England goalie opens football centre
Former Canaries’ goalkeeper, Robert Green has officially opened Norwich’s Football Development Centre, on the same day he’s named in Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad.
30 year old Robert Green took time out of his World Cup schedule to sign autographs and to open the Football Development Centre (FDC) based in Bowthorpe.
Run by the Norfolk County FA, the centre aims to help grassroots football. It has 9 floodlit 3G pitches and is open daily to anyone who wants to play football there. Shaun Turner, Chief Executive of Norfolk County FA said the FDC is for the whole community:
30″ audio file where Shaun Turner talks about how local people can access to the centre
He added the centre is a unique development for grassroots football, and was overjoyed that City College Norwich had agreed to become their official partner.
The partnership gives the college access to much needed outdoor facilities. Their sports courses are over-subscribed, with around 400 students applying for the 200 places the college runs. From September around 60 students studying sport science will be based at the FDC, training in areas such as coaching. For the first time the college is offering a degree in Sports Studies. Principal Dick Palmer says they also want to build links between City College, City Academy Norwich and the FDC:
30″ audio file where Principal Dick Palmer talks of links with City Academy Norwich
The Football Development Centre’s slogan is “Using the power of football inspiring individuals to succeed.” On show today were players from Norwich City FC Academy, who lined up for a chance of an autograph from the England international.
Robert Green backed the centre’s aim of encouraging football in the community:
20″ audio file Robert Green talks about the FDC’s role promoting football
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