Manchester City Women opened a new 10-million-pound (13.52 million USD) training facility dedicated solely to their first team on May 11 in Manchester, England [1, 2]. The 17,000-square-foot complex includes tailored amenities such as a restaurant with menus custom-made to players’ cultures, bodies, and match-day rhythms. Three chefs were hired exclusively to serve the women’s squad [1, 2].
The facility also houses strength and conditioning areas, medical, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy rooms, including a specialist focusing on pelvic health—an uncommon but important feature [1, 2]. Hydrotherapy pools and an espresso coffee machine ensure players can recover and refuel without needing to leave the venue [1, 2].
Previously, the team shared facilities with the club’s academy boys aged 14 to 19, which brought challenges with illnesses spreading among the squads. The new dedicated complex removes this risk and allows more control over scheduling and individual needs [1, 2].
Emma Deakin, director of performance services for the women’s programme, said, "It makes them feel like they're part of something" and explained the personalization of nutrition, noting, "We can be really bespoke around: what does fuelling look like for you? And if you're a Japanese player, if you are a Jamaican player, if you're Brazilian, we can be really specific around the girls' tastes and knowing what they want to eat and how they fuel" [1, 2].
Deakin cited personal touches such as Japanese players having their chopsticks engraved with their names and Jamaica striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw preferring spicy food that "burns the roof of your mouth". She contrasted this with academy boys who prefer pasta daily [1]. Chefs coordinate with the club nutritionist to plan meals even for bus journeys following away matches [1, 2].
The facility was unveiled to the media on May 11, marking a milestone in the club’s investment in its women’s team [1, 2]. The new centre aims to enhance player performance by providing world-class resources and tailored care.