Tuesday 14 Aug 2018
St. George’s Park is now home to the Dick Bate Pitch in memory of the leading coach and football educator.
The influential figure passed away in April 2018 aged 71 but his legacy will live on after a playing surface at the national football centre was formally dedicated to him during a private ceremony.
Dick’s wife Maggie and sons Nick and Matthew were in attendance for an unveiling led by Dan Ashworth, The FA’s technical director, alongside a host of coaching figures who had both worked with and been inspired by a man described as leaving an ‘indelible mark on English football’.
During an illustrious career, the one-time FA elite coaching manager held a number of positions at professional clubs including Watford, Sheffield Wednesday, Notts County, Southend United, Lincoln City, Leeds United and Cardiff City.
Most recently, he worked as a consultant with Burnley and his impact on the sport extended well beyond England. This included technical director roles with the Canadian and Malaysian football associations and an appetite for teaching the beautiful game that saw him deliver coach education courses in 63 countries across six continents.
Pitch 10, an area of St. George’s Park specifically used to host coaching courses, will now permanently carry the name of the former England youth coach.
Dan Ashworth said: “Dick dedicated his working life to coach education and helping thousands become better coaches therefore it’s fitting that we can name a pitch here at St. George’s Park that will go on to inspire many more in his memory.”
