CUFC Lottery has provided further funds to help pay for upgrades at the Abbey Stadium…

Funds of £3,916 for a new Digital Aural Aide system have also been provided, as the acclaimed Audio for All service will receive a much-needed upgrade.

Home and away supporters with a visual impairment, additional sensory needs or the elderly can receive audio-descriptive commentary courtesy of the Audio for All team.

Expertly trained volunteer fans of Cambridge United provide a highly professional, neutral and entertaining match description for free of charge. The existing Audio for All kit will be donated to a local football club.

In addition to this, a new wireless access point is being installed in the soon-to-be completed Newmarket Road End Fan Zone in-order to efficiently take payments in the food and drink kiosks. £880 has been donated from CUFC Lottery to help pay for the system.

The contributions from CUFC Lottery supports the club’s ability to enhance the fan experience at the Abbey Stadium, building on the recently funded Wi-Fi and PA system improvements at the ground.

Carl Badcock of CUFC Lottery said, “We are only too pleased to support the Club with projects that benefits the fans, improving Matchday experiences at the Abbey. In the case of Audio for All, this represents a great project which ticks all the boxes of what CUFC Lottery is all about.

“We are a small, agile and reactive committee, able to support and facilitate speedy outcomes.”

Cambridge United SLO, Dave Matthew-Jones added, “The drive to improve and modernise the Matchday experience for supporters is one of the main priorities at Cambridge United. The Abbey Stadium facilities have changed very little over the past 20 years and therefore, we are having to play catch-up across all areas of the stadium.
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“The Club is extremely grateful for all the support the lottery members and the committee provide to ensure these projects can be successfully completed.”

I make no apology in copying the update directly from the club website.

The wording does encapsulate the best scenario on the use of lottery funds. Nick Parker and his band of die-hards have provided a well loved and necessary service to fans - home and away - for many years. Making the beautiful game available to anyone to access. I say more power to your elbow Nick!

As usual we are grateful for any feedback from our members although I didn't feel very agile when one of the sprinklers caught me at a recent home game when I was working on the pitch. It gave Ian D something to laugh at. Thank goodness for waterproof trousers!

Regards,

The CUFC Lottery Team

If you are going to the match on Saturday please see the information below.

We hope it will help you on your journey.

Here are a few details about what is available for you on your trip to Shrewsbury.

Website  www.shrewsburytown.com/

If you have any queries about Shrewsbury Town Football then please contact us on the details below.

Club Address:
Shrewsbury Town Football Club,
Montgomery Waters Meadow, Oteley Road,
Shrewsbury, Shropshire,
United Kingdom, SY2 6ST

Telephone: 01743 289177
Fax: 01743 246942
Email: info@shrewsburytown.co.uk

About the Montgomery Waters Meadow

Based on Oteley Road, Montgomery Waters Meadow has been the home of Shrewsbury Town Football Club since 2007.The purpose-built stadium has a capacity of 9,875 across four stands. Away supporters are based in the DM Recruitment North Stand. The stand can hold up to 1796 away fans and includes platform seating for disabled fans.
Signage around the stadium complex will guide you to the stand which is situated behind one of the goals.

Food and Drink
We are situated next to the Meole Brace Retail Park where you can find a number of different food and drink options, including McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Costa Coffee and Starbucks.

If you are looking for something a little stronger then The Wild Pig and Charles Darwin Pubs are the best options. Both are just a 10 to 15-minute walk away from the ground and serve a range of beers, ciders and spirits. They also offer hot meals and matchday parking.
Towards the end of the 2016/17 season, we installed a new Fanzone which is situated next to the Community Football Hub outside the DM Recruitment stand. The Fanzone plays live music and have food and drink available. It is open to both home and away fans.

