Manchester City unveil future football academy
Manchester City have unveiled plans for a state of the art football academy that will train the club's brightest prospects for life in the Premier League. The concept video released by the club showcases the facilities that feature a classrooms for 200 people, a gym, media centre and a stadium for youth matches with a capacity of 7,000.
Patrick Viera, Man City's football development officer, said that whilst the academy was being built, he was confident City would continue to dominate English football:
"I think City's chances to win the league will be more difficult than last year but I still believe that City will be the team to beat because I think last year we proved to everybody it is a really strong football club on and off the field as well. It will be more difficult but I believe that City are good enough to win the league again."
City's focus this year isn't just on retaining the title, as they'll be looking to prove they can compete with the best in Europe. They start their Champions League campaign on 18 September in a mouth-watering tie against Real Madrid. Viera said the club was excited to be competing with the European giants:
"I think that is what the fans want. When you participate in the Champions League you have to expect to play against these kind of teams. I think that is the way you learn, the way you progress, that is a big stage, against this kind of football club you want to perform. It is really exciting. I think it is a good group, difficult but great."
As City compete both at home and in Europe, BAM construction will begin work in the next few weeks on the 80 acre site. It's due to be complete by the summer of 2014.
Written and presented by Alfred Joyner