About CFU
WHAT IS CAMBRIDGE FANS UNITED?
WHAT DOES IT DO
HOW DOES IT DO IT?
1. Summary
In all probability Cambridge United Football Club would not exist in the form it does today without Cambridge Fans United (CFU). CFU was instrumental in saving the Club when it went into administration in 2005, and then played a key role in turning its fortunes around and getting the Club back into the Football League.
Nothing can be taken for granted in football, however, and the Club is currently once more in a very difficult position, facing growing financial losses off the pitch (despite a huge windfall from the Manchester United FA Cup tie) and having just survived a relegation battle to avoid dropping back into the National League on it. The future of Cambridge United FC is, once again, very uncertain.
This is why a Supporters’ Trust like CFU is so important. We have saved the Club once and, who knows, we may need to do it again. In CFU the infrastructure and experience is in place to step in - should the unthinkable happen. CFU holds funds to help the Club out in the short term, as we have done in the past, if a critical need arises.
Over and above our day to day activities that help the Club and the local community, CFU exists to help safeguard the future of Cambridge United FC.
Your membership is crucial – please renew or join today.
2. History and achievements
Cambridge Fans United (CFU) is a Supporters’ Trust. It was set up by a group of United fans in 2000, inspired by the work of Supporters Direct. Supporters Direct was a recommendation of the Government’s 1999 Football Task Force “Investing in the Community”, aimed at encouraging football fans to have more of a say in the running of their clubs and involvement in their local communities. CFU operates independently of Cambridge United FC.
At its maximum CFU had 500 members. Our current membership stands at around 300
In 2004 Cambridge United ran into financial difficulties and faced administration. CFU rose to its first major challenge and launched the “Bridge the Gap” appeal. In just four weeks the appeal raised £100,000. Sadly the financial respite was short-lived and the Club then looked to sell its greatest asset, the Abbey Stadium, to a private concern (Bideawhile) that, evidently, did not have the best interests of the Club in mind. CFU recognised the worrying long-term implications of such a move, and rapidly developed an alternative option. CFU raised commitments approaching £1.5 million in just three weeks but the Club, disappointingly, went through with the sale of the Abbey to Bideawhile.
In 2005 Cambridge United did go into administration. During this period CFU put money into the Club to help keep it going. The Club subsequently faced a winding-up order, which threatened its very existence. Working closely with the other supporters’ trusts and with Supporters Direct, CFU was instrumental in successfully securing the future of Cambridge United FC by directly lobbying the Sports Minister, Richard Caborn.
In the years that followed, as the Club sought to recover, Cambridge United FC leaned heavily on CFU to help it operate. Some CFU committee members took on key roles within the Club, including Finance Director, Commercial Director and Commercial Manager. At this point in time CFU, effectively, ran Cambridge United FC. The role of Cambridge United Fans Elected Director (FED) was created, the FED elected by CFU members. CFU also took on numerous other tasks around the Club, such as staffing the ticket office and the Club Shop, running the Club’s lottery and managing teams of programme and 50/50 draw sellers. CFU managed the “South Stand Scheme” (the distribution of free tickets for low key matches to encourage new supporters) and re-established the “Junior Us”.
CFU introduced the concept of the “Community Club” to Cambridge United and has since worked closely with the local community (both in its own right and on behalf of Cambridge United FC).
3. Current role of CFU
The Role of CFU?
Since becoming Chairman, I have asked by a variety of people, includingJames Mills of CUSP and Paul Barry what I saw as our role. There is some uncertainty too about the role of others supporters’ groups in relation to ours, although that is not really our concern. I am happy to work with any other group but first we must agree our own role with the club. We are concentrating particularly on the issues of diversity and inclusion at the moment and it is clear that CFU have a very significant role to play for years to come.
It is not for CFU to find roles for other supporters’ groups but it seems clear to me that, unlike any of the others, we have a global view and long term aims to benefit both the club and all supporters.
First, I think that we may have to overcome some deep seated distrust from those who don’t fully understand the concept of critical friend and why having a critical friend is not just a good thing but vital. When CFU first appeared in 2000, it was against a background of clubs having their existence threatened by irresponsible owners whose attitude to finance was not what it should be. Some Trusts actually took over the running of clubs, with mixed success and were, consequently seen as a threat by some directors and owners, who failed to understand what the threat of losing the club you support means to some supporters. The bald fact is that owners and directors are temporary custodians of football clubs, whereas supporters are there all their lives. Supporters’ Trusts are there to hold those custodians to account and, no doubt, some people don’t like the idea. They should.