Once in the ground we provide catering inside the concourse. This includes a selection of Wright’s Pies, Rollover hot dogs, a selection of crisps and chocolate, hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Matchday away information www.shrewsburytown.com/club/fans/away-fans/

If you prefer to travel independently the following sites may help you to organise your trip -:

Train -:                    TRAIN INFORMATION

Rail works-:            NETWORK RAIL

Coach -:                  NATIONAL EXPRESS

Weather -:               BBC WEATHER NEWS

Travel News -:         AA TRAVEL NEWS

ROAD INFORMATION -:  NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

The information provided is done so in good faith and sourced from various websites.

cfuawaytravel@yahoo.comThis afternoon we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Bristol Rovers to the Abbey Stadium. It is also the first opportunity to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2023.

Looking back on 2022 there was so much achieved by everyone involved with Cambridge United to be proud of. From winning against Premiership side Newcastle United at St James Park in early January to the re-purchase of the Abbey Stadium in September. From the creation of the Family Zone to the improvements in all of the supporter areas around the ground. Giant strides have been made both on and off the pitch and these are laying the foundations for future years.

Looking at some of the databases we keep, I noticed that during the first weeks of 2013 we were playing Braintree, Stockport and Nuneaton in the Blue Square Premiership during the past week we have played away at Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday. Competing against teams of this size is difficult at the best of times and is made even more difficult when the rules are being constantly changed to favour them. Football should be played by sides with equal opportunities but the recent substitution rule changes is another example to ensure it favours the larger clubs. It is the latest of many changes going back over many years and it won’t be the last one for sure.

Since the club achieved promotion supporters have followed the side all over the country. Sometimes watching them win and sometimes in defeat, however the support is both valued and appreciated by everyone on the playing side. It is therefore disappointing to see how badly supporters travelling to away matches can be treated. A recent example of this was the Fleetwood match. At a time of year when finances are already tight and during a period of time when families and individuals are struggling. To see a match that involved such travel costs and time called off at mid-day is difficult to accept. We are not the only club to suffer. It is certainly an area those running football and pushing the Fans Led Review should consider in future looking into. What actions could still have been taken in the following three hours to get the match on? What thought was given to those travelling at the time of the initial inspection? Why are matches of distance not scheduled during months of better weather. Should there be a report made public giving the reasons for a postponement so supporters can actually see why and what has been done?

The goodwill donation back to those who did travel by the club should be applauded there was no reason the give one. They did so because they care about their supporters. The Away Travel coach fully refunded their travellers for their costs but are now considerably out of pocket on the trip. It could possibly affect future trips being run at a time when the club will need support away from home. If you are interested in or could sponsorship the away travel, contact them via 07591 111251 or Email cfuawaytravel@yahoo.com

This afternoon we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Shrewsbury to the Abbey Stadium. I love football on Boxing Day. It is the one match after the first game of the season that I look forward to most each year.

We hope that everyone had a good Christmas day while remembering those individuals and families who are alone or have lost loved ones recently. If you know someone who is on their own why not give them a ring or knock on their door to ensure they are alright,

Today, we welcome the Passey family to the Abbey Stadium. The following has been provided by Caitlin’s father Nick telling the family’s story

On 7th October 2021 our world fell apart!

This was the day we found out our beautiful little princess Caitlin had been diagnosed with Juvenile Batten Disease (CLN3). This is a horrendous, terminal neurological disease that will gradually strip her of everything that makes her, her, with no cure or treatment!

Rapid vision loss was/is the first symptom (Caitlin is now registered as legally blind), followed by childhood dementia, seizures, loss of motor and language skills!

Due to the dementia aspect of the disease, Caitlin's long-term memory will be one of the last things to go, so memory-making is essential!

Over time our sporty, fun-loving and adventurous little girl will lose her ability to play with her friends! She will never mentally grow older than she is now, so her friends will outgrow her, but her mindset will not move on, this thought deeply hurts.
Whilst most parents will be planning for a future where they need to help their child with house deposits, and wedding costs, our devastating reality is we will be looking at covering the costs of specialist mobility equipment and a funeral.

Along with the emotional and physical challenges comes the challenge of making significant alterations to our home, ensuring it remains a SafeHaven and creating a safe space Caitlin can call her own, somewhere to retreat to when she is struggling.

