Independent WSL club London City Lionesses have set out a vision to upgrade to world-leading training ground, facilities and community impact.
London City Lionesses Aim for Landmark Kent Training Ground
A leading club in the Women’s Super League is moving forward with ambitious plans to redevelop its Kent training base. The proposals are due to be considered by councillors this week and have been recommended for approval.
Club Background
London City Lionesses are based in Bromley and currently compete at the top level of women’s football. They stand out as the only club in the division without an affiliated men’s team, a position they have held since earning promotion last season. This independence has made their facilities and infrastructure especially important to their continued progress.
Plans for Cobdown Park
The club acquired the Cobdown Park site near Maidstone in June last year and now want to transform it into a centre of excellence for women’s football. The plans describe facilities comparable to those found at men’s Premier League clubs and are designed to set a new benchmark for the women’s game.
If approved the redevelopment would create the largest dedicated women’s training facilities in the world. It would allow the club to expand its academy and strengthen links with the local community. The proposals include modernising and expanding the current academy building and pavilion, demolishing and replacing the existing clubhouse, improving the quality of grass pitches, and adding a new artificial pitch to be used by both the academy and community groups. A number of older buildings and smaller structures on the site would be cleared to open up space for the new facilities.
Economic and Social Impact
The project is expected to bring a major boost for jobs and the local economy. Once finished it should support about 50 permanent roles, with hundreds more created during construction. The club believes the improved training ground could add around £1 million a year to the area while also helping them grow their work in schools and with female coaches and referees.
Beyond the economic gains London City Lionesses plan to expand their community outreach programmes. These include coaching sessions in local schools and offering on-site opportunities for female coaches and referees. Such initiatives are intended to strengthen pathways for women and girls into football and related professions.
Decision Pending
Planning officers at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council are scheduled to discuss the proposals on Thursday 25 September. A decision at that meeting would determine whether the club can proceed with its plans to deliver a facility that could transform the landscape of women’s football training in the region.
