FC Twente has finalized a training facility for youth. The municipality of Hengelo is going to invest. However, financing for the training complex for the first selection and the women’s team is not yet complete. The initial plan was to move to Sportcampus Diekman at the beginning of next season, but this will not happen.
“We are complete in terms of training accommodation for youth,” says general manager Paul van der Kraan in conversation with Geert-Jan Jakobs of Voetbal International. “The municipality of Hengelo has decided that they are going to invest in it. We are entering into a long-term rental contract with our academy there. The expectation is that the accommodation will be ready by July 1, 2025.”
“For the selection, we prefer Sportcampus Diekman. We also want to give the women a permanent home base there, I think they have already moved five times in six years. We have not yet secured the financing for the entire project. We have some sponsors who have said that they want to think and participate. But work is still being done to complete that picture.”
“I have already mentioned a date a few times, but we have not met it each time. I actually don’t want to worry about it anymore. We aim to have clarity about the financing before January 1. And then we can start fairly quickly. with construction, in the course of 2024. And then it could be ready on July 1, 2025,” said the general manager.
“The total construction costs are around fifteen million. A large amount, which is not easy to raise. Partly because you already have debts. But in my opinion it is necessary to realize a new training complex, because we are lagging behind in that area. at many fellow clubs. If you want a top sports climate, and we always say that, then such accommodation is necessary,” Van der Kraan concludes.