Yeovil Town’s recent decision to relocate its training base to the SGS WISE Campus in South Gloucestershire has stirred a wave of mixed emotions among supporters.
Many fans are anxious that moving away from Yeovil will weaken the close-knit community connection between players and local supporters, fearing a diminished presence beyond matchdays. These concerns underline the value placed on the club’s local roots and fan engagement.
However, the club assures its loyal fanbase that this move will not sever community ties. Instead, it emphasizes that the new facilities at SGS WISE represent a significant upgrade from their current site at Alvington. The state-of-the-art environment is expected to foster heightened professionalism and athletic development.
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Yeovil Town believes this strategic move to Bristol will broaden their reach when recruiting talent, tapping into a larger geographical pool of players. This objective aligns with their overarching mission to regain Football League status following the recent takeover by Prabhu Srinivasan.
Manager Mark Cooper, a long-time advocate for improved training conditions, expressed optimism about the transition. “From a football perspective, this is a really positive step for the club,” he said. “The facilities at SGS WISE are first-class and will help create the high-performance culture we aim for. Our commitment to Yeovil remains steadfast; this move is meant to bring success back home to our fans and town.”
Executive Chairman Stuart Robins echoed this optimism, stating, “This move marks a pivotal milestone in Yeovil Town’s evolution. Access to elite training facilities is vital to raising standards and propelling us toward our goal of returning to the Football League. The SGS WISE Campus provides the perfect setting to drive progress while preserving our identity and connection with the Yeovil community.”
The change draws parallels to Barrow AFC’s training base in Manchester, which has contributed to their established status in the English Football League. Former owner and chairman Martin Hellier supported the initiative, underscoring practical challenges at Alvington and the advantages of SGS WISE. He noted issues such as poor drainage and substandard conditions at Alvington, whereas SGS WISE offers superior outdoor and indoor pitches, a gym, nutrition and physiotherapy facilities, and modern classrooms.
On social media, Hellier stated, “Training in Bristol opens a wider catchment area to attract players from Midlands, Wales, London, and beyond—players who wouldn’t travel to Yeovil. It reduces accommodation costs and improves squad quality. SGS is an incredible setup, and this move is a legacy I’m proud to leave.”
Yet, some former figures emphasize the importance of players living and integrating into the local community. Ex-manager Gary Johnson and former player Frank Nouble hold the view that connection to the area is crucial for club identity. Nouble, who recently transferred to Gateshead, shared on Twitter, “You sign for a club to be part of it—train there, live there, feel the air, mingle with locals. It’s part and parcel of the experience.”
As Yeovil Town embarks on this new chapter, balancing professional advancement with community ties will remain central to its journey back to the Football League.