A high-quality architectural rendering of a modern, white building at dusk, which appears to be a sports training or clubhouse facility. The building has a striking entrance with a large, curved glass facade and a prominent London City Lionesses logo in teal and white on the exterior wall to the right. The interior is brightly lit, showcasing a spacious lobby, stairs, and modern seating. Outside, in the foreground, there's paving, landscaping with low bushes, and a mature tree on the left. In the middle ground, a group of people wearing matching teal and black athletic gear are walking toward the entrance. The overall scene is illuminated with soft exterior and interior lighting against the twilight sky.
PHOTO: London City Lionesses

“Game-Changing for Women’s Football” – London City Lionesses to build World-Class Training Centre

Aimee-Lou Caldecourt

Michele Kang continues to play a transformative role in advancing the women’s game, with her plans for a new state-of-the-art training facility recently approved by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

The ambition Kang showed in the summer transfer window is now being equalled by her drive and investment as the season unfolds.

The proposed “world-class” training facility aims to rival Premier League standards while being uniquely tailored to the needs of women. The project will also support the growth of women’s and girls’ football, with community 3G pitches set to be installed for use by schools and local clubs. 

The facility is set to transform Cobdown Park, London City’s current training ground, into a highly advanced women’s football training campus. It will be designed to remove barriers to football for women and girls and focus on performance, recovery, and wellbeing. 

The benefits will extend beyond London City Lionesses, with the Kent community set to gain access to a top-level 3G pitch for the club’s academy, Kent FA initiatives, the Kent Girls and Ladies League, local SEND schools and the Kent Disability Mixed League. The project is also expected to create 50 new jobs and generate £1 million for the local economy, marking a significant boost for the women’s game in Kent.

Michele Kang welcomed the decision following the approval of the plans, saying:

“I extend my sincere thanks to Councillors for endorsing our vision to provide women and girls with the leading performance campus in the world. This facility will remove the barriers that have long held women back in sport and ensure the next generation of girls have the environment they need to thrive.”

CEO Martin Semmens added:

“This is more than just a planning decision – it’s a game-changing moment for women’s football. The facilities we will create here will set the gold standard.”

The new facility marks a major step forward for London City Lionesses, promising to elevate the club while inspiring the next generation of women players.

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Beyond the Pitch - “Game-Changing for Women’s Football” - London City Lionesses to build World-Class Training Centre