Cobham FC's committee has been working hard on development plans for several years now, with the primary focus being 2 stages.
Stage 1 - delivering a 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) for both club and community use
Stage 2 - delivering a fit for purpose community use clubhouse, function, education and changing rooms

Since engaging with consultant, Caroline McRoyall to lead our funding campaign for a new AGP, we are pleased to update you with the latest news on that front.

Following a tender process for the development of an AGP, the Football Foundation has recommended the contract (subject to final planning) be awarded to Field Turf. The firm has laid numerous artificial pitches in the area including Leatherhead Youth and Walton Casuals.

Cobham FC gave authorisation (under a pre-contract services agreement), for Field Turf to provide the club and the local council with designs and a planning application for the AGP. The development includes a new 3G pitch on the site of the existing main stadia pitch, new outer ground fencing, pitch perimeter fencing, new LED floodlighting, goal and equipment storage and a new spectator area. This application was submitted to Elmbridge Borough Council in May 2022.

Funding
The club had previously announced a successful Elmbridge Borough Council CIL bid and have been fundraising in order to provide as much match-funding as possible in order for The Football Foundation to consider funding the remainder of the project pending the application that will go in to them in July 23.

Timing
Assuming planning is approved, the Football Foundation decision on the grant for the remainder of the funding will be announced in October 23. Construction of the AGP would then start in late December 2022/January 2023 and be completed by April 2023. When planning is confirmed, we will then work with other pitch facility providers during this period for users of the main pitch.

Who will use the AGP?
As part of the process Caroline McRoyall formed a Steering Committee last year which includes club members, The Surrey FA, local Councillor Alastair Mann, our local Vicar, Rev. Dr. Mike Branscombe, Elmbridge Borough Council, Chelsea FC Foundation, Oxshott Royals and Met Police Juniors. The latter two will have the opportunity to use the AGP for training as will several local partner organisations and slots offered out for recreational use within the community including business leagues.

We have also projected more teams over the next five years taking Cobham FC up to 20/24 Junior, Youth, Women’s and Disability teams.

Next steps
We shall keep you posted on all the latest news and hope to launch an ‘Under Construction’, newsletter once we have planning approved. In the meantime, I hope you are as excited about this development as we are. Cobham FC is embarking on a transformation that will bring our community closer together. Should you wish to get involved by volunteering your time, expertise or by donating, I will be delighted to hear from you markcobhamfc@gmail.com