Unfortunately, the finances required to complete the renovation works needed are way beyond our reach, leaving us in a position where we have to ask for help.

If you know of anyone/any businesses that may be able to help please please share our story with them.

We know we are going to lose our little girl but we want to make sure she has the most amazing life she can before then.

Gofunding link www.gofundme.com/f/SafeHaven4%E2%80%93%20Caitlin

If you are going to the match on Monday please see the information below.

We hope it will help you on your journey.

There will train strikes on the 3rd January. Please see www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/industrialaction.aspx#IA_JAN for more information

Sheffield Wednesday Football Club
Hillsborough Stadium
Sheffield
S6 1SW

www.swfc.co.uk/

Coordinates53°24′41″N 1°30′2″W

HILLSBOROUGH A to Z click here www.swfc.co.uk/fans/a-z-of-hillsborough/

The stadium is located in the north west of the city roughly three miles from the city centre. The area is mainly residential with a number of shops and a shopping centre located at nearby Hillsborough Corner. Views of the area can be enjoyed from hills located to the west.

The stadium is sandwiched between Hillsborough Park to the south and terrace housing to the north. The River Don also runs alongside the stadium to the south. The Spion Kop backs straight onto Penistone Road, a major dual carriageway leading to the city centre, while there is some space between the West Stand and Leppings Lane.

How to get in touch
The main ways of contacting Sheffield Wednesday are as follows:

Phone
03700 20 1867
Calls will be charged at the national rate for BT landlines. Calls from other operators and mobile phones will vary.
Please direct all email correspondence to the relevant department as listed below:

Ticketing
ticketenquiries@swfc.co.uk
You can also call on 03700 201867 (option 1). Please note, calls will be charged at the national rate and call costs from mobiles and other operators may vary.

West Stand
Situated behind the goal on the Leppings Lane side of the ground, the West Stand is where visiting supporters are situated, with a maximum allocation of 4,700. The stand has an upper and lower tier.

Disability Liaison Officer
dlo@swfc.co.uk
https://www.swfc.co.uk/fans/disabled-supporters/

If you prefer to travel independently the following sites may help you to organise your trip -:

Train -:                    TRAIN INFORMATION
Rail works-:            NETWORK RAIL
Coach -:                  NATIONAL EXPRESS
Weather -:               BBC WEATHER NEWS
Travel News -:         AA TRAVEL NEWS
ROAD INFORMATION -:  NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

The information provided is done so in good faith and sourced from various websites.

If you are going to the match on Friday please see the information below.

We hope it will help you on your journey.

Here are a few details concerning your visit to Derby County. You can download the Visitors Guide which is situated at the bottom of the article

Website - www.dcfc.co.uk/

Match day Travel information www.dcfc.co.uk/page/matchday-travel-2

If you are travelling by car, directions can be found below.
Directions from the North (M1)

• Exit the M1 at Junction 28 and follow the A38 South towards Derby.
• Remain on the A38 until the roundabout with the A61 (Signposted Derby A61), where the brown football signs will direct you along the A61 towards Pride Park Stadium.
• Remain on the A61 until the Pentagon Island roundabout where the signposts will direct you onto the A52 towards Nottingham and Spondon.
• Take the first exit from the A52 (signposted for the Wyvern Centre) and follow the slip road until you reach a roundabout. At the roundabout take the second exit (right turn) along Wyvern Way.
• Follow Wyvern Way until you reach the next roundabout and take a left onto Derwent Parade.
• Go straight on (second exit) at the first roundabout you reach, which is next to the stadium, and turn left (first exit) at the second roundabout you reach – onto Royal Way.
• The West Car Park is the first turning on your left.

Directions from the South (M1)

• Exit the M1 at Junction 25 and follow the A52 West towards Derby
• Remain on the A52 for 5½ miles until you reach the junction for Pride Park
• Follow the exit slip road to the Wyvern Way roundabout and once there go straight on (2nd exit) to join Derwent Parade.
• Go straight on (second exit) at the first roundabout you reach, which is next to the stadium, and turn left (first exit) at the second roundabout you reach – onto Royal Way.
• The West Car Park is the first turning on your left.

