£190 to see new FA base! Fury at tour prices

Stars ... Jermain Defoe, Ashley Cole and Andy Carroll at centre

FA chiefs sparked fury last night after charging kids as much as £190 for coaching tours of the new centre of excellence.

The swanky £105million site is meant to turn them into future stars.

But the rip-off prices are proving too steep for many talented youngsters.

The head of one South London youth club said: “We’ve got kids from disadvantaged backgrounds and they would be so inspired by playing there.

“But not many parents here can afford the £190.”

Shadow sports minister Clive Efford raged: “You can’t believe the FA would charge that. We can’t exclude young footballers on price.”

A basic visit to the complex in Burton, Staffs, is £11. But the top tour, including two hours’ coaching and use of the England dressing room, is for a minimum 12 people — at least £2,275 in total.

The FA insisted: “All the prices are competitively priced in line with the facilities on offer.”