Carlisle MP, John Stevenson, visited Brunton park, home of Carlisle United Football Club ahead of football governance white paper.

As well as a tour of the newly upgraded clubhouse facilities the Carlisle MP met with club officials to see the work of the club and discuss forthcoming legislation on football governance, regulation and financial stability.

Commenting John Stevenson MP said: “Carlisle United is so much more than a football club. The work they deliver in our community, in particular with disadvantaged groups is vital and so often unrecognised unless you are directly involved in a scheme of work.

“The club plays a huge role in the City and punches well above its weight. That’s why I was keen to lobby Government for changes to football governance at this level.

“In recognition of this role in the community it is right that the club is confident and resilient, and whilst I am not a great supporter of over regulation, it is important that clubs such as ours are able to feel confident in their planning for the future with a safety net and financial input from the Premier League.”

The League One club have recently been taken over by US Castle Sports Group who had to go through the English Football League Ownership checks.

READ MORE: Carlisle United Announce US Castle Sports Group As New Club Owners

John Stevenson MP wrote to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in November 2023 highlighting how the clubs are more than sporting ventures but cornerstones of the community.

The financial difficulties that some clubs end up in can see them drop out of the football league, such as Bury and Macclesfield, leading to the loss of vital community support.

James Tose, CEO of Carlisle United Sports Development Trust said: “It was great to have John visit us again at Brunton Park. John has been a keen supporter of the impactful work that the clubs charity provides for the local and wider community, so we welcomed the opportunity to give John an update.

“Football is about to get new regulation which could potentially create change in how English football is run, so it is important that these changes have a positive effect for both the clubs and their communities. We hope our update will give clubs like ours a voice in Parliament.”

The Football Governance White Paper is due before Parliament next month – more details on the content of the paper can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-sustainable-future-reforming-club-football-governance