London City Lionesses have an approval for a New World-Class Training Centre.

It was recently announced Tonbridge and Malling’s planning committee is embarking on an exciting initiative to develop plans for enhancing Cobdown Park in Aylsford. The project is part of a wider effort to support athletes as they transition into life beyond sport, providing opportunities for growth both on and off the pitch.

As part of the new initiative, the new London City Lionesses training facility will work closely with a dedicated women’s advisory team, ensuring the facilities and programs are designed to meet the needs of female athletes. As well as an improved academy to support the growth for young athletes, a community 3G pitch will be provided to allow for expanded school and club programmes. This facility will also be made available for local Kent FA initiatives, the Kent Girls & Ladies League, as well as for local SEND Schools and the Kent disability mixed league. There will also be a refurbished Cobdown Park Pavillion to provide modern changing, kitchen and meeting facilities, which will be a significant factor towards improving the home of the club beyond the pitch.

However, the plans won't just affect players, as the Campus will create over 50 new jobs revolving around the club, which opens doors for people interested in working in football, specifically around helping athletes. 

Speaking on the approved plans, Owner Michele Kang said ‘I extend my sincere thanks to the 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’ 

Martin Semmens, CEO of London City Lionesses added ‘ This is more than just a planning decision - it's a game-changing moment for women’s football. The facilities we create here will set the gold standard. They will be comparable to a men’s Premier League team, specifically designed to meet the needs of our female athletes. I’m delighted and proud that Tonbridge and Malling Council support our vision and look forward to creating a new home for professional women’s football here in Kent in the months ahead ‘ 

Overall, this project is about more than just developing a park or new facilities, despite having plans to be one of the most advanced women’s football training centres in the world, it's about creating real opportunities for players to grow and succeed both on and off the pitch. Through dedicated support, consultation and outreach programs, the initiative will help players gain skills, confidence and pathways for life beyond sport, with aims to focus on performance, recovery and wellbeing. 

The council and local community aim to break ground in 2026, with an ambition to complete the facility in 2027.