Thursday, 19 Sep 2024

Training Grounds: Watford FC Training Ground (London Colney)

During the past decade, Watford FC has gained a reputation for its frequent changes in coaching staff. However, amidst the managerial shake-ups, the club has had years of Premier League competition and even reached the FA Cup final in 2019. Behind the scenes, the training ground plays a crucial role in facilitating the team’s success.

In this article, we will provide an in-depth look at the Watford training ground, its location, key features, and recent improvements. As part of our training ground guides series, which explores locations such as Chelsea’s Cobham Training Centre and Rangers’ Auchenhowie Training Centre, we will focus on Watford and delve into the details. Let’s get started.

What is the name of the Watford Training Ground?

Watford’s training ground, located in London Colney, shares the same site as Arsenal Football Club’s elite training centre. The facility is known as the Watford Football Club Training Ground, but it is also referred to as London Colney. The training ground sits between Arsenal’s training centre and the de Havilland Aircraft Heritage Centre. It is approximately 9 miles away from Watford’s Vicarage Road home ground.

How has the Watford training ground changed in recent years?

In 2023, significant changes were made to the Watford Training Ground. One notable addition is a large inflatable dome used for indoor training work. The club is seeking to make this dome a permanent fixture on the site. The main building has undergone renovations by ASB Construction, focusing on the changing rooms and various areas. However, some fans feel that the training ground has not undergone enough changes in recent years, considering the level of investment in the club.

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Watford Training Ground: Facilities, Size, and Dimensions

The Watford FC Training Ground covers an area of approximately 83,000 square meters (20 acres). The site includes 4 full-sized natural grass training pitches, a full-sized training pitch with artificial turf, and two seven-a-side natural grass pitches. The training facilities also consist of a gym, press rooms, changing rooms, offices, and dedicated medical facilities. Although smaller in size compared to other Premier League training grounds, the Watford Training Ground’s amenities meet the standards required to attract talented players.

How does the Watford Training Ground compare with other sites at a similar level?

When comparing Watford’s training facilities with other clubs aspiring to establish themselves in the Premier League, some fans question whether their facilities are holding them back. While the training ground provides access to state-of-the-art amenities, the fact that the club does not own the land hinders ambitious redevelopment. Other clubs invest more significantly in their training facilities to compete with the best. The future plans for the Watford training ground remain uncertain, but the club’s ambitions suggest potential for a major redevelopment project down the line.

What are the plans for the future?

As Watford continues to strive for success, particularly in establishing themselves as a top Premier League side, their training ground may undergo significant changes. The club has a forward-thinking approach in many aspects, but the training site seems to be at a standstill. It remains to be seen if Watford will invest in a major new training ground building project, aligning with their aspirations to compete at the highest level.

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If you want to explore more of Europe’s top training sites, head over to the Stadia & Operations section of our Blog.