Steven Gerrard football academy sets up at university

Steven Gerrard said the academy's temporary base had "top" facilities

A Nottinghamshire football academy set up by a former England captain is set to begin work - in a temporary home.

The Steven Gerrard Academy is designed to develop on-field footballing talent but also give children a grounding in business and education.

The Liverpool favourite announced plans for the partnership with Stapleford Town Football Club at the club's base in Hickings Lane in October.

While that venue is developed, the academy is to work out of the University of Nottingham's facilities at Beeston Lane, Lenton Abbey.

'Passionate and supportive'

The site at Hickings Lane has already secured £6.4m in government funding with an additional £1m from the FA and Football Foundation.

Broxtowe Borough Council wants it to become a multi-purpose space which could open by 2025.

While that is built, the former Liverpool captain, currently manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, said he was happy to be based at the university.

"The facilities here are top. A lot of things have to be right before we make these decisions," he said.

"The people of Nottingham were very passionate and very supportive.

"We are looking forward to the new facilities coming in further down the line but in year one the university is a fantastic environment for the students to learn and play football."

He said the academy, which has bases in England, Northern Ireland and Spain, is very close to his heart.

"I've been there, I've been in their shoes, chasing your dream, trying to make yourself better skilled from an education point of view but run it alongside football," he said.

"Football is global, everyone is passionate about it and just to see the kids enjoy it and give them this platform to make a better life for themselves makes me very proud."

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.