Powell: Our facilities are inspiring

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Official opening of the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre 2 took place on Wednesday.

Charlie Hanson

2022-09-01T05:00:00Z

The American Express Elite Football Performance Centre 2 was officially opened on Wednesday.

Women’s first-team manager Hope Powell said her squad have the perfect surroundings to become the best players they can be.

Hope was speaking at Wednesday’s official opening of American Express Elite Football Performance Centre 2.

Based at our Lancing training base, the £8.5m facility is the permanent home of our women’s and girls’ teams. It has been used since September 2021 but the official opening was delayed because of Covid restrictions in place last season.

Chairman Tony Bloom cut the ribbon for the official opening, alongside Michelle Walder and Martin Perry.

“First and foremost it’s a fantastic facility, it gives every player the opportunity to be at their best,” Powell said. “The pitches are brilliant and we have everything available – recovery pools, medical facilities and a gym as well as areas to relax. We maximise our time here because the facilities are so good and we will improve players abilities.

“We’re on the same site as the men’s first team. We have the same provisions as they do, everything that enables an athlete to be at their best. That’s down to [chairman] Tony Bloom and the board who value women’s football.

“It inspires the players, it inspires the staff to work hard every day and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Albion kick-off their WSL campaign at the Amex against Aston Villa on September 11 and Powell is still hoping to add further players to the squad before the transfer deadline on September 8.

Visitors were shown around the new facilities.

“It’s been a really nice summer of football with England’s success at the Euros, it’s given everyone an appetite to play and for fans to come and support us.

“The players have worked really hard during pre-season, the quality and intensity of their work has been very good. We have signed a few players that have added real value so we’re looking forward to seeing how they perform during the season, which we know is going to be very tough, and we’re still looking for further additions.

“Every WSL club has added to their squad, every team is stronger and we’re no different. We will do our utmost to make sure it all comes together when points are at stake.

“We’re really looking forward to the opening game in front of what will hopefully be a really large crowd at the Amex. Hopefully it’s a good day for us.”