Doncaster Council has approved plans for a 37-acre elite football training centre near Bawtry after previously rejecting it over green belt concerns. The decision is significant because supporters say the development could bring high-profile teams and economic activity to the area, while earlier objections from neighbouring residents have now been resolved.

Football agent Willie McKay’s Doncaster City Elite Training Centre would include five full-size pitches, a 499-seat show pitch, specialist training facilities, padel courts and a five-star hotel for visiting teams. The scheme is intended to host professional clubs preparing for English fixtures and has backing from Doncaster’s MP, the local chamber of commerce and clubs including Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and LA Galaxy.