By Longsider
May 14 2004

Burnley Football Club have announced plans to have a football academy at Gawthorpe. The club's youth development has been left behind in recent years as other local clubs have built their own academies but this is all set to change. The Academy is part of plan set by Burnley Borough Council for future devlopment within the town. Representatives of the club will put forward their ideas of expanding the club within the town.

Chief Executive Dave Edmundson has called on the people of Burnley and the council to support the club and its dreams......

"There is no doubt whatsoever that this club is the focal point of the local community.

"As such we feel that it is our duty to ensure that we play a major role in any plans that are being put in place for the future development and regeneration of Burnley borough.

"The club aims to redevelop Turf Moor into a facility that is truly used 365 days a year, not just for football, but as a facility that will benefit and engage the whole community for education, health and fitness, leisure activities and entertainment.

"We must ensure that any plan that is produced fully understands and acknowledges the importance of this football club to the town and in turn helps to facilitate its future success."

The club will meet the government planning inspector at Burnley town hall on Wednesday to explain our plans for the future. This news is absolutely brilliant for everybody connected with Burnley Football Club and we can only hope that nothing will get in the way of us having an Academy in Burnley.