Cambridge City to play first match in new stadium at Sawston 11 years on from closure of Milton Road base
Eleven years on from the closure of their Milton Road base, Cambridge City are finally ready to move into their new home.
Since the sale of the previous ground in 2013, City have faced numerous financial and logistical challenges in their bid to open the FWD/IP Community Stadium in Sawston.
During that the time club has struck ground-share deals with both Histon and St Ives Town – both of whom City have thanked for their support.
However, 30 November will be a significant day in the club’s long history as the Isthmian League North Division match against Tilbury will mark the first ever competitive fixture to be played at the new venue on the outskirts of Cambridge.
A club statement read: “Saturday, 30 November marks the beginning of a new era, as we host Tilbury FC in the Isthmian North Division.
“With former Premier League striker Jamie Cureton at the helm, the Lilywhites are poised for an exciting future. Along with a potential new fanbase, this move offers the club a chance to grow and establish financial independence—marking the start of a bright new chapter.
“The club would like to go on record to offer our sincere thanks to both St Ives Town FC and Histon FC, who have supported us with ground share arrangements over the past 11 seasons. Without them it would have been very difficult to continue to and their generosity of spirit is greatly appreciated.”
While the turnstiles will be open, work will continue on the internal-fitting of the main stand, which will eventually house a restaurant, a bar and an executive lounge.
Alice Dewey, the club’s general manager, said: “As a lifelong City fan, becoming general manager is a dream come true – especially now, as we finally have this chance to bring Cambridge City FC back to its former glories.
“It’s been a long slog and a long learning curve for me but we finally have light at the end of the tunnel and I can’t wait to get started.”
Meanwhile, chairman Kevin Satchell added: “This new stadium is a huge step forward for us. We dreamed of watching City in its own home again, and despite the obstacles, we are finally making that dream a reality.
“This is a proud day for me, my family and all the City fans who have supported us through thick and thin.”
The news will also be a boost for first-team manager Jamie Cureton ahead of his side’s short trip to Newmarket Town tomorrow night.
He said: “We’re thrilled to be here with Cambridge City FC. From our first meeting with the board, we were impressed by their vision and ambition to see this club rise to the higher levels of non-league football and beyond. I hope my experience in the game can help bring this vision to life.”
