'Wholly positive' - fans group welcome Carlisle United training ground news

Carlisle United's supporters' trust have welcomed news of the club's talks with Cumberland Council over new training facilities at the Sheepmount.

CUOSC say the proposed developments are "wholly positive" for the club and community.

And the trust, who have a ten per cent voting share in United's holding company, stressed that the investment in state-of-the-art facilities in the city will not place any burden on the taxpayer.

CUOSC's Matt Spooner, who represents the trust on the club's 1921 operational board, highlighted the fact it will be funded by the club's owners, the Piataks, through their Castle Sports Group company, as a key part of the endeavour.

• READ MORE: Carlisle United and council announce training ground plans for Sheepmount

And he also stressed that the community, not just the Blues, would benefit, from the plans, which are soon to be the subject of public consultation.

Spooner said: "It’s really positive that discussions are now at this stage.

"Public consultation is important because this is a community project. The initial reaction I have seen has been positive – people are excited.

"Having the club training facility bang at the heart of grass roots football in Carlisle means it can act as a beacon of the community and give the thousands of community players who go there already something to get excited about.

"The project is privately funded and will not cost the council or tax payers, and there will be no loss of current facilities. In fact, some existing facilities will be improved as part of the phased work plan.

"This is wholly positive for Carlisle United, Cumberland Council and the community they proudly sit in.”

In a further statement, CUOSC said Tuesday's announcement "marks the start of something fantastic for our local community.

"This flagship project will help cement Carlisle United in the very heart of our community, with a professional level training facility that is at the home of grass roots football.

"Significant multi-million pound investment, funded privately, acts as further commitment to the club and community from Castle Sports Group and further illustrates the ‘step-change’ mindset that has engulfed the club.

"As discussions have advanced, all parties have worked with the betterment of our community at the forefront of conversations.

"That was important to ensure there is no loss to existing facilities.

"This is a positive step forward and CUOSC wholeheartedly support the project and hope that the whole community is excited by this."