CFU made themselves unpopular by insisting on an independent audit against the wishes of the club. This followed years in which fans were told that money was ring fenced and that our financial position was fine. In fact we were still trading while we were insolvent. I attended a Shareholders’ Meeting in which it soon became apparent that Steve Chamberlain didn’t have a clue about the true financial situation. It couldn’t go on. The audit was necessary and, I believe , was the first step in achieving the stability now so evident at the club. It created conflict but, in the interest of all Cambridge fans, it was the right thing to do. Only CFU were in a position to ensure this action.
Similarly, when two of our directors sold the ground to themselves as we slipped out of the league, the club’s finances were in a mess and Dave Kitson was transferred for peanuts, should CFU have stayed silent? We nearly disappeared on the watch of those people entrusted to run the club for the benefit of its fans. CFU moved might and main to ensure that there would be a Cambridge United in the future. Were we disloyal to question George Rolls who offered the manager’s job to three different people at the same time? Any club should value an independent set of eyes just in case things are not as they should be.
Some see CFU as being pointless unless there is a crisis and we are far from that now. When the club is being run as well and responsibly as it is now, there are many more positive opportunities.
What are our strengths and what makes us unique among supporters’ groups?
#
We have a Fans’ Elected Director on the Board. He is elected by our members to represent the interests of all fans.
Although we are no longer an important shareholder, we have significant reserves which can be used to help the club’s work. As it has.
The lottery Scheme, which works closely with CFU and has its own finances, has made significant contributions to the club.
Coconuts, similarly to the Lottery, works closely with CFU to preserve the history and traditions of the club. It is responsible for a thriving former players’ association which is the envy of many clubs. It was actually set up by CFU to document and preserve Cambridge United’s history. It does this extremely well.
Our Board is elected by its membership and accountable to it. Our meetings are minuted and those minutes are published. We communicate regularly with our members and the public through the matchday programme, our website, the Amber News and on Facebook. Terry Wilby emails our members weekly and informs them of what we are doing and invites feedback. We are democratic and accountable. We are not a talking shop or an implacable opponent of anyone. We simply want the club to be successful and for the fans to be happy. Supporters can see that their concerns are being recognised and dealt with by looking at our Facebook site, Twitter account and regularly updated website. Feedback is continuous and we respond quickly to questions raised.
Our membership, having declined, is now back to over 300 and rising. Many lapsed and cynical former members have rejoined because they agree with what we are doing. A supporters’ trust should aim for 10% of the average home gate in order to claim that it represents the views of fans. Not everyone wants to pay for the privilege but everyone cares about the prosperity and success of their club. No other group can claim to be as democratic and accountable as CFU. No other group has ever contributed as much. I would say that CUSP, which were set up by DMJ to address day to day concerns are reactive but CFU are proactive, well resourced and best placed for working on long term initiatives. We have been sleeping a bit but this is what we are working on now.
Greater diversity in the club, in CFU and in our crowd.
Working closely with the Council to make our club more visible and better served by public transport. We also hope to have bottled beer in a new and improved Fanzone.
Establish better relations with community groups not commonly seen at the Abbey. The Mosque is a good example of a significant community which we have had comparatively little to do with so far.
Better provision in the ground for those in the community with different needs. This requires an audit of the needs and a survey of the stadium.
Working closely with Fans for Diversity to raise awareness through different events and activities.
Establishing closer links with the Community Trust and their work.
Developing the Foodbank.
Continuing the cycle of ringing the isolated and vulnerable
All of these projects are long term and ambitious. They will be beneficial to club and community. A football club can be a powerful force in changing the quality of peoples’ lives. We can make a contribution to a wounded society. We are well regarded by the FSA, formerly Supporters Direct, because of the work we have already done in support of the welfare of fans and the provision for away fans.
Finally, it seems to me that CUSP’s role is more likely to involve responding to issues raised by individuals and that their concerns are mostly short term. Only CFU are capable of affecting the bigger picture by initiating long term strategies. We must get past the perception of being simply of nuisance value. We have a lot to offer the club and the fans. We can achieve something valuable and long lasting. If we do our jobs properly, we will.
Andrew Stephen
4. CFU structure
CFU is a Community Benefit Society. It is managed by an elected Trust Board of up to 15 members. The Board has an elected Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. The Board usually meets once a month, more frequently if need be. Any CFU member can put themselves forward to join the Trust Board. CFU holds an open AGM once a year, usually in the Spring. CFU members elect a Fans Elected Director to sit on the CUFC Board of Directors.
