View from the top: what the experts think of a new centre of sporting excellence

Cliff Morgan

Presenter, Sport on 4, former Welsh Rugby Union international

Anything that gives people the opportunity to improve themselves is admirable. In Australia, they've got an academy and they produce wonderful athletes, and one hopes the same thing could happen in this country. But an academy won't teach flair and imagination and genius.

Mickey Stewart

Former England cricket manager

I am all for a national academy because you need all the necessaries of sport science and sport medicine. Having different sports together, one rubs off on another. On the other hand, each sport has its own character.

David Lloyd

Former British Davis Cup captain

It is absolutely necessary as long as it's done professionally and looked at very carefully. It is something that should have been done many years ago, but it must be done right, otherwise it's a waste of time. It should be like Australia. Especially with all that lottery money.

Tony Hallett

Secretary of the Rugby Football Union

It's an excellent initiative which in rugby we're trying to do simultaneously under the main umbrella of the academy. I hope it will bring us closer to the competitive edge of other countries in the southern hemisphere and America too, which we've rather lacked in the past.

Gary Jacobs

Former European boxing champion

It's a brilliant idea and not before time. The Government should take an interest. The kids in America manage to take on these sports scholarships and get a great education. They still excel in the classroom and get much better on the field.

Terry Venables

England football coach

It's a great idea. Everything benefits from being monitored. If you monitor something, you can see if the kids involved are improving. Then you can concentrate on increasing the general standard all round.