How Brickfields will help secure the future of Argyle Academy
Following the beginning of construction last month (September 2024), we’ll be providing monthly updates on the regeneration of the Brickfields site and share an in-depth look at one part of the project. This month we’re reflecting on the importance of delivering these new facilities for the Argyle Academy.
At the core of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Brickfields is a new permanent home for Plymouth Argyle’s youth wing, the Argyle Academy, alongside the women’s team. The improved football pitches, purpose-built Academy building including classrooms, office space, changing rooms, gym, and parents’ lounge will provide a state-of-the-art space for the Academy members to train and compete.
The investment in a permanent home for the Academy, with superb facilities, is a key part of Plymouth Argyle’s wider mission to be a sustainable and successful football club, including nurturing and bringing forward its own home-grown crop of young players.
The importance of the Plymouth Argyle Academy to the future of the Club has been highlighted by a busy start to the season where established Academy products and upcoming young talent have been given the opportunity and encouragement to shine. This season has already seen four academy graduates making first team appearances for the Club.
It’s been an exciting start to the Sky Bet Championship season for Adam Randell, who is establishing himself as a pivotal player at the heart of the Argyle midfield and has won plaudits for the growth in his game and confidence. Freddie Issaka has also made several appearances this season for Argyle, both starting and as a substitute, in the Championship and Carabao Cup.
Will Jenkins Davies played in Argyle’s pre-season campaign and is now gaining further experience on loan to Torquay United, while 18-year-old Joe Hatch became the latest Academy player make his first-team debut as a substitute away to Burnley.
Others are knocking on the door too, including Caleb Roberts, who made his full debut in January’s Emirates FA Cup fourth round draw against Leeds United, and first-year apprentice Tegan Finn, who was announced in September as being promoted to join the senior squad in training.
The work over the next 12-18 months will deliver better facilities to help train the next generation of Argyle players and build upon the success of the Academy to date. This will sit alongside extensive new facilities for the community including landscaped public areas and a playzone, as well as providing a home for the women’s team.
Update on the Brickfields construction
Our team have been working hard to get the area ready for construction, including site preparation and clearance. Across the last month, the project team on site have successfully installed all the habitat boxes for birds and bats (20 in total), and set up temporary welfare facilities for those working on site.
Work is continuing on the community hub building as we approach opening in January 2025.
Looking ahead to next month (November 2024), there are lots of works planned which will progress the exciting redevelopment including the erection of hoarding and fencing around the site, asbestos removal from the existing buildings in line with regulations and preparation for the works to the car park.
If you would like to stay up to date on the project, including receiving more detailed updates on construction, sign up to our newsletter here.
If you have any queries, you can email brickfields@pafc.co.uk. You can also contact the site manager with any construction related issues on 07586 125 329.