5. CFU aims and objectives
The role of CFU is encapsulated in its aims and objectives which address the past, present and future of Cambridge United FC.
The current aims and objectives of CFU are to:
CFU will do these things by:
CFU does not get involved in issues relating to the performance of the first team, unless this was to clearly threaten or undermine any of the CFU objectives (above). This is in line with the role of other supporters’ trusts around the UK.
6. Role of the Fans Elected Director (FED)
The Club accepted the appointment of an FED in recognition of CFU’s significant work and financial investment that helped turn around the fortunes of the Club following administration in 2005. The appointment of an FED, elected by CFU members, is included in the Club’s Articles of Association.
The FED represents CFU members and the CFU shareholding on the Club’s Board of Directors and in board meetings. The FED will monitor and influence the Club’s internal governance and decision making processes, and be involved in key business and football decisions. The FED will report back to the CFU Trust Board, with both parties fully respecting the confidences of the Club.
7. Benefits of CFU membership
Membership of CFU costs [link to membership application section]. Membership will give you, as a Cambridge United fan, the satisfaction that you are part of an organisation that has contributed hugely to the recent history – indeed the survival - of your football club and that continues to actively help the Club and the local community. Your membership will help safeguard the future of Cambridge United FC.
Additionally, CFU membership gives you:
July 2019 updated April 2021
WHAT DOES IT DO
HOW DOES IT DO IT?
1. Summary
In all probability Cambridge United Football Club would not exist in the form it does today without Cambridge Fans United (CFU). CFU was instrumental in saving the Club when it went into administration in 2005, and then played a key role in turning its fortunes around and getting the Club back into the Football League.
Nothing can be taken for granted in football, however, and the Club is currently once more in a very difficult position, facing growing financial losses off the pitch (despite a huge windfall from the Manchester United FA Cup tie) and having just survived a relegation battle to avoid dropping back into the National League on it. The future of Cambridge United FC is, once again, very uncertain.
This is why a Supporters’ Trust like CFU is so important. We have saved the Club once and, who knows, we may need to do it again. In CFU the infrastructure and experience is in place to step in - should the unthinkable happen. CFU holds funds to help the Club out in the short term, as we have done in the past, if a critical need arises.
Over and above our day to day activities that help the Club and the local community, CFU exists to help safeguard the future of Cambridge United FC.
Your membership is crucial – please renew or join today.
2. History and achievements
Cambridge Fans United (CFU) is a Supporters’ Trust. It was set up by a group of United fans in 2000, inspired by the work of Supporters Direct. Supporters Direct was a recommendation of the Government’s 1999 Football Task Force “Investing in the Community”, aimed at encouraging football fans to have more of a say in the running of their clubs and involvement in their local communities. CFU operates independently of Cambridge United FC.
At its maximum CFU had 500 members. Our current membership stands at around 300
In 2004 Cambridge United ran into financial difficulties and faced administration. CFU rose to its first major challenge and launched the “Bridge the Gap” appeal. In just four weeks the appeal raised £100,000. Sadly the financial respite was short-lived and the Club then looked to sell its greatest asset, the Abbey Stadium, to a private concern (Bideawhile) that, evidently, did not have the best interests of the Club in mind. CFU recognised the worrying long-term implications of such a move, and rapidly developed an alternative option. CFU raised commitments approaching £1.5 million in just three weeks but the Club, disappointingly, went through with the sale of the Abbey to Bideawhile.
In 2005 Cambridge United did go into administration. During this period CFU put money into the Club to help keep it going. The Club subsequently faced a winding-up order, which threatened its very existence. Working closely with the other supporters’ trusts and with Supporters Direct, CFU was instrumental in successfully securing the future of Cambridge United FC by directly lobbying the Sports Minister, Richard Caborn.
In the years that followed, as the Club sought to recover, Cambridge United FC leaned heavily on CFU to help it operate. Some CFU committee members took on key roles within the Club, including Finance Director, Commercial Director and Commercial Manager. At this point in time CFU, effectively, ran Cambridge United FC. The role of Cambridge United Fans Elected Director (FED) was created, the FED elected by CFU members. CFU also took on numerous other tasks around the Club, such as staffing the ticket office and the Club Shop, running the Club’s lottery and managing teams of programme and 50/50 draw sellers. CFU managed the “South Stand Scheme” (the distribution of free tickets for low key matches to encourage new supporters) and re-established the “Junior Us”.
CFU introduced the concept of the “Community Club” to Cambridge United and has since worked closely with the local community (both in its own right and on behalf of Cambridge United FC).
3. Current role of CFU
The Role of CFU?
