Cambridge United’s application to make improvements to Clare College Sports Ground training area have been approved by Cambridge City Council.
The club’s proposal included the demolition or removal of existing structures, the extension of a retained storage shed and the erection of a single-storey building to serve as a training area that will provide enhanced changing and medical facilities.
Addressing councillors at the meeting prior approval, the club’s chief executive officer Alex Tunbridge described the current facilities provided by the club as the ‘the worst not only in our division, but in the league below as well’.
Alex Tunbridge, chief executive officer of Cambridge United said: “Like every employer, Cambridge United has the desire to ensure its staff have a working environment which they enjoy and enhances professional development. At present, the reality is that we are failing in providing that.
“I can confidently say, based on my own professional experiences within the game, that our training facilities are the worst not only in our division, but in the league below as well.
“Consequently, we are struggling to attract and retain players that are of the calibre for this league, which will allow us to sustain performance levels for League One. Many praise our culture and community values, but arguably we are failing.
“Clare College Sports Ground has been our training base for many years and we have agreed a new long-term lease to invest in the site. The pitches are fantastic but the support facilities are not suitable for a professional football club.
“Our application includes professional changing rooms, modern medical facilities, as well as a collaborative environment which will house our first team and under-18s in one place and allow us to develop young, local players.”
Full details of the plans can be seen here.
Image source: Cambridge United
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