The FA Board have today given their final approval for the National Football Centre (NFC) to be based at Burton-on-Trent.

In The FA's Strategic Vision, announced on 6 May, one of the major milestones for the organisation is an operational NFC by 2010 and the site in the Midlands has now been given the green light.

FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick said: "I'm delighted that we have reached this point, the NFC is an extremely important part of our future and we can now press ahead with making it a reality.

"It is great news that progress is being made, and now we must look to the finer detail and achieve a world-class facility to help our cause."

FA Chairman Lord Triesman said: "One of our core objectives is to see England teams winning, and the NFC will play an integral part in achieving that aim.

"It is essential for the coaching framework, and for the progress of all our teams, to have a base in which they can foster that winning mentality."

FA Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking said: "It is essential to the long-term development of coaching and young players that we have a hub for all our activity, and the NFC will provide that.

"Everyone recognises the significance of the facility across all levels of the game, and that has been reflected by the Burton today."

A week after the Vision was announced, England Manager Fabio Capello visited the site and said: "This will be the true heartbeat of Club England for years to come."

At a meeting in December, The Board agreed with The FA’s plans to house the medical and exercise science, coaching, video analysis and education departments at the facility, as well using it as a training and preparation base for England teams.

The facility remains subject to planning permission and funding, with further details to be announced in due course.