Construction continues on U.S. soccer training center

The 80,000-square-foot training facility will contain coaching offices, classrooms, fitness and rehabilitation labs, and a great hall with a viewing area overlooking the training fields. A 12,000-square-foot gymnasium will sit next to the facility. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

Construction continues on the National Training and Coaching Development Center near 94th and Parallel Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas.

The center, scheduled to be completed Dec. 15, is a partnership among Sporting KC, U.S. Soccer, and Children’s Mercy.

The center will include adjoining training facilities for Sporting KC and U.S. Soccer. Children’s Mercy plans to build a youth sports medicine facility nearby.

Sporting KC vice president of development David Ficklin pointed out the classroom areas of the new training facility to Sporting assistant coach Zoran Savic. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Tuesday’s high winds prevented new beams from being raised, but workers kept busy with other work on the structure. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Sporting KC manager and technical director Peter Vermes talked about the important role that the facility will play in improving the United States’ ability to compete for a World Cup by developing coaches and players. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Story and photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel