Copyright birminghammail
As a lifelong footie fan, I always dreamt of pulling on the Leicester City shirt and representing England. However, as you're reading this, it's clear that my dreams didn't quite come to fruition. The next best thing was to immerse myself in the world of football; fortunately, I've managed to do just that. As a football journalist, I'm privy to the inner workings of the beautiful game every working day and frequently attend matches. To get my 'football fix', I take part in weekly 5-a-side games at the local goals. Yet, the yearning to experience life as a footballer remained unfulfilled. That is until I had the chance to stay at the Hilton Hotel at St George's Park in Burton-on-Trent, specifically in their brand new 'Stay Like the England Teams' room. Anyone who follows the England team's social media channels would be familiar with St George's Park and the hotel's views when the players arrive. The sense of awe began the moment my brother and I arrived at the hotel. Initially, we were guided to the players' entrance, the very same one used by Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Lauren Hemp, via a buggy. We were greeted with a personalised message before signing our own England contract, complete with a special polarised photograph. Upon entering the 'Suite Caroline,' the thought process behind its design became immediately apparent. Three football shirts are displayed in a dressing-room style arrangement, including one from Alex Scott. The room was impressively large, featuring a double bed, tea and coffee facilities, two bathrooms, two televisions and plenty of storage for our luggage. But the crowning glory? The outdoor cinema. Overlooking the beautifully decorated St George's Park, the outdoor area boasted a football-themed dugout with four heated seats and a large screen; it was the perfect place to enjoy the brand-new EAFC 26 video game. But the fun didn't end there; as part of our stay, we were treated to an exclusive training experience. FA coach Ben welcomed us at reception and guided us to the well-equipped Hilton Pitch for an hour-long session. My brother and I enjoyed some ball work at our own speed before finishing off with a competitive match - the sibling rivalry was in full swing! Our love for the sport was further fuelled by a behind-the-scenes tour of the training facilities, from the Cryotherapy chamber and indoor futsal halls to Europe's longest gym, where the national team players sharpen their strength and conditioning. We also had the chance to see the Sir Bobby Charlton Pitch, the training ground for the first-team players. Modelled on the Wembley Stadium pitch, it was surreal to see where the country's top players train. An hour later, it was time to dine like the pros. Once again, outstanding customer service was evident, with a member of the Hilton Hotel staff guiding us through the hotel to the Executive Lounge on the second floor. After being treated to complimentary drinks (we opted for Peroni), we indulged in some delightful canapés before diving into two bowls of Indian selection and chicken wings. It was a cosy and welcoming environment to relax after such an eventful day. The food, overall, was outstanding. Our dinner menu boasted a duck and orange parfait starter followed by a tantalising grilled fillet of beef with roasted garlic mash, glazed vegetables, and red wine jus. Throughout our meal, the customer service was top-notch; we were never left without a drink. As the evening unfolded, we returned to our room to discover a variety of cinema snacks awaiting us, including popcorn, jelly beans, and assorted chocolates. Essentially, the perfect mix for watching GOAL in the outdoor cinema. The room is located away from the main body of the Hilton hotel, but you still receive all the high-end service and amenities; for example, at breakfast we had the choice of a set menu or the buffet, allowing us to recharge after the previous day's training. However, if you're eager to experience it for yourself, you'll need to move quickly. The 'Stay Like the England Teams' Suite is available for stays on select dates throughout November, December, and January. Rates are £650 a night with everything included; the training, the food, room, outdoor cinema and behind-the-scenes tour. Whilst it may not be the most wallet-friendly option, I reckon the price is warranted given the top-notch standard of the room, the one-of-a-kind experiences and the free extras. It's worth noting that guests who book this stay will be the only ones in the hotel to enjoy this exclusive experience, making you feel like a VIP. For footie fanatics, particularly England supporters, it's an absolute must! For more details about the 'Stay Like the England Teams at St George's Park' package, visit Hilton.com .
