People living in and around Soham are set to benefit from fresh investment into local grassroots sports facilities thanks to a £724,252 a grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.

This investment will enable Soham Village College to create a new 3G pitch.  

This new facility will be a fantastic asset which will ensure the local community can access quality training and matchday facilities, enhancing the current offer. Students at Soham Village College will benefit from the 3G pitch, as well as Soham Town Rangers FC, Soham Town Rangers Youth FC and Soham United Youth FC – who have all been instrumental in the development of this project. 

The 3G pitch will have a positive impact on the local community, providing opportunities for everyone to access football. The 3G pitch will provide increased opportunities for women & girls and disabled participants to play football, and the local football clubs will also be providing various additional competitive opportunities, creating an inclusive football community.  

These improved facilities will represent a significant improvement on the existing grass pitches and will enable football to take place on an all-weather surface, protecting the grass spaces in winter months. A local 3G pitch will significantly reduce travel for over 500 current players and will provide additional opportunities locally. 

The site will be used by Soham Village College, Soham Town Rangers FC, Soham Town Rangers Youth FC and Soham United Youth FC, Football Fun Factory, Cambridgeshire Football Association, and various community groups.

This project has also been supported by an additional £125,000 from Staploe Education Trust, £125,000 from East Cambridgeshire District Council, £20,000 from Soham Town Youth and £10,000 from both Soham Town and Soham United football teams.

Katie Critchley, Football Development Manager at Cambridgeshire FA said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new 3G football facility at Soham Village College. This significant upgrade to the existing facilities is set to revolutionise the football experience in Soham. As football in Soham continues to flourish, the collaboration between Soham Village College and local football clubs will only grow stronger, ensuring a bright future for football in the community.”

Jon Hampson, Headteacher, Soham Village College said: “Soham Village College is delighted by the announcement of the upcoming construction of a 3G football pitch within the school grounds. This new facility will significantly improve our students’ sporting experience and provide a valuable resource for the local community.

“We are grateful to the Football Foundation for their generous support in bringing the planning of the 3G pitch to a conclusion. Their contribution will have a lasting impact on the school and the community.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. 

“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. 

“This grant award to the Soham Village College 3G project is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”