Hatters submit plans to build indoor training pitch as they look to keep hold of future stars

Luton Town have revealed plans to build an indoor training pitch in a bid to ensure their young stars of the future aren’t tempted away by the top clubs.

An application was submitted on June 22 for the new facility to go on the playing field to the rear of Barnfield Academy South, Cutenhoe Road.

It will be situated under 300m from their first-team training headquarters at the Brache, with the 3G playing surface covered by an 'air supported membrane,' while changing facilities will be installed to allow Town to improve their Academy Category status.

Town's planning application, published on Luton Council’s website, stated: “The club want to obtain Academy Category 2 status, which requires an indoor pitch.

“At present, the Club’s junior and under 23 sides only have Category 3 status.

“‘Having Academy Category 2 status not only helps the club’s young players through the provision of better facilities, but also means that the club’s future stars are less likely to be tempted to move to clubs with better academy facilities.

“In an ever more competitive environment, this pitch is therefore critical to the club’s future sustainability.

“‘Having Category 2 status means that the club will be able to play in the Premier League’s under 23 development games programme.

"This will mean that the club’s young players will be playing against better players which should assist in their progression to the first team.

“‘Only by being able to develop local and home-grown players can the club hope to compete with richer clubs.

“Furthermore, the club’s training ground at The Brache and Luton Town has been selected as a location for teams appearing at the, now delayed, 2020 European Championship.

“The provision of a new state-of-the-art indoor pitch will make The Brache and Luton more attractive for international teams and will boost the prospects of an international team choosing to locate in Luton.

"If a team does base itself in Luton, it will help in promoting Luton’s image.”