Since becoming Chairman, I have asked by a variety of people, includingJames Mills of CUSP and Paul Barry what I saw as our role. There is some uncertainty too about the role of others supporters’ groups in relation to ours, although that is not really our concern. I am happy to work with any other group but first we must agree our own role with the club. We are concentrating particularly on the issues of diversity and inclusion at the moment and it is clear that CFU have a very significant role to play for years to come.
It is not for CFU to find roles for other supporters’ groups but it seems clear to me that, unlike any of the others, we have a global view and long term aims to benefit both the club and all supporters.
First, I think that we may have to overcome some deep seated distrust from those who don’t fully understand the concept of critical friend and why having a critical friend is not just a good thing but vital. When CFU first appeared in 2000, it was against a background of clubs having their existence threatened by irresponsible owners whose attitude to finance was not what it should be. Some Trusts actually took over the running of clubs, with mixed success and were, consequently seen as a threat by some directors and owners, who failed to understand what the threat of losing the club you support means to some supporters. The bald fact is that owners and directors are temporary custodians of football clubs, whereas supporters are there all their lives. Supporters’ Trusts are there to hold those custodians to account and, no doubt, some people don’t like the idea. They should.
CFU made themselves unpopular by insisting on an independent audit against the wishes of the club. This followed years in which fans were told that money was ring fenced and that our financial position was fine. In fact we were still trading while we were insolvent. I attended a Shareholders’ Meeting in which it soon became apparent that Steve Chamberlain didn’t have a clue about the true financial situation. It couldn’t go on. The audit was necessary and, I believe , was the first step in achieving the stability now so evident at the club. It created conflict but, in the interest of all Cambridge fans, it was the right thing to do. Only CFU were in a position to ensure this action.
Similarly, when two of our directors sold the ground to themselves as we slipped out of the league, the club’s finances were in a mess and Dave Kitson was transferred for peanuts, should CFU have stayed silent? We nearly disappeared on the watch of those people entrusted to run the club for the benefit of its fans. CFU moved might and main to ensure that there would be a Cambridge United in the future. Were we disloyal to question George Rolls who offered the manager’s job to three different people at the same time? Any club should value an independent set of eyes just in case things are not as they should be.
Some see CFU as being pointless unless there is a crisis and we are far from that now. When the club is being run as well and responsibly as it is now, there are many more positive opportunities.
What are our strengths and what makes us unique among supporters’ groups?
#
We have a Fans’ Elected Director on the Board. He is elected by our members to represent the interests of all fans.
Although we are no longer an important shareholder, we have significant reserves which can be used to help the club’s work. As it has.
The lottery Scheme, which works closely with CFU and has its own finances, has made significant contributions to the club.
Coconuts, similarly to the Lottery, works closely with CFU to preserve the history and traditions of the club. It is responsible for a thriving former players’ association which is the envy of many clubs. It was actually set up by CFU to document and preserve Cambridge United’s history. It does this extremely well.
Our Board is elected by its membership and accountable to it. Our meetings are minuted and those minutes are published. We communicate regularly with our members and the public through the matchday programme, our website, the Amber News and on Facebook. Terry Wilby emails our members weekly and informs them of what we are doing and invites feedback. We are democratic and accountable. We are not a talking shop or an implacable opponent of anyone. We simply want the club to be successful and for the fans to be happy. Supporters can see that their concerns are being recognised and dealt with by looking at our Facebook site, Twitter account and regularly updated website. Feedback is continuous and we respond quickly to questions raised.
Our membership, having declined, is now back to over 300 and rising. Many lapsed and cynical former members have rejoined because they agree with what we are doing. A supporters’ trust should aim for 10% of the average home gate in order to claim that it represents the views of fans. Not everyone wants to pay for the privilege but everyone cares about the prosperity and success of their club. No other group can claim to be as democratic and accountable as CFU. No other group has ever contributed as much. I would say that CUSP, which were set up by DMJ to address day to day concerns are reactive but CFU are proactive, well resourced and best placed for working on long term initiatives. We have been sleeping a bit but this is what we are working on now.
Greater diversity in the club, in CFU and in our crowd.
Working closely with the Council to make our club more visible and better served by public transport. We also hope to have bottled beer in a new and improved Fanzone.
Establish better relations with community groups not commonly seen at the Abbey. The Mosque is a good example of a significant community which we have had comparatively little to do with so far.
Better provision in the ground for those in the community with different needs. This requires an audit of the needs and a survey of the stadium.
Working closely with Fans for Diversity to raise awareness through different events and activities.
Establishing closer links with the Community Trust and their work.
