FAI plans €10m soccer centre of excellence in Cork

The FAI is planning to build a €10m centre for soccer excellence on the outskirts of Cork which will complement its national training centre in Abbotstown.

FAI chief executive John Delaney said his association, with the support of Foras, the co-operative which took over Cork City FC in 2010, has drafted a plan to build the centre on a 30.4-acre site at Brooklodge, Glanmire.

“We are looking for a 99-year lease on the land which is owned by Cork County Council. We have spoken to the council’s executive about the plan and they’ve favourably received it,” he said.