The University of Cambridge and Cambridge United Football Club have agreed a new partnership with the shared ambition of working together to help the wider city and the community, supporters, and current and prospective students...
The partnership will focus on three initial areas - community, inclusion and sport – with pilot programmes being planned.
These will include events and visits to the Club’s stadium as part of initiatives to encourage more prospective students from deprived backgrounds around the country to apply to the University; and to enable more existing students to attend games.
The University and Club have also established a high level partnership group which will meet regularly to drive progress and identify areas of opportunity. New programmes are likely to focus on supporting wellbeing and mental health, encouraging healthy lifestyles and improving access to sport.
Three of the University’s colleges will take part in the initial phase of activity as the University and Club begin working together. The Club has also agreed that this year’s Varsity Match will take place at the Abbey Stadium on March 15.
Prof Bhaskar Vira, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, whose remit covers University sport, said, “The University is a global institution, but it is also right at the heart of our local community here in Cambridge, working with others in partnership. We know that sport can inspire people of all ages and backgrounds, and I welcome this exciting new partnership with Cambridge United which I hope will help build new and positive relationships which further benefit the city and its communities.”
Shaun Grady, Chair of the Board at CUFC said, “We are very pleased to be formalising our relationship with Cambridge University with whom we have had many different and positive contacts over recent years - and of course many of our fans work in, with and around the University itself.
“We have identified areas where we will be looking to collaborate over the coming years: community, inclusion and sport. We are excited about the opportunities ahead to do more together for the wider benefit of the city and look forward to welcoming the new Vice Chancellor to the Abbey Stadium over the coming months."