Academy of Light

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Academy of Light
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Academy of Light, Sunderland - geograph.org.uk - 133273.jpg
Entrance to the Academy of Light
Location Cleadon, Tyne and Wear
Owner Sunderland AFC
TypeSports facility
Construction
Built2001
Opened2003
Construction cost
  • £10 million (initial)
  • £13 million (total)
Website
http://www.safc.com/page/Academy

The Academy of Light is the name of the UEFA five star certified training facilities and youth academy for English football club Sunderland A.F.C.

England Country in north-west Europe, part of the United Kingdom

England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to the west and Scotland to the north. The Irish Sea lies west of England and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. England is separated from continental Europe by the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south. The country covers five-eighths of the island of Great Britain, which lies in the North Atlantic, and includes over 100 smaller islands, such as the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight.

Sunderland A.F.C. Association football club

Sunderland Association Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. Sunderland play in League One, the third tier of English football. Since its formation in 1879, the club has won six top-flight titles, a total only bettered by five other clubs, and has finished runners-up five times. The club has also won the FA Cup twice and been runners-up twice, as well as winning the FA Community Shield in 1936 and being finalists the following year. Sunderland have also been Football League Cup finalists in 1985 and 2014.

Contents

Officially opened in March 2003, the Academy of Light is a state-of-the-art training facility in Cleadon - just north of Sunderland. It covers an area of 220 acres (0.89 km2) of which 60 acres dedicated to football. [1] It replaced the aging Charlie Hurley Centre, located nearby. The site is used as the primary training facility for the first team, but is also used to train the youngsters in Sunderland's U23 and U18 teams, it's the location of Sunderland's U18 home games, and is also the home of Sunderland A.F.C. Ladies. [2]

Cleadon village in United Kingdom

Cleadon is a suburban village in South Tyneside, North East England in the county of Tyne and Wear, and the historic County Durham. In 2001 the population of Cleadon was 4,795, increasing for the South Tyneside ward of Cleadon and Boldon at the 2011 Census to 8,457. Nearby villages or population centres include East Boldon, Whitburn, and Jarrow. The village is around 5 miles from the city of Sunderland and 10 miles from the city of Newcastle.

Sunderland A.F.C. Reserves and Academy

Sunderland A.F.C. Academy is the collective name for the youth development squads of Sunderland Association Football Club, primarily the U18 and U23 teams. Sunderland have an 'Elite' Category 1 football academy based on the Elite Player Performance Plan and their teams are members of the Professional Development League.

Sunderland A.F.C. Ladies Mackem Slags

Sunderland Association Football Club Ladies, previously Sunderland Association Football Club Women, is an English women's football club that plays in the FA Women's National League North. They play their home games at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground.

The academy plans were the focus of protests from local residents who were angered at the development on a green belt. [1] After withdrawing initial ambitious plans, the club submitted new plans in 1999 which were rejected by South Tyneside Council. [3] Following a public inquiry, Sunderland launched a successful appeal, and work began on the Academy in 2001. [4] Before building work was complete, Sunderland submitted plans for expansion to the site, to include indoor training facilities, which The Football Association had added to the list of necessary facilities for academies to achieve Category 1 status. Plans were rejected, and a further appeal was also rejected, meaning Sunderland were forced to use a disused ice rink in Sunderland City Centre for indoor training. [5] Indoor facilities were finally added to the Academy of Light in an expansion completed in 2012. [6]

Green belt (United Kingdom) British urban planning concept to maintain countryside around cities

In British town planning, the green belt is a policy for controlling urban growth. The idea is for a ring of countryside where urbanisation will be resisted for the foreseeable future, maintaining an area where agriculture, forestry and outdoor leisure can be expected to prevail. The fundamental aim of green belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open, and consequently the most important attribute of green belts is their openness.

