"I haven't seen anything like it in Belgium or the Netherlands yet": our man visited KRC Genk's brand-new training complex
Roughly a year before the final completion of KRC Genk’s brand-new training complex, the press was invited for a sneak peek. It promises to be an impressive state-of-the-art training center.
Impressive. That word is certainly appropriate to describe KRC Genk’s new training center – officially the H.Essers Training Center. The approximate 20 million euro price tag is no coincidence. The structural works are 99% complete today, and so the press was invited for a look on Wednesday afternoon. Roughly a year before the building’s final completion. The completion of the works is indeed planned for the second half of September 2026, after which the club could move in during next season’s winter break.
Spacious Indoor Facility
Besides a spacious entrance hall and an auditorium – where video analyses will be presented and which can accommodate about 50 people – the ground floor is primarily dominated by a spacious indoor facility. A large fitness area, if you will. A place where fitness equipment will be installed and where the club’s physiotherapists will also work. There is even a 60-meter long zone provided, which players can use for their running exercises even in bad weather. During sessions in this indoor facility, players also have a perfect view of the three football pitches located at the back of the training center.
Two of the three training pitches – which are also heated – also have the exact same dimensions as the pitch in the Cegeka Arena. And the third pitch also meets official match size regulations. The three training grounds consist of hybrid grass, which means it is a combination of real and artificial turf.
Environmentally Friendly
The training complex is also environmentally friendly. For example, part of the front of the building will consist of heathland, which is characteristic of the area. Only the training pitches are not 100% environmentally friendly. To heat the pitches during winter, a gas pipeline is still needed.
Also overlooking the football pitches are Head of Football Dimitri de Condé and coach Thorsten Fink. Their offices are located on the first floor and offer views of both the pitches and the indoor facility. Furthermore, on the upper floor, there is also a dining and relaxation area, among other things. However, from a sporting perspective, the most important areas are located downstairs.
In addition to a spacious changing room, players on the ground floor will also have access to a space that will include two jacuzzis and an adjustable 6×3 meter swimming pool. Players will not be swimming laps; the pool will primarily be used for recovery after training sessions. In this area, the temperature will consistently fluctuate between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius. Additionally, an infrared sauna and an ice bath are available. In other words: players will be able to train in unique conditions at the new training complex, with all amenities at hand.
New Step
“But the training facilities we have now are not bad either. However, they were built 30 years ago,” said KRC Genk CEO Luc Hooyberghs, who was also present. “This must represent the next 30 years. I don’t want to compare with other countries, but I haven’t seen anything like this in Belgium or the Netherlands yet. In this way, we are taking another very big step as a club. To be a stable top performer in Belgium and to pursue a certain level in Europe, many things need to be right. For example, we will transform the club from a non-profit organization into a public limited company to continue growing financially. But we essentially remain a football club, aiming to deliver good football to achieve certain performances. With this training center, we want to create an environment where players want to and can give their best every day. And in this way, we want to continue to grow into the top club we can be.”
Source: Het Belang Van Limburg, November 19, 2025