Football club invests in new training facility

A professional football club says it plans to invest several million pounds in the creation of a training facility.

Carlisle United wants to develop the upper plateau of the Sheepmount Stadium in the city.

The club’s owners, the Piatak family, say the proposal is “part of the club’s long-term vision to be at the heart of the community.”

The club hopes to secure a five-year lease for the city centre site from Cumberland Council.

Tom Piatak, Chairman of Carlisle United, said: “This facility will not only raise our training standards but will also serve as a beacon for community involvement and sporting development in Carlisle.”

He said the initiative would be a “significant investment” for both the club and the town, and his company, Castle Sports Group, was committed to providing all the funding.

Carlisle United has not confirmed the exact cost of the construction project.

Cumberland Town Council will consider proposals for the five-year lease.

Subject to the outcome of the consultation and clearance of the site by Cumberland Council, Carlisle United would like to provide a playable pitch for the first team before the winter.

Darren Crossley, Cumberland Council’s director of places, sustainable growth and transport, said: “The consultation process is a crucial step in ensuring the five-year lease proposal meets the needs and expectations of residents.”

GLL manages the Sheepmount site on behalf of Cumberland Council.

Cumberland’s partnership manager Tom Rice said GLL was looking forward to the “positive investment in both the Upper Plateau and grassroots football in Carlisle” that the project would bring.

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