Cambridge United is supporting the EFL's Together Against Racism campaign at this Saturday’s home game against Burton Albion…
We believe that football is a game for everyone, everywhere, and we are proud of the welcoming atmosphere that you create at the Cledara Abbey Stadium every matchday. However, every season there are hundreds of reports of discrimination across the game, and likely more go unrecorded.
Whether you're a player, a manager, watching in the stands or at home - your voice matters. Our voices are a powerful tool for change - when we speak up, come together and use our voices we can drive change.
As part of the Together Against Racism campaign, we are highlighting United supporter, Kwami Canacoo, who is working with the Club to create a Supporters Group for Ethnic Minorities and the Global Majority.
“Growing up, there wasn’t as many ethnically diverse fans and you couldn’t help but notice the other fans that weren’t white - I could count them on one or two hands! Over the years though, I have seen that number grow and a lot more families coming to games, which is great.
“When I am back in the city though, walking around Cambridge, I don’t think it matches up with how diverse the city is.
“I think that there is something to be looked into and how we can get a more diverse fan group coming to watch Cambridge United.
“I haven’t experienced any overt racism at games myself, but there are more subtle microaggressions which I have experienced, and it’s important to shed a light on it and make people aware of it.
“Obviously that is only my experience, and you are aware that there are plenty of others who haven’t been so lucky.
“I think campaigns [like Together Against Racism] are needed, because I don’t think you can ever talk about it too much. There is still obviously a long way to go as it’s an issue that keeps rearing its head.
“A supporters group would be great to help existing fans feel represented and to create a vehicle to go through to communicate with the Club, should there be any issues. It can also be something that entices more fans to come in and show that the diversity of the city is translated into the crowds.
“I remember feeling like one of the only black people in the crowd, and it is something you can feel really conscious of. Having a fan group in place to feel like they have a bit more support and a group of people that they can meet or talk to, could be really helpful to those who are thinking of coming to a game but don’t feel comfortable doing so.
“There can never be too much representation, so if we have a fan group standing for that, it can really help the club. If an issue does arise, the club can be confident that they can deal with it in a matter that is appropriate and sits well with fans.”
If you would like to find out more, please email supporterservices@cambridgeunited.com or chat with Kwami, who will be talking to supporters from behind the Club Shop on Saturday.
Racism will not be tolerated and we stand together to remove it from the game. Cambridge United will take swift and firm action against anyone identified as making racist or discriminatory behaviour, working with the relevant authorities to ensure perpetrators face club sanctions and police action.
The EFL stands side by side with clubs, players, managers and supporters in a zero-tolerance approach to tackling racism in our game.
If you witness racist or discriminatory abuse, you can report it directly to the club through Kick It Out, by alerting a steward, by completing the Report an Incident Form, or by texting the Club's reporting number - 075224 73291.
