A NEW era in improved sports facilities for football in Whittlesey has been signalled with the handing over of land by Cambridgeshire County Council.

The handing over of keys for the land to Sir Harry Smith Community College and the granting of a long lease to Coates Athletic Football Club marks the successful conclusion of a five year project to provide better football facilities for the team and community in Whittlesey.

The new playing fields are literally a stone’s throw from the previous ones which lacked security and the potential to provide decent changing facilities.

Councillor Steve Count, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “The completion of the land transfer and lease are the culmination of five years of joint working between the college, the club and county that has resulted in a win win outcome for the college and club who now have a long term home for football.

“It is part of the council looking for ways to help benefit the community as well as providing facilities to improve health.”

Martin McKelvey, chairman of Coates Athletic Football Club said: “The children and young people of Whittlesey and surrounding parishes will benefit from this fantastic facility for years to come.

“Coates Athletic FC now looks forward to working collaboratively with Sir Harry Smith Community College to create a centre that is the envy of many.”

Jonathan Digby Principal of the college, said: “The transfer of the land to the college and the dual-use agreement with Coates Athletic FC will allow our students and the Football Club to benefit from much improved facilities for sport.

“We will be working with the club to ensure a long-term future for the complex.”