Olympics 2012 Training Venue
In June 2010, it was announced that the University of Warwick would play a vital role in the 2012 Olympic Games as the city of Coventry hosts the Games Football matches.
The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) decided that the University of Warwick would provide training facilities for the Olympic teams for the duration of the competition.
Up to four football teams a day will practice on the Gibbet Hill campus on pitches that meet FIFA regulations for international competition. LOCOG will also utilise the dedicated sports pavillion at Cryfield, which provides changing rooms, a physiotherapy space and a specially-installed doping room. One of the University’s award-winning conference centres will also be used by the visiting teams.
Speaking at the time, Vice-Chancellor Nigel Thrift said:
This is great news for the city and the University. We are delighted that the University of Warwick’s superb sporting and conference facilities were able to play a key role in helping to bring these Olympic football teams to Coventry.
As a University we have significant experience in hosting large international sporting events and a particular experience in hosting football training and support for UK football managers operating at the highest levels of the game.
Warwick's football facilities have already been used for the England men's Under 19's training camp for the European Championships and the International Women's Under 23 Tournament. Photos from both are below (click thumbnails for larger images):
Training Venue in Action
Wheelchair track athletes, Anita Fordjour and Raphael Nkegbe Botsyo visited the expert facilities on campus in May 2012 on their journey to qualify for the Paralympic Games.
Great Britain’s top pole vault athlete also visited campus in May, teaching school children from Coventry about pole-vaulting, the Olympics and basic warm-up techniques.