Watching Academy matches

[Stuffed Crust Pizza]

Is anybody aware of where the Academy currently plays its home fixtures? In the past they always played on Saturday morning at Cantley Park, Wokingham. However surely they are now accomdated at the Hogwood training ground? Any idea if these fixtures are open to the public to attend???

[Row Z Royal]

Have you had a CRB check?

[Dirk Gently]

Is anybody aware of where the Academy currently plays its home fixtures?

Yes.

In the past they always played on Saturday morning at Cantley Park, Wokingham. However surely they are now accomdated at the Hogwood training ground?

Yes.

Any idea if these fixtures are open to the public to attend???

Yes I do have an idea and no they're not.

[Stuffed Crust Pizza]

Dirk many thanks for the info. Any idea why these games are played behind closed doors? Have their been issues down at Hogwood or is the club just playing at secret squirrels?

[Dirk Gently]

Don't think there's any specific reason - just general worries about insurance and staffing needed if they open it to teh public.

I know some peope do go there for academy games - you might want to try asking the club.

[Stuffed Crust Pizza]

Thanks again Dirk! Have emailed the club's customer service department and await a reply. I will post the response to keep others informed that have an interest.

[Scrappy]

I actually believe its down to league regulations. Dont know the full details but you shouldn't even post academy results online as they are seen as development matches rather than competitive leagues. It's very confusing.

Also, by not allowing the general public to attend, it means that undercover scouts aren't able to get in to watch games.

[Stuffed Crust Pizza]

I sent the club an email on this subject to clarify the situation.

Dear Sirs,

As a supporter of Reading FC and a voluntary football coach for a local youth team, I would like to enquire about the policy on the general public attending the Hogward Park training facility. Are the public welcome to attend Reading FC training sessions at any time during the week? I understand that a few years ago Wednesday was an open day of sorts. Secondly are the public able to attend the Academy fixtures that are played at Hogwood on Saturday mornings.

As I am just starting my coaching career I feel I would benefit from attending such events to futher educate myself and give fresh ideas to my own training sessions.

Regards

And received this reply.

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your email. I am afraid that the training ground is only open to authorized visitors and not the general public. I know we have had open days in the past but unfortunately this is very rare.

Good luck with your coaching career and I apologise that you are unable to visit the training ground.

Kind Regards
Paul Collins
Customer Service Supervisor
Reading Football Club

Just thought I'd post it here for others 'nobbers info. Cheers!

[STAR Liaison]

IIRC the planning permission for the training ground did not allow public admission to games.

[Aly Murty]

I remember when the club first went to Hogwood they had a few problems with thefts from cars and so quickly restricted access to the facility, meaning an electronic pass was needed to open the gate (which was kept permanently locked). I'm not sure if this is still the case, but figure it probably didn't help.

[Compo's Hat]

Going down to the training ground on Christmas Eve as a treat for some of the kids from the local pub so they can watch them train (and me) and then have their photos taken with the players afterwards.

I'm having to provide a list of names of everyone who's coming as well as car registrations so it shows you the sort of security requirements that are now in place.

[handbags_harris]

...a treat for some of the kids from the local pub...

Typical north side of the Thames behaviour I'm led to believe

[TheMaraudingDog]

I actually believe its down to league regulations. Dont know the full details but you shouldn't even post academy results online as they are seen as development matches rather than competitive leagues. It's very confusing.

Also, by not allowing the general public to attend, it means that undercover scouts aren't able to get in to watch games.

LOL

United acadamy games are live on MUTV so that is clearly bollocks.

Besides, surely a feeder club like Reading would want to showcase the young talent?

[Dirk Gently]

...a treat for some of the kids from the local pub...

Well, i suppose it's a step up from offering them a lollipop or asking if they want to see some puppies.....

[Compo's Hat]

...a treat for some of the kids from the local pub...

Well, i suppose it's a step up from offering them a lollipop or asking if they want to see some puppies.....

We're peado free (i hope) North side of the Thames and i'd like to see the puppies not the kids!!!

We've been murked by the weather anyway so have to rearrange the date

[Wimb]

...a treat for some of the kids from the local pub...

Well, i suppose it's a step up from offering them a lollipop or asking if they want to see some puppies.....

We're peado free (i hope) North side of the Thames and i'd like to see the puppies not the kids!!!

We've been murked by the weather anyway so have to rearrange the date

Hope you've got a wide angled lens for the pictures with LOLong