England boss Gareth Southgate to officially open Crystal Palace’s new academy

England manager Gareth Southgate will formally open Crystal Palace’s redeveloped category 1 academy site on October 28.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish will also be part of the ceremony.

Southgate came through the youth ranks at the South London club and made 191 appearances.

Work began on Palace’s new academy site in June 2020. The redevelopment created five grass training pitches, a full-size outdoor 3G pitch with floodlighting, a show pitch, a full-size covered indoor training pitch. A state-of-the-art medical rehab and extended gym therapy area are underway and will form the final phase.

Parish said: “The new academy will have a transformative effect on the future of the football club and the local community not only enabling us to attract and retain the best players in one of England’s richest footballing areas but also to help scores of young people and local schools enjoy the facilities.

“Those players that don’t make it have an improved set of life choices.

“Gareth was a pivotal part of creating the current academy system and his success is testament to the type of person and player this club strives to produce.

“He is an immensely proud part of our history and we also hope we can produce some home grown talent to help England win a major tournament. It is fitting that he should open our new facilities to mark this monumental step forward for our football club.”

The event will not be open to members of the public.