[D]ue to circumstances beyond the control of Cumberland Football Association, the venue for this weekend’s County Sunday Cup Final, taking place on 7 May, has had to be changed to The County Ground, home of Whitehaven Football Club.
Unfortunately, Gillford Park Stadium – the original venue for the final – has recently informed us that the facility was double booked.
Following this information coming to light, Cumberland FA has been in communication with both Arroyo Arms and Salutation, our two finalists, to provide them with a number of options – both for venue and for having the final moved to a different date.
One of those options initially was Carlisle United’s Brunton Park; however, with the Cumbrians in with a chance of winning a place in the League 2 play-offs, it was no longer an option. Therefore, in line with the clubs’ responses, the alternative choice of venue was Whitehaven Football Club, which is a National League Step 7 facility with a pitch befitting of a final.
As a result of the venue change, Cumberland FA is supporting both clubs with the cost of travel – and entry to the game will be free of charge for all attending. In addition, Whitehaven’s bar will be open.
Ben Snowdon, Chief Executive Officer of Cumberland FA, said: “Like the clubs, we are disappointed to have to ask two teams from the east to travel out to a venue in west Cumbria. However, I would like to stress that this was not for the want of trying to find a closer venue. We recognise that this means more travel for the players and spectators, which is why we have offered to support both clubs with travel expenses – and are making the entry into the final free of charge.”
Kick-off 11.00am.
