Leeds United’s training ground: Where it is, what it’s called and why Marcelo Bielsa once complained
Leeds United have some excellent facilities when considering where they have been over the last decade.
Leeds United are battling against relegation this season, and while all of the focus will be on what happens on the pitch, what happens off of it can hold just as much importance.
Not just from a training perspective, but also from a facility perspective, Leeds have some excellent ones available.
Elland Road is the fortress that takes all of the spotlight, but things behind the scenes ensure that plans are put into place to ensure success.
Thorp Arch is the training hub of Leeds United
Leeds have plenty of facilities that aid the club on a day-to-day basis, though none as prominent as their training ground, Thorp Arch, which covers around 30 acres of land.
Created under Howard Wilkinson back in 1988, Thorp Arch has housed some exceptional youth talent, including the likes of Archie Gray and his brother Harry Gray, who is looking to break through at Leeds this season.
Fullerton Park used to be the training hub of the Whites until the change was made to ensure that Leeds had a modern, multi-purpose facility.
20 miles from Elland Road and located near Wetherby, Thorp Arch is equipped with some state-of-the-art facilities that get used on a daily basis, and aid some incredible behind-the-scenes tests and analysis to ensure that Leeds are better equipped for the next game each and every week.
- Eight grass pitches
- Two all-weather pitches
- Two physiotherapy rooms
- Bio science room
- Rehabilitation centre
- Gym facilities
In 2020, Leeds United were awarded a Category One status by the Premier League, showcasing the elite environment.
Since opening over 25 years ago, several changes have been made at Thorp Arch, with the main outdoor pitch remeasured to match the dimensions of the pitch at Elland Road.
Marcelo Bielsa once complained about light switches at Thorp Arch
Marcelo Bielsa is a popular figure at Leeds United, though some of his comments and actions certainly sparked confusion throughout his time at Elland Road.
One of them involved Thorp Arch back when he first joined, when he had rest facilities installed to allow his players to wind down after a training session.
However, as relayed by The Sun back in 2019, Bielsa once complained the light switches were “off-centre“, and actually demanded that they were moved.
The Argentinian also had a fireplace installed at the training facility, while also raising several other minor concerns about the aesthetics of the place.
Ultimately, several of the changes made under his stewardship are what make Thorp Arch the facility that it is today.
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