WANDERERS’ lotteries have come to the rescue once again by delivering a £350,000 purpose-built dome to safeguard the Academy’s category two status.

A huge indoor training facility was constructed last week with funds raised by the Lifeline, Goldline, Golden Gamble and scratch card schemes operated by the Bolton Wanderers Development Association (BWDA).

The inflatable ‘bubble’ not only allows Phil Parkinson’s first team and all players based at Lostock to train away from the elements, it also ensures Wanderers fulfil criteria laid down by the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan.

Had the club been forced to step down to category three, coaching jobs would have been at risk and the Whites would have found themselves at a significant disadvantage recruiting young footballing talents in the North West.

“Without people putting their money in every week we would have lost category two, simple as that,” explained BWDA director, Andrew Dean. “To retain that level is a massive filip for the club.

“It is a fantastic facility and I’m proud to say we can go out now and tell people this is a reason their child should come to Bolton Wanderers.

“How great that the coaches can now point to Josh Vela, Rob Holding or Zach Clough and say ‘you can follow in their footsteps if you come and sign with us.’

“Just as Nat Lofthouse got people to rally round in 1982 behind the Lifeline and saved the club from going under, everyone who puts a couple of pounds in each week right now is guaranteeing its future with projects like this. I hope more people see this and get involved.”

Planning permission for the dome was sought more than 12 months ago, followed by consultation with local residents. Last week construction began involving specialist companies from Holland and Germany, plus Liverpool-based Global Maintenance.

Everyone lent a hand – including coaches Jimmy Phillips, Nicky Spooner and Julian Darby, who all came through the Wanderers youth set-up.

And the end result has already proved invaluable as the winter weather set in over the last few days.

“It is another big step forward for the training ground,” said Wanderers boss Phil Parkinson. “Whether it is the younger players or the first team, there are days at Lostock when it is raining and windy and you need to concentrate and talk about details which will win you games. To be able to do it in this environment is great.

“It has come along at just the right time with conditions being so cold recently. Jimmy Phillips and his coaches in the younger age groups must be absolutely delighted, it’s something they’ll really enjoy using.

“I remember as a youngster we had a little 30-by-20 gym where we used to go and train and kick lumps out of each other. Now the lads have got this.

“English football is always talking about improving the technical ability of its young players but you need the facilities. And getting this for Bolton Wanderers will be a big thing.”

Former Wanderers defender Nicky Spooner, who takes care of the Under-18s, says the addition of the dome will mean a better quality of coaching for the young players at the club.

“From a practical point of view it means we can take more time, go over some of the more technical stuff with the lads,” he said.

“When it is freezing cold and blowing a gale up at Lostock, sometimes the sessions can end up a bit hustle and bustle, a bit rushed. You are always mindful that the lads have to keep warm.

“You have to do sessions all in one go, as once the lads are back inside and showered, changed, you can’t nip out for 20 minutes and go through something. But with the dome, we can.

“Also as an academy it was a disappointment coming down from category one a couple of years ago, so to maintain the high standards we set, this was a big thing for us.”

It is thought the dome will be suitable for 20 years’ use and has been fitted with an extra fire exit following the tightening of fire regulations in the light of Grenfell Tower.

The BWDA recently paid to upgrade Wanderers’ gym facilities and provide GPS equipment for the first team to improve training analysis.

Money raised by the BWDA, is ring-fenced, and cannot be used for wages or overhead expenses but for projects, determined by an elected committee, which directly help the club and its supporters.

Among the high-profile members of the scheme is Sam Allardyce, who has continued to pay in from his days as a player.

“We need people to get behind the lotteries,” said Dean. “Every pound someone puts in makes a direct difference to Bolton Wanderers.

“I’d like to say a big thanks to my staff, who work so hard each week, but also everyone at the training ground who has pitched in to help get the dome up and running. It really has been a team effort.”

For more information on the lotteries contact 01204 673777 or email lotteries@bwfc.co.uk.