Although the facility has been open for a number of years, Cambourne have held the officially opening for their all-weather pitch.

Cambourne Town Council were delighted to officially open a new floodlit third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch (AGP) behind a local sports centre on Back Lane recently (Saturday 11 May).

The  full-size pitch was made possible thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government, through their charity, the Football Foundation.

After netting a £78,874 grant from the Football Foundation, work begun on the site in August 2016. The project forms part of the Council’s aims to provide enhanced facilities for partner clubs Cambourne FC, Cambourne Rovers and Cambourne Eagles, who play in local Cambridgeshire leagues.

The facility comprises of a full-sized all-weather pitch which includes markings for two 9v9, two 7v7 and four 5v5 pitches and a supporter viewing point. The LED floodlights have also been installed with a wind turbine to reduce the carbon footprint of the floodlights and running costs.

With the nearest comparable facility nine miles away at Comberton Village College, Cambridgeshire FA identified the site as a priority area in the County to improve provision of football facilities. In addition to this, the lack of suitable facilities for winter training and match play has halted any growth or development of the three partnered clubs in the town.

More than 2,500 people are expected to start playing football on the pitch over the next five years. The creation of nearly 25 affiliated football teams will also support a huge growth in the number of participants playing competitive football. Of this, the formation of five female teams at Cambourne FC will support 82 players within this demographic.

John Vickery, Parish Clerk at Cambourne Town Council, said: “We are thrilled with this new facility and pleased that so many clubs are making good use of it. Cambourne is a great place for sport and thanks to the Premier League, The FA and Government for the grant through the Football Foundation which has enabled the clubs to grow and develop by having improved training facilities.”

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The support of the Premier League, The FA and Government enables the Football Foundation to help improve community sports facilities like this one across the country. Their funding has played a key role in delivering this new all-weather pitch in Cambridgeshire and I am delighted for everyone associated with Cambourne Parish Council.

“This is one example we want to make people in Cambridgeshire aware of, that they have the kind of quality pitches and changing rooms that are taken for granted in other counties. We will continue to support projects nationwide, but we cannot do this on our own, so we are encouraging organisations in the area to join our movement to deliver quality football facilities for people in Cambridgeshire once and for all.

“Taking part in community sport at any level offers many benefits and rewards, not least the opportunity for people to enjoy themselves and socialise with different members of the community.”