Manchester City has officially broken ground on a state-of-the-art, purpose-built training facility for their Women’s Super League (WSL) squad. With an estimated investment of up to £10 million, the facility, located within the prestigious City Football Academy, is set to open next season. This bold move underscores the club’s unwavering commitment to providing world-class infrastructure for their women’s team, ensuring they have the best resources to continue their upward trajectory in the WSL.
For years, the women’s team has shared training spaces with the men’s and academy squads. However, with the increasing success and prominence of the women’s game, Manchester City has recognized the need for a dedicated space tailored to their specific needs. The new development is a major milestone that signals the club’s intent to sustain and elevate the women’s side to greater heights.
What’s in the £10 Million Blueprint?
The new facility will be nothing short of a footballing paradise. Spanning 17,000 square feet, it will feature an elite high-performance gym, a specialized hydrotherapy area for optimal recovery, and a unique circular dressing room designed to foster team unity.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the project is the player-centric approach taken during its design. First-team players were directly involved in the planning process, providing valuable insights into what they need to perform at their peak. Their collaboration with multidisciplinary experts ensures that the facility is not only cutting-edge but also highly functional. Moreover, the complex has been designed with expansion in mind, allowing room for growth as the women’s game continues to thrive.
Manchester City Captain’s Approval: A Home of Their Own
Manchester City captain Alex Greenwood has voiced her excitement about the project, emphasizing the significance of having a dedicated space. While the existing shared facilities have served the team well, Greenwood believes it is time for the squad to have an environment tailored exclusively to their development and success.
“The facilities we’ve had have been amazing, but this takes it to another level,” said Greenwood. “It’s not just about having our own space—it’s about making sure that space is built for us, with our specific needs in mind. We’ve been involved in the process, and that makes this even more special.”
Her sentiments reflect the growing recognition that investment in women’s football infrastructure is long overdue. With this new facility, Manchester City is setting a benchmark for other top clubs to follow.
Manchester City’s Ever-Growing Legacy in Women’s Football
The investment is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s part of Manchester City’s broader strategy to elevate women’s football. Since their reformation in 2014, the women’s team has established itself as a dominant force in English football. Their track record includes winning the WSL title in 2016, finishing as runners-up seven times, and lifting the Women’s FA Cup and Women’s League Cup four times each.
By investing in purpose-built infrastructure, the club is laying the foundation for future success, ensuring their players have access to the best possible resources. This move aligns with a broader trend in women’s football, where top clubs are beginning to recognize that serious investment is not just a necessity but a responsibility.
Still Playing at Joie Stadium – For Now
While the women’s team will soon enjoy their new training ground, their matchday home remains the impressive Joie Stadium. With a capacity of 7,000, it is the largest purpose-built stadium in the WSL and a testament to Manchester City’s long-term vision for their women’s team.
Joie Stadium, situated within the City Football Academy complex, offers top-tier matchday facilities, ensuring players and fans alike have a high-quality football experience. As the women’s game continues to grow, speculation remains about whether City could further expand their home ground to accommodate larger crowds in the future.
A Landmark Moment for Women’s Football
Manchester City’s new training facility is more than just an investment—it’s a statement. It signals a commitment to excellence, equality, and the continued evolution of women’s football. With top clubs beginning to dedicate resources specifically to their women’s teams, the gap between men’s and women’s football infrastructure is slowly but surely closing.
As construction progresses, anticipation builds for the grand opening next season. One thing is certain: when the doors finally open, Manchester City’s women’s team will step into a facility designed to propel them to even greater success. The sky-blue dynasty continues to rise—this time, with a home of their own.
