Lowestoft firm takes centre stage at opening of National Football Centre

A Lowestoft company has scored another success as it features in the official opening of the new National Football Centre today.

Harrod UK on the South Lowestoft Industrial Estate has supplied goals and team shelters for St George's Park at Burton-Upon-Trent, which is the cornerstone of the FA's plans to develop English football.

St George's Park has 11 full size outdoor pitches and one elite DESSO training pitch which is an exact replica of Wembley.

Players, coaches, guests and athletes from other sports will have the opportunity to access the very best medical and sports science facilities on site.

Harrod UK provided the goals and team shelters for the outside and in-door facilities, which it is hoped will create a world beating generation of footballers.

Harrod UK have vast experience of supplying the country's most prestigious football venues, most notably Wembley Stadium and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sales and marketing director Les Saunders said: '2012 has been a fantastic year for 'Made in Britain' and the summer games epitomized what the UK is capable of.

'We were very privileged to play a small part in their huge success. To supply another World Class venue like St George's Park so soon after London 2012 is truly the icing on the cake for our company.'

The National Football Centre is being officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

A Carlton Colville man is also playing a key role in footballing development.

With one of the most prestigious roles within the Football Association, Jamie Houchen, a former Yarmouth Town footballer and Norwich City's Football in the Community officer, is the Head of FA Learning at the new training home and coach education centre in Burton on Trent,

Eleven years after joining The Football Association, Jamie Houchen will lead FA Learning - The FA's education department - at St George's Park.