Mark Ashton confirms new training ground is still at the 'forefront' of Bristol City's plans Senior Robins man also talks about the City academy in detail and recent audit Chief Executive Officer Mark Ashton has exclusively spoken with the Bristol Post on a range of subjects concerning the Robins. And one of our top questions - and one of yours - was what's the latest regarding a new training ground for the Robins, with no more news on the subject. please log in to view this image Chief Executive Officer Mark Ashton takes part in a Q&A at Ashton Gate "Yeah, it's something that's on the road map. It's something that's difficult for me to talk about currently because it's commercially sensitive at this moment in time." "But it's a project that's at the forefront of our plans and it's something that we're working on because facilities are important to develop players. "So yes [it's on the horizon]. You look at the amazing facilities we're working in now and we want to develop and enhance our training facilities as well. please log in to view this image Bristol City chief operating officer Mark Ashton at a fans Q&A session As well as talking about an upgraded training ground, Ashton also revealed his thoughts on the Bristol City Academy and the recent audit of the facilities in the summer. The Bristol Post asked if the long term plan might be to eventually try and push the Bristol City Academy up to 'Elite' Academy status from Category Two, as it is currently categorised under the Elite Player Performance Plan, the initiative that rates the youth facilities of football clubs across the country. "Yeah, it's something that we talk about fairly often. There's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to run a EPPP Category 2 Academy and we've got two very good team leaders in there: Gary Probert (the Academy manager) supported by Gary Davenport. "You've got people like Suzanne Coombs who heads the administration team in there, linking to Luke Williams with the U23s and Brian Tinnion and his new role. "They work tirelessly. They've maintained their Category 2 status through the audit and that's extremely well deserved and I can't thank them enough for their efforts. "And we see the fruits of that work when we see Zak Vyner, and we see Lloyd Kelly, when we see Bobby and Joe... There's a good group there and they've come through the academy. There's a lot of people who will have influenced and had things to do with that. And from myself and the club we thank them because they work tirelessly." please log in to view this image Bristol City Academy players play at Ashton Gate in 2015 "With regards to Category 1 status, yes, it's something we talk about but I think it's important that we develop our academy not in line with a set of rules that ticks boxes for an EPPP status - we have to prepare our academy in the best way that develops players for Bristol City. "So yes we've hit our criteria for Category 2 but what we're more interested in now - and hence why you've seen Brian Tinnion's role realigned and you've seen the introduction of Luke Williams - is that we've got to develop players that are fit and ready to play for Lee Johnson in that first team. "I think Lloyd and Zak are the two on the cusp of being ready to go." http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mark-ashton-confirms-new-training-668349
Not necessarily. City could increase 1 - 2 - 1 coaching hours, enlarge its sports science and technological backroom, offer more educational /alternative career support which Cat 1 academies generally do not provide. Offering two instead of one year contracts with education provided by private tutors is a draw to parents beyond "we are Cat 1". Its possible for an academy to be outstanding and not meet criteria for Cat 1.
There's nothing like a straight answer, & this is nothing like a straight answer , I have no idea what all that meant, are we going for a cat 1 or not, just seems like a load of waffle to me. Maybe others of you understood as my eyes kinda glazed over after the first couple of paragraphs .
My answer was in reply to problem here, in as much as doesn't cat 1 give us better drawing powers? The answer really can be no. In some respects the financial aspects of the EPPP and Cat 1 status exist to **** smaller clubs over. Why spend two million pounds a season when more can be done with less and a lesser status? The money City (Mr L) can save by not pushing on to Cat 1 status can easily be used to coach more kids for longer and excel.
Y you obviously no far more about it than me , i thought to be able to compete with the Southampton' s of this world for top young talent we' d need , like them to have cat 1 status , is that not correct?
Not wholly, Southampton are one of the top academies in Europe and also offer private schooling for kids for a year but that schooling is not part of every Cat 1 academy. Local kids who sign with Southampton train in Bath but also have to travel to their Staplewood training ground, spend time away from family and eventually move to live in the Southampton area ... And still possibly (very) not become a pro. Not all parents are that selfless and driven to go through that. Not all talented kids will put themselves through it either. Academy life is a sacrifice. And for some kids its intimidating. There is nothing to to stop City going beyond what Cat 1 academies normally offer kids and parents here on their doorsteps. City can actually offer kids more 1 2 1 coaching than Cat 1 academies, City can offer educational opportunities, mentoring, being truly player centred with coaching and offer alternatives to fall back for the overwhelming majority who do not make the grade. Showing parents you are socially responsible, you care and that their kids will be treated beyond well is a way to compete with competitors.
somebody working with talented kids including those going to academes provided answers to why cat 1 is not always the biggest draw.
