Reading FC to turn golf course into training ground

READING FOOTBALL CLUB are set to build brand new training facilities on top of a charity-owned golf course in Wokingham.

Bearwood Golf Club, which sits on a site formerly belonging to the Royal Merchant Navy School Foundation, will make way for Reading FC's first team and academy.

The full planning request, which includes the development of 15 pitches and indoor facilities, will be submitted to Wokingham Borough Council in the months ahead while the sale is to be finalised on receipt of planning permission.

In August Wigan Athletic controversially closed their local golf course for similar purposes in a deal that was considered a 'disgrace' by much of the community.

Bearwood Golf Club manager Barry Tustin said he was "disappointed" at the news, before adding, "the club put in a bid to buy the land, but Reading FC came in with a much better deal."

However, former Reading captain Graeme Murty believes the academy is crucial for the club's future.

"You try and get the best young players in your environment, bring them into the culture of the club, and develop them from eight years old all the way up into your first team," he said.

"Hopefully you're saving yourself eight or ten million pounds, better than that, they then become a saleable asset."

Despite clear concerns of the project across the community, the Royal Merchant Navy School said the cash obtained from the sale will directly fund charity work in the future.