Cambridge City awarded grants for new stadium in Sawston

Cambridge City have been awarded grants of more than half a million pounds to help them build a floodlit 3G pitch at their new stadium in Sawston.

The Lilywhites worked with the Football Foundation and Cambridgeshire FA to secure a grant of £586,491 which will help them install the all-weather pitch that will be available for City’s men’s, women’s and community teams, and local grassroots clubs.

City have also received Premier League funding of £150,000, through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF), which will go towards the new floodlights, spectator accommodation, boundary fencing, ball stop netting, pitch perimeter barrier, turnstiles, dugouts and spectator hard-standing.

“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,” said City chairman Kevin Satchell.

“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.”

City’s plans for the move to Sawston have also seen Paul Burling appointed as the new stadium manager.

The current board member and chair of the ladies and girls section of the club will manage the function room, bar and cafe, and the stadium training facilities and surrounding areas.

Satchell said: “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.”

On the pitch, City drew 2-2 at Bedworth United in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, Midlands Division last Saturday, with Jarid Robson and Ryan Ingrey scoring as they battled back from two goals down to level with three minutes to spare.