Northampton Town's first team squad will move in to a new dedicated training centre building at the club's Moulton training ground next week.
The opening will be the latest step in a number of improvements to the club’s training ground infrastructure over the last few years.
Going back to the 2015/16 season, the club had no training base and used various different non-exclusive training pitches on an ad hoc basis dependent on pitch and weather conditions.
In the 2016/17 season, an agreement was reached with Moulton College for two exclusive use pitches, this was achieved with a significant investment in the pitches, an improved drainage and system and an agreement that the club’s groundstaff maintained these pitches.
In 2020/21 an agreement was reached with Moulton College to acquire two additional exclusive use pitches – these pitches had been out of use for some time so required significant investment and work to bring them up to the required standard.
Last year, Heads of Terms were agreed on a 3,200 sq ft building for the club’s first ever Training Complex at Moulton and it is this building that will open next week.
Some of the benefits of the new building include:
• A long term lease
• Private building for the club’s exclusive use
• Close proximity to training pitches
• Changing rooms
• Physio space
• Sports science space and gym for rehabilitation of injured players and strength work
• Office space for coaches and analysts
• A team room for meetings as well as breakfasts and lunch for the players
• Pre-activation space
“We have come a long way with the training facilities in the last few years,” said Chairman Kelvin Thomas.
“Seeing the first team move in to their new building next week will be a huge moment for the club.
“The training environment is good. The pitches are good, the atmosphere is excellent and this will just enhance all of that and it is a proud moment for us. This is the club’s first ever real training base.
“We remember what it was like when we took over and we are more than happy to invest in this infrastructure. The likes of Brighton and Fulham would not be sending Marc Leonard and Kieron Bowie back here if they didn’t approve of the facilities and infrastructure we have here.
"It is a very good set up we have at Moulton College and we really enjoy the partnership we have with them. We also have to say a big thank you to Moulton Magpies as the use of their facility has been very helpful to the club.
“We should also thank James (Whiting) and the team at the club for the hard work to get us to this point and of course Associate Director Martin Church and all the local companies who have helped in turning this building into the club training facility, which include Church & Newman, dbfb, Lee Warren Electrical, Lee Ives Electrical, Greenbay and Dove Decorating."
The new building adds to the four training pitches of exceptional standard with all maintenance through the club’s own groundstaff and means the first team and academy are together on one single site. This also gives the club use of an artificial surface if required or should the weather dictate, along with onsite access to a swimming pool and commercial gym for recovery.
All in all, this adds up to the best training environment the club has ever had in its 126 year history.