Belvoir Drive
The former men's training base that became the full-time home of the Foxes' women.
Belvoir Drive served as the dedicated training facility for Leicester City's first-team squads prior to a major infrastructure shift in early 2021. Located within the club's broader operational footprint, this ground was the primary base where the men's team conducted their daily preparations before being relocated to a new purpose-built complex. Its role evolved significantly following this move, as the site was handed over exclusively for the full-time use of the women's teams. This transition marked a pivotal moment in the club's history, transforming Belvoir Drive from the men's historical base into the central hub for the development and professionalization of Leicester City Women.
- Function
- First Team Training Facility (Historical for Men; Full-time Base for Women)
- Affiliation
- Leicester City FC Infrastructure
- Access
- Restricted/Private to Club Personnel
- Status
- Former Primary Training Base for Men's Team; Current Full-Time Base for Women's
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
In January 2021, a significant restructuring occurred within Leicester City Football Club. The men's teams were relocated to a new purpose-built training ground, vacating their long-standing facility at Belvoir Drive. Rather than leaving the site unused, the club repurposed it immediately for its female counterparts. Before this date, Belvoir Drive had been the home of the men's first team; afterwards, it became the exclusive full-time training ground for the women's squads. This shift aligned with the broader professionalization of the women's side, which had been taken over by Leicester City FC (with King Power as the parent company) in August 2020 and turned fully professional shortly after.
In Their Own Story
The turning point arrived in January 2021 when the men's squad departed Belvoir Drive for their new facilities. In that same month, the former Premier League team's facility was handed over to the women's teams for full-time use. This handover coincided with a period of rapid growth for Leicester City Women, who had just secured promotion to the FA Women's Super League in April 2021. The site supported the squad as they navigated their debut top-flight campaign later that year, including their first WSL victory on 19 December 2021 against Birmingham City. While the men moved forward to new grounds, Belvoir Drive remained a critical asset, providing the necessary infrastructure for the women's development centre and reserves.
Reader's Guide
Belvoir Drive is not a public stadium like King Power Stadium or Pirelli Stadium; it is a private training ground with restricted access. Fans cannot visit this site for matches or tours, as its function is strictly operational. The location serves as the full-time base for the women's first team and development centre, which caters to players from under-9s up to 18s. Unlike match venues where supporters gather in the stands, Belvoir Drive operates behind closed doors to facilitate daily training sessions. Its significance lies in its role during the club's transition to full professionalism, housing the squad that won the Women's Championship in April 2021 and reached the FA Cup semi-finals in the 2023–24 season.
Did You Know?
- Belvoir Drive was handed over to the women's teams for full-time use in January 2021, immediately after the men's squad moved to a new purpose-built ground.
- The facility supported Leicester City Women during their historic promotion to the FA Women's Super League, which was confirmed on 4 April 2021 after they secured the FA Women's Championship title that day, having mathem
- Prior to becoming the women's base, Belvoir Drive served as the training home for the men's Premier League team before January 2021.
- The site accommodates the Leicester City Women Development Centre, which expanded in the 2017/18 season to include age groups from under-9s through to 18s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Belvoir Drive?
Belvoir Drive was Leicester City's historic primary training ground located in Oadby, serving as the club's main preparation base for decades before newer facilities were built. Unlike public stadiums such as Filbert Street or the King Power Stadium, it functioned strictly as a private infrastructure hub for first-team squads.
Who has access to Belvoir Drive?
Access to this facility is entirely restricted to Leicester City club personnel and players, meaning it was never open to the general public or matchday fans. It operated behind closed doors as a secure environment dedicated solely to team training and development.
Why is Belvoir Drive important to the club's culture?
It represents the unseen 'quiet forge' where countless Foxes legends honed their skills away from the crowds, forming the backbone of the club's historical success. Its legacy lies in being the essential, hidden foundation that supported the team's on-pitch glory for generations.
Is Belvoir Drive still used as a training ground?
No, it is now a former primary training base after the club relocated its operations to newer complexes situated adjacent to the current King Power Stadium. While no longer the active headquarters, it remains a significant part of Leicester City's historical infrastructure in Oadby.
Where exactly was Belvoir Drive located?
The facility was situated in Oadby, Leicestershire, serving as the dedicated off-site home for the first team long before the club established its modern training village. This location allowed the squad to train privately without the distractions of public match venues.
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