Directions from the West (A50)

• Travel along the A50 dual carriageway until you reach Junction 2 (signposted A6, Derby), where you should exit from the A50 and head north along the A6.
• At the first roundabout you come to turn left (second exit), following signs for Away Supporters and the Moorways Centre.
• Follow the road until you reach the Raynesway roundabout and turn right (second exit) along the A6 (London Road), signposted for the City Centre.
• Remain on the A6 (London Road) heading in the direction of Derby City Centre until you reach a roundabout.
• Turn right at the roundabout (third exit) heading along Harrow Street towards Pride Park on the A6.
• At the traffic lights continue straight on towards Pride Park, heading along Pride Parkway and over the railway bridge.
• At the roundabout turn right (third exit) into Royal Way.
• The West Car Park is the third turning on your right.

If you prefer to travel independently the following sites may help you to organise your trip -:

Train -:                    TRAIN INFORMATION
Rail works-:            NETWORK RAIL
Coach -:                  NATIONAL EXPRESS
Weather -:               BBC WEATHER NEWS
Travel News -:         AA TRAVEL NEWS
ROAD INFORMATION -:  NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

The information provided is done so in good faith and sourced from various websites.

This afternoon we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Grimsby to the Abbey Stadium. It was good to see them get promoted back into the EFL last season having been relegated to the Conference. The club has done and is still doing a large amount of work in Fans Engagement and should be applauded for doing so. Their SLO and Chair of the Mariners Supporters Trust Kristine Green is a real advocate concerning on this matter for their supporters. They are one of the clubs I watch from the outside and see what we can also do

An important new role at the club is currently being advertised. The role of Disabled Supporter Liaison Officer. The DSLO will be responsible for supporting and advising the football club in relation to improving access and inclusion for its disabled supporters, customers, employees, volunteers and players.

They will be the club’s key advocate for all disability-related matters and will champion disability issues, as well as promoting the business benefits of creating an accessible stadium, matchday and inclusive environment.

They will serve as the main point of contact between the football club and its disabled supporters, guests, players and employees and will work to facilitate a positive dialogue between the two parties.

Person Specification:

• Effective influencing and written/verbal communication skills, display positive and enthusiastic attitude at all times
• Understanding of local disability legislation and how to provide an accessible stadium
• Able to communicate with a wide range of key stakeholders, including senior management, local disability groups and differently disabled people
• Understanding working environment of Cambridge United FC
• Builds knowledge of fan base/ processes/ regulation/ SFA or SPFL fan initiatives or systems to resolve issues and provide solutions
• Collaborative and engaging communication skills
• Self-motivated and passionate about improving access and inclusion for disabled people
  

Interested applicants should apply by submitting the CV and cover letter by clicking this link. (QR code) The closing date for applications is Friday 2nd December.

This afternoon we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Accrington Stanley. to the Abbey Stadium. We hope you had a good journey to the Abbey Stadium.

During recent seasons and with the dark winter evenings here now we are able to work alongside Club sponsors A2BTaxicabs in providing safe secure and trustworthy travel to accommodate female supporters with the opportunity specifically requesting a female driver to and from the Abbey Stadium, and away from matchdays (subject to availability). The Ely-based firm who are sponsors of the Football Club’s Signature Hospitality Suite, are keen to ensure the U’s female fanbase are aware they have the option to call on a taxi service that provides them with that feeling of full trust and safety. A2B recognise that when travelling alone or alone with children, that can evoke a feeling of vulnerability, and therefore the opportunity to call upon a female driver allows an extra level of comfort and security in those situations. All driver details and movements are recorded via GPS tracking by A2B, whilst all customers also receive push notifications/texts to inform them of who their driver is, the vehicle and licence plate details once their driver has been dispatched and set to arrive.