South Tyneside Council English metropolitan district council on Tyneside, North East England, UK

South Tyneside Council is the local authority of South Tyneside in Tyne and Wear, England. It is a metropolitan district council, one of five in Tyne and Wear and one of 36 in the metropolitan counties of England, and provides the majority of local government services in South Tyneside.

A tribunal of inquiry is an official review of events or actions ordered by a government body. In many common law countries, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and Canada, such a public inquiry differs from a Royal Commission in that a public inquiry accepts evidence and conducts its hearings in a more public forum and focuses on a more specific occurrence. Interested members of the public and organisations may not only make (written) evidential submissions as is the case with most inquiries, but also listen to oral evidence given by other parties.

The initial site cost over £10 million to build, [7] with the indoor training facility expansion costing an extra £3m. [6]

Proposal and construction

In 1997 Sunderland A.F.C. moved to a new home (the Stadium of Light) and club owner Bob Murray put forward proposals for a new world-class academy with the aim of securing Sunderland's long-term future.

Stadium of Light all-seater football stadium in Sunderland, England and home to Sunderland A.F.C.

The Stadium of Light is an all-seater football stadium in Sunderland, England and the eighth and current home to Sunderland A.F.C. With space for 49,000 spectators, the Stadium of Light is the ninth largest stadium in England. The stadium primarily hosts Sunderland A.F.C. home matches. The stadium was named by chairman Bob Murray to reflect the coal mining heritage of the North East and the former Monkwearmouth Colliery site on which it stands. A Davy lamp monument stands at the entrance to reflect the coal mining industry that brought prosperity to the town.

Sir Robert Sydney Murray is a businessman and former chairman of Sunderland AFC. An accountant by trade, he made his fortune through the growth and sale of the Spring Ram kitchen manufacturing company.

The academy was to be built on acquired land opposite Sunderland's current training ground, on disused farmland in an area known as Whitburn Moor. [8] From the outset, the proposals were beset with problems. Sunderland's training ground was on the green belt between Sunderland and South Shields. Planning permission for building on the green belt is only granted in exceptional circumstances. Sunderland's original plans were ambitious - among them, the club planned to build an indoor training centre and hostel. Local opposition was fierce, claiming that an area of rural wildlife would be destroyed and the green belt would be weakened, causing a merging of the conurbations of City of Sunderland and South Tyneside. A residents protest group, called the Green Belt Action Group (GBAG) were formed. [9] Sunderland were forced to withdraw the submission. [3]

South Shields coastal town at the mouth of the River Tyne, England

South Shields is a coastal town in the North East of England at the mouth of the River Tyne, about 3.7 miles (6.0 km) downstream from Newcastle upon Tyne. Historically part of County Durham, it became part of Tyne and Wear in 1974. According to the 2011 census, the town had a population of 76,498, the third largest in Tyneside after Newcastle and Gateshead. It is part of the metropolitan borough of South Tyneside which includes the towns of Jarrow and Hebburn. South Shields is represented in Parliament by Labour MP Emma Lewell-Buck. The demonym of a person from South Shields is either a Geordie or a Sand dancer.

Planning permission government permission required for construction or expansion

Planning permission or developmental approval refers to the approval needed for construction or expansion in some jurisdictions. It is usually given in the form of a building permit. Generally, the new construction must be inspected during construction and after completion to ensure compliance with national, regional, and local building codes. Planning is also dependent on the site's zone – for example, one cannot obtain permission to build a nightclub in an area where it is inappropriate such as a high-density suburb. Failure to obtain a permit can result in fines, penalties, and demolition of unauthorized construction if it cannot be made to meet code. House building permits, for example, are subject to local housing statutes. The criteria for planning permission are a part of urban planning and construction law, and are usually managed by town planners employed by local governments. Since building permits usually precede outlays for construction, employment, financing and furnishings, they are often used as a leading indicator for developments in other areas of the economy.

