers could soon have a new 'state of the art' training centre in Sheffield where professional clubs, grassroots players and families can enjoy the sport.
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Kickabout Football Centre aims to make it the 'first advanced indoor football facility' in the county.

In its application for planning permission to Sheffield Council, it said: "Kickabout will be Yorkshire’s first advanced indoor football facility that will boast the type of highly advanced, intelligent, training equipment used by some of the world’s professional football clubs.

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“The centre would become a centre of excellence in terms of training and good practice. We want to create a high-quality welcoming facility the community can be proud to be part of.”

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If approved by the council, it will transform DPD's depot at Vantage Close, Tinsley - DPD has given notice to leave next month.

It would be fitted with a rubber-crumb, synthetic playing surface and include two three-v-three pitches; areas for football squash, football tennis and Teqball; dribble zones and passing zones; GPS tracking vests and a camera on the ball to review player performance; a one-on-one training area, shooting targets, gym, physio room, healthy cafe as well as changing rooms with showers.

Charlotte Stainton, of Stainton Planning, in a statement on behalf of Kickabout, said there is a need for the centre, adding there is currently only one other in the UK like it - in Bournemouth - and one in the early stages of development in Liverpool.

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She said: “The UK is severely lacking in high quality, indoor football training facilities.

“This means players are often training outdoors which is restricted by short days in the winter and the weather, resulting in poor quality, muddy pitches.

“As well as a general lack of suitable indoor training surfaces, there is an almost complete lack of access to high-tech specialist training equipment.

"There is also a significant gap in development provision for junior players at grass-roots level with the talent, commitment and aspiration to progress to professional football.

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"There is also a need for a family-friendly facility where all the family can come and enjoy football in an inviting environment."

The proposed opening hours are weekdays 8am-10pm and 9am-6pm on weekends and bank holidays.

The facility would support four full-time and up to 16 part-time jobs, as well as roles during construction and fit-out work.

Writing in support of the plans, Karren Whittaker, Thorncliffe FC secretary, said: “I cannot stress how important it is to provide good and safe facilities for girls and boys of all ages to play and develop. This is rewarding to all parties.

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"Disability sports do not have enough facilities in the area and it is good to see disabled and able-bodied people in the same facility, as well as providing rehab to people with minor injuries.

"In my experience these kinds of facilities keep children off the streets and encourage them in enjoyable education and fitness."

To comment on the proposals, see bit.ly/2zNSTGF

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