Reading have been handed a major boost in their plans for a new training ground, with the club agreeing a fee for Bearwood Park. As Get Reading report today, the final stage of a deal with the Royal Merchant Navy Education Foundation has been reached. The site, having previously been used for Bearwood Golf Club, will become a "state of the art training complex".
Get Reading also report that the Royals have paid a total of roughly £4 million for 64 acres of land. That sum includes all property on it, with current residents being served final notice by Reading FC. Official ownership of Bearwood Park should transfer to the new owners next week.
The long term implications of the deal are very positive for Reading. With the academy doing terrifically well in recent years, this is another step in its rise. Furthermore, the new complex will cement Reading's status as a category one academy. With regards to facilities, the following will be on site...
- Three full-size team pitches.
- Five pitches for the academy.
- Two 'goalkeeping practice areas' (one will presumably be set aside for Ali Al-Habsi).