Hostel Cheap, sociable accommodation

A hostel is a lower-cost form of short-term shared sociable lodging where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed in a dormitory, with shared use of a lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex and have private or shared bathrooms. Private rooms may also be available, but the property must offer dormitories to be considered a hostel. Hostels are popular forms of lodging for people engaging in backpacker tourism or gap year travelers. They are part of the sharing economy.

Revised plans

In 1999 the club resubmitted a proposal, for the same site as the previous plan, but in which the height of the new developments would not be built any higher than the existing agricultural buildings. New lighting technology would reduce the effect of floodlights on the local area, and extensive re-seeding would benefit wildlife on the site. In total, the Academy would have a 12% smaller 'footprint' than the original farm buildings. [3] The club also stated that ten sites around Sunderland and County Durham had been assessed but were found to be unsuitable. [3] Despite being recommended for acceptance by planning inspectors, the Local Planning Authority rejected the proposal on the grounds that it encroached on the green belt.


Sunderland appealed, and following a public inquiry in September 1999, the Secretary of State for the Environment John Prescott overturned the ruling in February 2000, [10] stating that the benefits the Academy would bring to the community and region justified building on the green-belt. He was convinced that Sunderland had rigorously investigated alternative sites, and he went on to say that the green-belt would not be in danger, as the site had a smaller footprint than the previous site layout. [3] Following the ruling, the GBAG continued to protest against the plans. [11] They felt the landscaping plans would ruin the 'rural' appearance of the area, and the fencing and mounding would create a 'visual barrier'. [12] One of their biggest criticisms was that Sunderland were 'moving the goalposts', as their building plans were significantly different from those originally submitted in 1999.

In 2001, detailed building plans were rejected by South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council's planning committee, again on grounds on green belt encroachment. [13] Sunderland appealed, and a month later planning permission was given. [4] Work began in November 2001, marked by a ground-breaking ceremony in January 2002 with England national football team manager Sven-Göran Eriksson. [14]

Construction and further controversy

Shortly after beginning construction work, Sunderland enraged the site protesters by resubmitted plans for further amendments to the site. [15] The addition of an indoor 'training barn' and an on-site hostel were seen by Sunderland to be essential requirements to keeping the site at Academy status. Sunderland claimed that in 1999 these elements were desired but unrealistic, but in 2001 they had been added to the list of essential Academy elements by the FA in their new Elite Player Performance Plan, and therefore to retain Academy status, Sunderland were obliged to include them in the plans. [16]

Sunderland submitted the application in May 2002, [17] and in August the plans were rejected by South Tyneside council, who said: We felt they were inappropriate for the green belt. [18] Again Sunderland appealed, and a public inquiry was launched in April 2003. [16] In November of that year, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott rejected Sunderland's revised plans [19] claiming the new elements would "cause significant harm to the openness and visual amenity of this sensitive part of the green belt." [20] This ruling came despite Sunderland's argument that similar green belt developments at Manchester United, Arsenal and Middlesbrough had been accepted. By this point, the initial phase of the academy had been built, with area set aside for the proposed indoor barn and hostel. The ruling meant that in order to retain Academy status, Sunderland would have to find alternative sites for those elements of the academy, or abandon and relocate the entire centre. In January 2004 Sunderland City Council came to the rescue of Sunderland by offering the ice rink at the Crowtree Leisure Centre as a site for the indoor training area. The rink, in the centre of the city, was leased to Sunderland AFC for an initial two-years. [5] The offer effectively saved the club's Academy status. [21]

Indoor Facility Expansion

In 2009, plans were once again submitted for indoor training facilities, due to the impending closure of the Crowtree Leisure Centre. Chairman Niall Quinn announced proposals for a training barn which, following extensive consultation with local residents, would be built 5 metres lower than the original plan, making it no higher than the other academy buildings. [21] The plans were approved in 2010 and a £3m indoor extension to the site was finally opened on 7 December 2012 by Trevor Brooking. [6]

The indoor facility is 82.4m wide, 64m long, and has an internal clearance of 10m. It has a translucent PVC roof to allow the 3G Artificial turf pitch to be illuminated by natural light. [22]

