Leeds United‘s training ground, Thorp Arch, was built in the early 1990s with the help of financial contributions from the club’s then-chairman Leslie Silver.
The site was initially a farm and was converted into a state-of-the-art facility that would rival any in Europe. The development included the construction of six full-size pitches, an indoor pitch, medical and rehabilitation facilities, and an academy building.
Since its opening, Thorp Arch has been a vital component of the club’s infrastructure and a key factor in the development of young talent.
Leeds United training ground name
Leeds United’s training ground is named Thorp Arch, which is a small village located near Wetherby, West Yorkshire.
The name is derived from the Old Norse words “torp” meaning hamlet or small village, and “ark” meaning arch. The arch in question is thought to refer to the arched entrance that led into the farmyard which originally occupied the site.
When Leeds United acquired the site in the early 1990s, they retained the name and developed it into a state-of-the-art training facility, which has played a significant role in the club’s recent success.
The name “Thorp Arch” has become synonymous with the club and is recognized as one of the best training facilities in the country.
How many pitches are there at the Thorp Arch Training Centre?
There are six full-size pitches at the Thorp Arch Training Centre. Additionally, there is a smaller indoor pitch used for training in inclement weather conditions.
The pitches are of high quality and maintained to a very high standard, providing the players with the ideal playing surface to train on.
Where did Leeds United train before the construction of Thorp Arch training ground?
Before the construction of Thorp Arch, Leeds United trained at various locations in and around Leeds. The first team used to train at Elland Road, their home stadium, and also used other training grounds in the area, such as the nearby Woodhouse Grove School.
However, these facilities did not meet the standards required for a top-class English side, and so the club’s then-chairman, Leslie Silver, recognized the need for a dedicated training ground.
As a result, he purchased the Thorp Arch site in the early 1990s and oversaw the development of the state-of-the-art training facility.
Plans to develop Leeds United training ground
There have been discussions about further developing Thorp Arch.
In recent years. The club’s owner, Andrea Radrizzani, has expressed his desire to expand the facilities and create a world-class academy, with plans to build new accommodations for young players and improve the medical and rehabilitation facilities.
In 2020, the club submitted a planning application for a new indoor training facility, which would include two full-sized pitches and other amenities.
This development would’ve enhanced the existing facilities and enabled Thorp Arch to really be taken to the next level. However – the plans for development were cancelled in order to focus on a stadium redevelopment, which thus far hasn’t materialised.