Cambridge United Academy are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Saffron Walden Community Football Club…
The partnership will see Cambridge United expand its Youth Development outreach into Essex, allowing for a greater pool to find gifted and talented players.
Weekly sessions and games from the Academy’s Boys and GK Elite Centres, in addition to the Club’s Girls Development Centres will be held in Saffron Walden moving forward.
Mitchell Clarke, Cambridge United Elite Centre Manager said, “We are excited to extend Cambridge United’s partnership with our Boys Outfield and GK Elite Centres.
“We are continually identifying how we can best prepare our players within our environment and this partnership with Saffron Walden Community Football Club will provide an increased number of opportunities through our Elite Centre fixture programme with professional clubs, while inviting a variety of local teams to Saffron Walden CFCs excellent facilities to supplement our weekly training schedule and Talent ID events.
“Saffron Walden CFC have consistently demonstrated over the years their commitment to a wide range of Boys and Girls grassroot football across all age groups to ensure a football for all inclusivity.
“We, and I, are certainly looking forward to continue and build on our youth development relationship within football.”
Charlotte Crisp, Cambridge United Girls Programme Manager, added, "I am really excited to start this partnership with Saffron Walden Community Football Club.
“It has been great to see how much they have supported and grown the participation of female football and I look forward to working with them to continue this alongside assisting the development and progression of players.”
Saffron Walden Community Football Club will benefit from access to Cambridge United’s coaching resources, whilst also receiving ticketing initiatives for Cambridge United First Team games.
Matt Bell, on behalf of Saffron Walden Community Football Cub Committee said, “Saffron Walden Community Club are delighted to be partnering with our local professional club, Cambridge United.
“We look forward to welcoming the additional training sessions and support that the professional staff at Cambridge United can offer. Cambridge have gone from strength to strength both on and off the pitch over the last few seasons and we would like to think we are growing at a similar rate within the Grassroots game.
“As a community club, we are proud to offer football to everyone, boys and girls aged from 4-18. We currently have over 900 players within our club and it’s growing daily.
“We also offer disability football and walking football. In the future we plan to launch a women’s team and build a pathway for our U18s into the first team at Saffron Walden Town FC.
“As a club we believe this partnership will benefit all our boys, girls and volunteers and we can’t wait to build closer relationships with our nearest local professional club.”