A state-of-the-art training facility will soon be in place at the Sheepmount in Carlisle after a five-year lease was agreed between Carlisle United Football Club and Cumberland Council.
Plans are in place to develop the upper plateau as part of the club’s long-term vision to be at the heart of the community, which will result in £50,000 capital investment in grassroots football within the city.
Carlisle United said: “This transformative initiative marks a significant investment in both the club and the city of Carlisle. The project will not only enhance Carlisle United’s training capabilities but also contribute to the improvement of existing community sports facilities at sites in Carlisle, including the remaining community pitches at the Sheepmount.
“Carlisle United’s ambition is to put in place professional amenities that will benefit both the club and local grassroots teams. Castle Sports Group is committed to financing this initiative entirely, ensuring no financial burden on Cumberland Council or the local community.”
A five-year lease has been secured with Cumberland Council on part of the site and work will get underway to put in place a useable pitch ready for the first team to use before winter.
Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer said: “This is exciting news for Carlisle and the wider Cumberland area. We are delighted to be working alongside Carlisle United FC, GLL and local clubs to support the growth of the community partnership.
“I would like to thank all those that have played their part in getting to this stage. It shows all the partners commitment and once in place will provide lasting benefits for existing users of the site and grass roots football in our region.
” We are delighted that CUFC have committed to engage with the community and develop a longer-term masterplan for the site. We look forward to seeing their vision come to life.”
Tom Piatak, chairman of Carlisle United Football Club, said: “It’s great news for the club to have the initial five-year lease signed. That will enable us to get two pitches up and running as quickly as possible, which we hope to have done by October.
“The council have been fantastic to work with. The Sheepmount is a community asset so we’ve had to go through the right processes, and we’re looking forward to continuing our relationship going forward.”
The facility is designed to be an inclusive community asset, reflecting Carlisle United’s dedication to driving positive change through substantial private investment in local sports infrastructure.
Tom Rice, Cumberland partnership manager for GLL, which manages the Sheepmount site on Cumberland Council’s behalf, said: “We are excited to welcome Carlisle United to the Sheepmount. We are looking forward to seeing the positive investment in both the upper plateau and grass pitch football in Carlisle that this project will bring.”
Carlisle United has a plan in place which will result in the club using the upper plateau football pitches at the Sheepmount as a new training ground.
The existing grassroots provision will be maintained within the club’s leased area for league football to continue in the 2024/2025 season. This will be in place until alternative provision has been put in place. The club will also maintain the area.
The club is planning to invest £50,000 into grass roots football with improvements locally. There will be engagement with football stakeholders to ensure the best provision can be supported.
GLL, the Cumberland FA and clubs who use the upper plateau have been consulted and it should be noted that no other users of the site will be affected.
Under proposals car parking provision will remain the same, as will changing facilities and the rifle club will be unaffected; the athletics stadium will also continue to operate as normal as will the vast majority of pitches at the site.
Carlisle MP Julie Minns said: “I am delighted to see Carlisle United and Cumberland Council working together in this way for the benefit of our city. This is just the kind of collaboration we need to move forward together.
“As a United fan, I am thrilled to see further evidence of investment in the club by the new owners. Their long-term vision for developing the club should give us all confidence for the future.
“And as Carlisle’s MP, I welcome the added benefits this deal will bring to grassroots football and sport in the area.”