Academy status

The club gained Category 1 (Elite) academy status despite not having an indoor training pitch onsite, [23] as a result Sunderland compete in the Professional Development League as a Category 1 (Elite) academy. These requirements for Category 1, as outlined in the Elite Player Performance Plan, are wide-reaching, and include indoor and outdoor training facilities, education provisions, and dedicated youth training areas. Academy status is regularly assessed, and Sunderland maintained their status when assessed in 2013. [23]

Following Sunderland's relegation to EFL League One in 2018, they became the only club with a Category 1 academy outside of the top two divisions of English football. The club was purchased by Stewart Donald in May 2018 and he revealed that the cost of maintaining Category 1 status was £4m per year. [24] Despite this, Donald insisted that maintaining Sunderland's category 1 academy status was a priority. [24]

Environmental development

During construction, Sunderland enlisted the help of famous Ecologist David Bellamy to advise in the development of the area surrounding the academy. [25]

Wetland was introduced, and water used to wet the pitches at the academy is recycled back into these wetlands. A large area of woodland was also planted, using a variety of tree types. The academy area only accounts for 60 acres (240,000 m2) of the 220-acre (0.89 km2) site. The remainder is a wildlife preserve.

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References

  1. 1 2 "Football centre rejected to protect the green belt". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  2. ↑ "Sunderland Ladies set to return to Academy of Light as home venue revealed" . Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Sport England (March 2000). "Planning Bulletin 7 - Stadia, Football academies and Centres of Excellence" (PDF).
  4. 1 2 "Academy boost for Black Cats". The Northern Echo. 21 July 2001. Archived from the original on 8 October 2007. Retrieved 29 July 2007.
  5. 1 2 "Ice hockey club vows to find a home" . Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  6. 1 2 3 "Sunderland finally open £3m indoor facility". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  7. ↑ "SAFC Academy gets Sven's seal of approval" . Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  8. ↑ "'We've been cheated!'" . Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  9. ↑ "Protesters Hit Out Over SAFC L" . Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  10. ↑ "Campaigners to fight club's academy plan". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  11. ↑ "Protestors' -fears' over football academy". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  12. ↑ "Protestors' -fears' over football academy". The Northern Echo. 10 August 2000. Archived from the original on 8 October 2007. Retrieved 29 July 2007.
  13. ↑ "Football club to appeal against academy decision". The Northern Echo. 14 June 2001. Archived from the original on 8 October 2007. Retrieved 29 July 2007.
  14. ↑ "SAFC Academy gets Sven's seal of approval" . Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  15. ↑ "Anger at changed plans for school of football". The Northern Echo. 21 December 2001. Archived from the original on 8 October 2007. Retrieved 29 July 2007.
  16. 1 2 "Football inquiry enters second day". 23 April 2003. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  17. ↑ "Let Us See the Light!" . Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  18. ↑ "Club to appeal over academy". The Northern Echo. 12 August 2002. Archived from the original on 8 October 2007. Retrieved 29 July 2007.
  19. ↑ "Academy of Light plans halted". The Northern Echo. 11 November 2003. Archived from the original on 8 October 2007. Retrieved 29 July 2007.
  20. ↑ "Football centre rejected to protect the green belt". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  21. 1 2 "SAFC announce Academy plan" . Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  22. ↑ "Sunderland AFC Football Training Facility | Rubb UK". Rubb UK. 24 December 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  23. 1 2 "Sunderland's Academy gets elite status" . Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  24. 1 2 Rayner, Stuart (22 May 2018). "Keeping Sunderland's category one academy status is a priority". nechronicle. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  25. ↑ "David Bellamy gives Academy thumbs up — Sir Bob Murray". www.sirbobmurray.com. Retrieved 6 November 2018.

Coordinates: 54°56′37″N1°23′23″W / 54.943525°N 1.3896847°W / 54.943525; -1.3896847

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