Check out Lincoln City's new training ground - and the FA Cup!
Pictures as the Imps unveil their new Elite Performance Centre
Lincoln City have unveiled their impressive new training ground.
The pitches at the Soper of Lincoln Elite Performance Centre have been in use since the summer.
Now, the club is moving into the main building at the 12.3 acre site which will house a fully-equipped gymnasium, changing rooms, canteen, offices and a media room.
Outside, the development features three elite grass pitches, which are the same dimensions as Sincil Bank, plus two TV towers that enable technical staff to film and analyse training.
The £1.3 million Centre has been funded by the club’s historic FA Cup run of 2016/17.
To mark the occasion - and ahead of Saturday’s first round tie with Northampton - the famous trophy was at the training ground, along with the Cowley brothers, players Matt Rhead and Ellis Chapman and club officials.
Our photographer Anna Draper was there to capture an important day in the club’s history.
Ellis Chapman lifts some weights at the Imps' new Elite Performance Centre
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From left: Matt Rhead, Danny Cowley, chief executive Liam Scully, the FA's director of professional game relations Andy Ambler, vice-chairman Roger Bates, Nicky Cowley and Ellis Chapman
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The Cowleys with the FA Cup at the Imps' new Elite Performance Centre
(Image: Anna Draper/ Lincolnshire Echo)3 of 11![Nicky Cowley with the FA Cup at the Imps' new Elite Performance Centre]()
Nicky Cowley with the FA Cup at the Imps' new Elite Performance Centre
(Image: Anna Draper/ Lincolnshire Echo)4 of 11![The main building at the Imps' new Elite Performance Centre]()
The main building at the Imps' new Elite Performance Centre
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