Cambridge City has been awarded grants totalling more than half a million pounds to help build a new floodlit 3G pitch at their new stadium in Sawston.
The club worked with the Football Foundation and Cambridgeshire FA to secure a £586,491 grant to help install the all-weather pitch.
Funding has also been secured from the Premier League, with £150,000 given through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF), which will contribute towards new floodlights, spectator accommodation, boundary fencing, ball stop netting, a pitch perimeter, turnstiles, dugouts and spectator stands.
Cambridge City chairman Kevin Satchell said “We are grateful to the Football Foundation and the Cambridgeshire Football Association for all their help and support for our project to bring a 3G pitch to our new stadium build in Sawston, providing a vital training space for not only all of our teams to use but other local teams and community groups.
In addition, the funding provided by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund in conjunction with the Premier League will ensure all visitors can enjoy modern, inclusive facilities at our new stadium safely.
At Cambridge City we have always put community at the centre of everything we do, these facilities will not just benefit the grassroots football fan but create a safe and accessible space for all members of the community to come together.”
Football Foundation chief executive Robert Sullivan said “This grant award to Cambridge City FC towards developing a new 3G pitch as part of their new stadium build is great news for the local community.
It will support people’s ability to play our national game locally and therefore help unlock football’s many benefits to physical and mental wellbeing. That’s why we’re committed to transforming the face of grassroots football facilities in this country. It’s therefore very welcome news to hear that this funding will support Cambridge City FC in developing the new 3G pitch for their local community.
The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA, government and Sport England – to support facility development projects like this across the country over the next decade to transform our grassroots game and unlock the power of pitches.”
The move to Sawston has also seen Paul Burling appointed as manager of the new stadium. Currently a board member, and chair of the ladies and girls part of the club, Mr Burling will also manage the function room, bar, café, stadium training facilities and surrounding areas.
Mr Satchell continued “It is fantastic news that Paul has agreed to join us as stadium manager, a vital role in ensuring we maximise the usage of our new stadium in Sawston and develop a facility for all, not just football fans. Paul’s experience and knowledge will be a vital asset to the football club and we look forward to exciting times ahead.”
Image source- Cambridge City FC
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