A new partnership with the Football Finance Academy will help educate players & staff for future success beyond the pitch.
Cambridge United Football Club and The Football Finance Academy are teaming up through a new partnership that will offer young players and club staff an opportunity to shape their financial futures for the better.
As part of a wider programme designed to give players a more holistic education and support network, the new partnership will equip the first team squad with the practical knowledge and tools to better understand today's financial realities, and make smarter money choices that will pay off in the long-term, regardless of how far they go in the game.
The FFA supports players to put strategies in place that will improve their financial security and build wealth for the future. Through online education, group presentations and one to one meetings, the FFA will work closely to help players and staff set financial goals and implement systems to help them manage their own finances better.
Patrick Venn, Founder of The Football Finance Academy, is excited to be joining forces with the U’s and forging relationships throughout the club.
He said: “I am thrilled to be teaming up with such a forward thinking football club like Cambridge United. Financial literacy is such a critical life skill, and we are excited to be empowering players and staff with the knowledge to be confident with their money. Our mission is to reinvent the way personal finance is taught to young people through sport, and I am delighted that Cambridge United is now a part of that vision".
Head of Performance Matt Walker, who is overseeing the management of such programmes within the first team said: "We are delighted to have an expert like Patrick on board to help us improve the number of ways we offer support to the players at the club. His knowledge of this subject is excellent as well as his method of delivery. We want the players to maximise who they are and the skill set they have as people as well as players. By investing in themselves in a number of ways we believe that we will have better people who will be better players. Whilst the education scheme with Patrick is around finance, this is in addition to a number of other areas we are pursuing to assist the playing squad's personal growth. The ultimate aim is to maximise each player's potential by developing them as individuals who can contribute to a more successful club."
Head Coach Mark Bonner added: “This relationship has been forging throughout the last couple of months after Harrison Dunk introduced me to Patrick. We believe in creating further opportunities to educate and support players away from the pitch and are pleased to have started working on an informal education support programme for the players. We believe players should have focus away from the field, develop life skills and knowledge alongside their career and use their time to upskill where possible. I’m certain this can be a positive partnership that benefits everyone and whilst it could be very beneficial to the younger professionals, it is accessible to everyone should they require any help, support or advice throughout the season.”