Cambridge City's new ground project makes further progress

In their update from December Cambridge City announced that the opportunity for any judicial review on their proposed new stadium at Sawston had passed, and confirmed that the Satchell family had agreed a seven-figure donation for the club to use to build the new ground. This generous donation was to be further enhanced by grants through The Football Foundation.

The club have just released another update, and you can read it below:

January saw the appointment of Pat McGowan as Partner Funding Coordinator for the stadium build. The role will be to obtain grants for the development of the new stadium. Pat has a successful history in this field as he has previously led on successful grant applications for other organisations. His role at City will see him liaise with relevant stakeholders including the FA, Football Foundation and community organisations to ensure the best possible solution for the new stadium.

A key element to our grant application is for the club to demonstrate how it will support football in the community and local area. An invitation was sent out inviting local teams to become ‘Partner Clubs”, with a number of teams expressing an interest in using our artificial pitch and looking forward to working together. At City alone we have nearly 20 teams ready and waiting to use our new facilities! This has been further bolstered with the clubs recent partnership with Ipswich Town.

We are working closely with the Cambridgeshire Football Association to further support inclusive football at our new facility, with walking football one of the areas being explored. Further enhancing our commitment to disability football already demonstrated by our two ParAbility teams. Recently City was once again assessed as a FA Charter Standard Community Club, which is the highest award a grassroots club can achieve at this level. The award is for clubs who consistently provide and maintain the highest standards possible in relation to how they are run, their sustainability and where child protection, quality coaching and safety issues are paramount in their ethos.

In addition to the main pitch and artificial pitch, a further three pitches will be created for Sawston Parish Council. Central to the whole development will be the main stadium complex with its fully licensed bar, function room, conferencing and office space vital to ensuring the future of the club along with being a hub for fans and the community to come together.

Negotiations are underway with different building suppliers specialising in sports stadiums and facilities, to ensure we deliver maximum value within our budgetary limits and the project is completed ready for the start of the 2021/22 season. A ground-share agreement has already been reached with Histon FC for the 2020/21 season with an option to extend on a monthly basis should the project be delayed.

Cambridge City Chairman Ken Satchell explained:

“I am really pleased with the progress made over the past few months and am grateful for the hard work from everyone involved. I’d also like to thank everyone associated with the club for their patience, especially our loyal supporters and volunteers who continue to do so much behind the scenes.”

Supporters Trust Chairman Steve Plumb added:

“The Supporters Trust have been focusing on engagement with the local community, especially the schools. The young people of Sawston and the surrounding area are the future of Cambridge City and we look forward to showing off our community club.”