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7 Elite Academy to build new training base

By James Shaw, 04/16/19, 11:45AM MDT

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7 Elite Academy has launched plans for a 45-acre indoor and outdoor facility for youth soccer players and other sports in the St. George region.

Two sites in St. George and Washington City have been identified as preferred locations for the building project, with final negotiations over a start date now under way.

It is expected the training base, which will include facilities for soccer, basketball, volleyball and futsal, could be be ready next year.

There will be 16 outdoor soccer fields, as well as a 100,000 sq ft indoor base with indoor pitches and convertible hardwood flooring for other sports.

7EA already has an indoor facility for players in West Jordan and this latest project is a reflects a remarkable period of expansion for the organization.

Wayne Scholes, Chief Executive at 7 Elite Academy, said: “I am so excited to have plans drawn up for a training base in the south of Utah, as we look to serve as many young people as possible.

“For our players to reach their full potential, we need to give them the very best facilities, whatever the time of year. This will help them to train and improve, without having to worry about the weather.

“We have signed letters of intent from developers and once impact fees, water rights and city requirements are fulfilled, we will be in a position to start construction.

“This latest project is just part of an expansion plan for 7 Elite Academy that includes further training locations, both in Utah and across the world. It is a very exciting time for us all.”

As well as playing facilities, the project will also include locker rooms, changing rooms for officials, a Sports Medicine Center, offices, a merchandise store, a café and an snack bar.

There are also plans for several classrooms and a full-fitted gymnasium, enabling players to continue fitness work and education away from the pitch.

Anthony Godfrey, Global Technical Director at 7 Elite Academy, said: “For some time, I have believed that creating a training base in the south of Utah is absolutely key to the further development of our players.

“Having all the necessary facilities in one place helps us to replicate the kind of work that happens every day in the top leagues in the world. Every English Premier League club has a training ground like this.

“Already, we are doing this with our base in West Jordan, so it makes sense to give young players in St. George the opportunity to enjoy the same top-class training facilities all year round.

“We are creating good young people here at 7 Elite Academy and part of that is giving them responsibility for overall mental and physical fitness in all walks of life.”

Daren Woolstenhume, General Manager and 7 Elite Academy, added: “Our staff have worked incredibly hard to get this project to its current stage and it will be just reward to see the first players pass through the doors.

“I want to make sure that every player at 7EA has the same opportunity to develop and grow as they pass through our soccer curriculum. This fantastic new facility will enable youngsters in St. George to do just that.

“As well as having brilliant coaching staff throughout Utah, creating good facilities is part of the process for maximizing the potential of our young people.”

More details about the facility will be released in due course.