Bristol Bears open brand-new training complex

Bristol Bears open brand-new training complex

Posted on: 07 Aug 2020

The state-of-the-art facility will be home to the first team and academy squads.

 

Bristol Bears have formally opened their brand-new training centre in Abbots Leigh, finished just in time for the restart of the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season.

 

Officially named the Bears High-Performance Centre, the complex includes two full-size pitches and a covered indoor training centre.

 

The indoor centre has been carefully laid out to measure precisely half the size of the pitch at Ashton Gate Stadium, meaning players can train in all conditions.

 

Alongside the training pitches, the world-class High-Performance Centre also features a gymnasium, medical facilities, hydrotherapy, nutrition, administration offices, a board room, a team analysis room, a players' lounge and a high-quality kitchen and dining area.

 

 

Construction of the £11.5m training centre began back in August 2019, with the team training at Clifton Rugby Club during the build.

 

Speaking to the BBC in November, Bears CEO Mark Tainton categorically predicted that the new facility would "be the best training centre in the Premiership," and that he hoped the move would establish the side as a force both domestically and in Europe.

 

The celebrate the tireless work in realising a long-standing ambition and making the Bears' new home possible, the lower training pitch will be named 'The Booy Pitch', in recognition of club chairman Chris Booy.

 

The upper floodlit pitch, which overlooks the rest of the facility, will be named 'The Lansdown Pitch' after owner Stephen Lansdown.

Bristol Bears in training at their new High-Performance Centre.

Speaking on the official unveiling of the High-Performance Centre, Bears coach Pat Lam said: "The Bears High-Performance Centre is a class facility and wonderfully built by Beard Construction and a number of local companies.

 

“However, I believe what really brings it to life and makes it world-class is the quality of the people and the teamwork that happens here every day.

 

"Everything we strive to do has to be about high performance and the standards, disciplines and commitment we set to ensure the Bears achieve our vision to inspire our community through rugby success."

 

Following the disruption of the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season due to the coronavirus outbreak, remaining fixtures have now been confirmed as Bristol Bears face a tricky title run-in.

 

Due to face fellow high-flyers Sale Sharks in August as well as league leaders Exeter, the Bears will be hoping that the opening of their new facility will provide a well-timed boost to their campaign ahead of a string of difficult fixtures.

 

For more information on the Bears' new training facility, or to follow updates as they complete the remainder of the 2019/20 season, head to their website.

Read more:

 

 

Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.