If you fancy getting involved with football or already play here at Newcastle University, the chances are a lot of your games and training sessions will take place right here, at Cochrane Park sports ground. But with many players or spectators being new to the area or simply making the trip for the first time, it can be difficult getting your way around and knowing where to go.
This guide will provide useful information about the facilities and transport to and from Cochrane Park, the main site for football at Newcastle Uni, in order to ensure you’re well equipped with knowledge to get to the games and either take to the field, or cheer on from the side-lines.
Facilities
In terms of football facilities, Cochrane Park has an array of high-quality services that are provided under a sports membership, providing everything you need for a brilliant football experience.
The ground has three full-size artificial pitches after a glamorous upgrade a few years ago, along with a range of goal sizes depending on how many players are involved. Two 11-a-side portable goals are available on all three pitches, along with numerous smaller sized goals at the side, which are perfect for small-sided games in training.
In addition, each pitch has two dugouts located at the side of the middle of the pitch where substitutes or supporters can sit and watch the game for both teams.
There are plenty of signs dotted around if you are struggling to find your way, most notably pointing you in the direction of the changing rooms (there are a fair few).
As much as we love playing football, injuries do happen. But luckily for us there is always a first aid representative at hand ready to help, as well as having medical kits and emergency stretchers located inside just in case.
But don’t worry if you are just planning on spectating, Cochrane has you covered with Lions Bar upstairs, providing live sport as well as having a balcony that oversees the action on pitch 1.
Follow the link below for a usual video from nclsport!
How to get there
Unfortunately, Cochrane Park isn’t quite in the city centre, but not to fear, this next section has you covered on what transport is available to make the short trip up to Etherstone Avenue.
The Number 1 bus to Coach Lane Campus takes a route through the heart of the city centre and up to Cochrane Park, passing through Heaton on the way. It’s roughly a 20-minute trip from the city centre and will just cost you £1 with an under 21s single ticket.
It has plenty of stops located right in the middle of town and nearby the university.
In addition, if you are located closer to the St James’ Park side of town, such as staying in Park View accommodation, the Number 62 and 63 buses to Killingworth stops by on the way, and has bus stops dotted around a lot closer to you, saving the walk to catch the Number 1.
More of a Metro person? The closest station to Cochrane is at Four Lane Ends, however the only downside to this is the 29-minute walk from the station to the venue, so I would recommend catching the bus, as these will both drop you off much closer to the destination.
Driving there? You’ll get there in no time if you get yourself onto the A1058. There’s also plenty of room in the car park just out the front, free of charge.
Got a game or training at Longbenton instead? Don’t worry, the bus services listed above will get you there just as well, you’ll just have to stay put for a couple more stops, and the Metro service to Four Lane Ends is actually even better, and you won’t have to make the 29 minutes’ walk this time! (It’s now 14 minutes).
So, hopefully this quick guide has cleared some things up about what’s provided and how to get to Cochrane Park. Because here at Leagues of Our Own, we want every player or supporter to have the best football experience here at Newcastle University.
If you have any further questions or any suggestions on what I should cover next, please feel free to drop a comment below, or visit the Instagram @leaguesofourown_ncl.
Inspired- Might try it this Sunday
Pub there is mint