Developing the Foodbank.
Continuing the cycle of ringing the isolated and vulnerable
All of these projects are long term and ambitious. They will be beneficial to club and community. A football club can be a powerful force in changing the quality of peoples’ lives. We can make a contribution to a wounded society. We are well regarded by the FSA, formerly Supporters Direct, because of the work we have already done in support of the welfare of fans and the provision for away fans.
Finally, it seems to me that CUSP’s role is more likely to involve responding to issues raised by individuals and that their concerns are mostly short term. Only CFU are capable of affecting the bigger picture by initiating long term strategies. We must get past the perception of being simply of nuisance value. We have a lot to offer the club and the fans. We can achieve something valuable and long lasting. If we do our jobs properly, we will.
Andrew Stephen
4. CFU structure
CFU is a Community Benefit Society. It is managed by an elected Trust Board of up to 15 members. The Board has an elected Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. The Board usually meets once a month, more frequently if need be. Any CFU member can put themselves forward to join the Trust Board. CFU holds an open AGM once a year, usually in the Spring. CFU members elect a Fans Elected Director to sit on the CUFC Board of Directors.
5. CFU aims and objectives
The role of CFU is encapsulated in its aims and objectives which address the past, present and future of Cambridge United FC.
The current aims and objectives of CFU are to:
- remain independent of the football club and to be accountable to CFU members;
- challenge and hold the Club to account, to ensure that the long term future of Cambridge United is protected, for the benefit of its supporters and the local community;
- protect the appointment of a Fans Elected Director and to maximise his or her influence on the CUFC Board;
- actively support the Club and its Community Trust, help market the Club and to increase its fanbase and income;
- promote a positive public image of Cambridge United FC;
- help promote diversity and inclusivity within the Club;
- help ensure that the Club acts as a good neighbour within the local and wider community;
- grow the CFU membership;
- promote and support other Cambridge United supporters’ groups and, where appropriate, other club’s supporters’ trusts;
- act as an advocate for the welfare of Cambridge United fans.
CFU will do these things by:
- electing and tasking a Cambridge United Fans Elected Director (see below);
- developing a close, but strictly independent, relationship with Cambridge United FC and its majority shareholder;
- acting as a “critical friend” of the Club;
- continuing to lobby for CFU to hold a “Golden Share” that would allow it to veto a change of ownership;
- consulting with, and representing, its membership;
- taking on specific tasks as requested by the Club or the Community Trust, and/or by suggesting initiatives to promote the Club;
- running, or supporting, community projects;
- using its shareholding in the Club to support CFU aims and objectives;
- increasing the visibility of CFU, especially at home games;
- holding an annual AGM, open to all fans (not just CFU members, although only CFU members can vote);
- raising and holding funds to help the Club in times of critical need;
- undertake due diligence checks on behalf of its membership and shareholding on any potential new owners of the Football Club, and enter discussions with parties involved;
- communicating its activities regularly to its membership and the wider fanbase
- signposting sources of support on a range of health, mental health and educational issues that can aid the welfare and wellbeing of United fans.
CFU does not get involved in issues relating to the performance of the first team, unless this was to clearly threaten or undermine any of the CFU objectives (above). This is in line with the role of other supporters’ trusts around the UK.
6. Role of the Fans Elected Director (FED)
The Club accepted the appointment of an FED in recognition of CFU’s significant work and financial investment that helped turn around the fortunes of the Club following administration in 2005. The appointment of an FED, elected by CFU members, is included in the Club’s Articles of Association.
The FED represents CFU members and the CFU shareholding on the Club’s Board of Directors and in board meetings. The FED will monitor and influence the Club’s internal governance and decision making processes, and be involved in key business and football decisions. The FED will report back to the CFU Trust Board, with both parties fully respecting the confidences of the Club.
7. Benefits of CFU membership
Membership of CFU costs [link to membership application section]. Membership will give you, as a Cambridge United fan, the satisfaction that you are part of an organisation that has contributed hugely to the recent history – indeed the survival - of your football club and that continues to actively help the Club and the local community. Your membership will help safeguard the future of Cambridge United FC.
Additionally, CFU membership gives you:
- a vote for your choice of Fans Elected Director, to represent you on the CUFC Board of Directors;
- a vote on the direction and work of CFU;
- the opportunity to stand to join the CFU Trust Board;
- preferential access to tickets for Cambridge United all-ticket matches (subject to availability);
- discounts on CFU and 100 Years of Coconuts books and other merchandise;
- regular online newsletter – the “Amber News”.
July 2019 updated April 2021
