Plymouth Argyle reveal name for new academy and women's team home

The new permanent home for Plymouth Argyle's academy, as well as the club's women's team, will be called Foulston Park, it has been announced.

Work has begun on the £21 million redevelopment of the Brickfields site in Devonport into a sporting centre of excellence and asset for the wider Plymouth community. It will also be home to Plymouth Albion RFC and the Argyle Community Trust but for Argyle, who have made a major investment into the project it is about developing more talented players for their first team.

The name chosen for the home for Argyle's academy honours John Foulston, the visionary local architect who inspired the transformation of Devonport, Stonehouse and Plymouth, including the development of Union Street, the Plymouth Atheneum and the iconic Devonport Column.

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Argyle chief executive officer Andrew Parkinson said: "Foulston’s legacy is about transformation and ambition, which aligns perfectly with what we are building here and why the name resonates so much with everything we are trying to do.

"Foulston Park reinforces Argyle’s identity and culture. The facilities here will support Argyle’s growth by improving how we recruit, retain, and develop future players as well as strengthening the connection between the club, its supporters and communities.

"It’s a core part of our vision to build on our success in developing homegrown talent as well as being an incredibly exciting prospect to find the next Adam Randell or Freddie Issaka."

An Argyle statement said: "The Foulston Park name and brand reflects Argyle’s vision of being inclusive, innovative and progressive as the club looks to secure its long-term future and success both on and off the pitch.

"At the heart of Foulston Park, the academy will position the club as a leader in player development, building a sustainable pathway for talent, strengthening the club’s competitive edge. The women’s team is similarly a key part of the project, highlighting Argyle’s commitment to progress and equality, which is essential to the club’s future.

"The community and sporting facilities will contribute significantly towards supporting opportunities and the wellbeing of the local community and wider city."

They added: "The new sporting hub currently under construction on site will be known as The Hub at Foulston Park, forming a key part of the new offering to Devonport and the wider city.

"The new bespoke and affordable Hub will offer much needed accessible services to help improve health and wellbeing. The services will include gym and studio spaces, a multi-use sports hall, and community café.

"An extensive process was conducted with partners in the search for an appropriate new look and name which can support the high-quality facilities being built on site as well as capturing the ambition for the venue to become a key amenity and powerful symbol of opportunity.

"In-depth historical research was backed-up with workshops involving partners including Plymouth Argyle, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Albion, Argyle Community Trust and Devonport Community Leisure Ltd.

"While the name reflects the city’s proud history, the focus of the venue will be firmly on the future through its state-of-the-art facilities, comprehensive coaching programmes, and community-focused events to support everyone to be the best they can be.

"Construction is currently under way to deliver this new permanent home for Plymouth Argyle’s youth wing, the Argyle academy, and Plymouth Argyle Women. The works include new grass and all-weather 3G pitches, athletics facilities for the City of Plymouth Athletics Club and other users, a play zone exclusively for public use, better public access, landscaped public areas, and parking."

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sports and Leisure commented: "We want to reflect a new and exciting era for this site. We want it to be a place where our residents, as well as visitors, feel welcome as well as connected to, and proud of, this area.

"Foulston Park matches a sense of heritage, a strong connection with the Devonport community and an exciting place to encourage people to be active and to inspire our elite athletes of the future."

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