Aspiring Preparatory School footballers will get the chance to develop their skills at one of the best academy complexes anywhere in the world.
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As part of an ongoing agreement between Rydal Penrhos and Premier League champions Manchester City, a large number of pupils from different year groups will compete at separate tournaments at the Academy site, which cost £200 million to construct and also boasts a 7,000-capacity stadium, education facilities and medical and sports science services.
The 80-acre site was funded by City’s owners and built in partnership with Manchester City Council, was conceived following the takeover of the Premier League club by Sheikh Mansour in 2008.
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Built on the site of a former chemical works, it includes: 16.5 pitches, including a full-size synthetic indoor pitch; A 56-seat TV auditorium for players to review video clips; Four-star accommodation with king-sized beds and bathrooms; 40,000km of artificial turf on 5.5 pitches, each one different so the team can tailor match preparations for away games.
Year 4 will be the first to visit the site for a special tournament featuring other teams from the North West on September 14, before Year 2 and 3 will make the trip for a Football Festival on September 21.
This will be followed by Year 1 attending another Football Festival at the site, where coaches will put them through their paces to give the youngsters a taste of what top-flight football is like.
Head of Boys’ Games Jamie McLeod, said:
“This is something we have done for a number of years now and it really inspires each pupil involved.
“To play at such a grand venue like the Manchester City Academy complex is fantastic for their overall development ahead of what is going to be a very busy winter of competitive action at Rydal Penrhos.”
