Cambridge City FC’s New Stadium Marks “Dream Becoming a Reality” After Decade of Ground-Sharing

The chairman of a football club has stated that the inaugural match at its new stadium will fulfill a long-held aspiration, following a decade during which the club shared facilities. Cambridge City FC utilized Milton Road for 91 years, concluding with the 2012/13 season. Subsequently, the club has shared grounds with both St Ives and Histon. The team is scheduled to play its initial game at the FWD/IP Community Stadium on November 30, facing Tilbury. Kevin Satchell, who chairs the Isthmian League club, commented: “We dreamed of watching City in its own home again, and we are finally making that dream a reality.” The club departed Milton Road after the site was sold for residential development. South Cambridgeshire District Council unveiled proposals for a new 3,000-capacity stadium in Sawston in 2014, subsequently re-approving permission in 2018. Mr. Satchell stated: “This is a proud day for me, my family, and all the City fans who have supported us through thick and thin.” According to the website, club president Len Satchell acquired the 35-acre (14 ha) site in Sawston one year prior to Cambridge City’s departure from the Milton Road ground. Initial clearance work commenced after a unanimous vote approving planning permission in 2014. A local resident successfully appealed to reverse the planning decision, “citing a technicality in the decision-making process by the planning committee.” The football club subsequently resubmitted its application and received permission once more in 2018, following approval by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. In addition to its primary pitch, the stadium features an artificial 3G pitch, which is currently utilized for training by all Cambridge City teams, local teams, and the community, alongside being available for external hire. The stadium complex includes additional community land, which is intended for conversion into more grass football pitches. Cambridge City FC’s website states: “Our new home will be a significant venue in the locality and could have a positive effect for local businesses. “The space proposed at the new stadium is available to be used by the local community and businesses alike and therefore will be a very positive addition to the village of Sawston.”” General manager Alice Dewey commented that the new stadium has at last provided the club with the opportunity to “bring Cambridge City FC back to its former glories.”