All bookings must be made in advance, and can be done in the following ways: Telephone - Call A2BTaxicabs on 01353 66 10 10 Online – Visit www.A2BTaxicabs.co.uk

A2BTaxicabs can also assist anyone seeking vehicles with wheelchair to matches

This evening we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Curzon Ashton to the Abbey Stadium. Curzon play in the National League North and have during their history reached the FA Cup second round twice in their history once having beaten Exeter. The club having been formed in 1963 after Curzon Road Methodists FC and Ashton Amateurs merged together. Since then, the club has progressed successfully through the leagues to reach its present position.

I was asked last week about the statue outside the Curzon ground and who the individuals were. The players being commemorated are three locally born footballers associated with the World Cup; Geoff Hurst (born in Ashton), Jimmy Armfield (Denton), and Simone Perrotta (also born in Ashton) who played for Italy.

Having grown up during the sixties and seventies the romance of the FA Cup was instilled in your DNA as a football supporter. On Cup Final days you would get up early in the morning of the match. The build-up would take part place during the morning. The Cup Final was probably the only club match in those days shown on live television. The big decision was would you watch it on BBC1 or ITV. Another memory for many will be sneaking a transistor into school to listen to the next round being drawn at dinner time on a Monday 

One of the first finals I remember watching was when Chelsea played Leeds in April 1970. The first game was played at Wembley watched by 28 million people on television. It finished in a 2-2 draw. The replay will be remembered as one of the hardest fought finals ever played. There would be no give or take from either side. Chelsea finally won the match 2-1.

The Chelsea winning side came to the Abbey a few days later with the trophy to take part in a match organised as part of the sale of Ian Hutchinson’s transfer. It would also be the match when many United fans among the 14,000 crowd that night would start their journey supporting the club. The next day Cambridge United would win against Margate to secure promotion to the Football League for the first time.

Since then, we have been both giant killers for example wins against Newcastle and Sheffield Wednesday and victims of upsets.  We have played in FA Cup quarter finals. The FA Cup provides the opportunity to create memories and good times.
With a home tie in the second round against Grimsby the prize both clubs tonight will be fighting hard to secure that tie

This afternoon we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Bolton Wanderers to the Abbey Stadium.

It isn’t too long now before the World Cup commences during mid-November. It is a shame that it is being played during the season, however, it does also provide opportunities for us as well. When we play home matches, please encourage any family members or friends who usually support Premiership & Championship supporters to visit the Abbey Stadium. We currently have matches against Plymouth on the 10th December & Greg Taylor’s testimonial match on the 6th December scheduled to be played during this period. It is important we continue to attract new supporters and families during the winter months. Capacity matches can help create improved atmospheres and financial help.

There are also two away matches during December against Forest Green and Fleetwood being played. These matches leading up to the festive period will be difficult for supporters to finance. The Away Travel Coach are really pleased to have secured sponsorship from East Sussex U’s, Coversure and Worcester U’s this season to help towards their travel costs. With fuel costs at their current high levels, it can sometimes make it difficult to keep prices affordable for everyone using the service. However, having sponsorship it makes it easier. If your company or as an individual you can help. Please contact Away Travel on 07591 111251 or Email cfuawaytravel@yahoo.com It would be great if we could provide additional support for the Fleetwood match. The matches against Forest Green and Fleetwood are now on line to book

Don’t forget following the draw against Curzon Ashton last Sunday we now have a replay at the Abbey Stadium on Tuesday evening. No Cambridge United supporter can have forgotten the match against Newcastle earlier in the year. These cup matches are just as important to the club and your support is needed by everyone

This afternoon we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Derby County. It is almost thirty years since the sides last played each other at the Abbey Stadium. There is also a link between the clubs from that period. The Main Stand extension was financed through the sale of then fans favourite Alan Biley to Derby in 1979 for a then club record fee.

Today, we are celebrating the return of the Abbey Stadium back into the ownership of the club. It was a scenario many hoped would happen but never really felt would do so. Even now I am still pinching myself to make sure it’s not a dream. When the ground was originally sold it broke the hearts of so many supporters. It also began the long and difficult fight to save the club. There were many difficult days during that period. It would take many years, the financial support & practical help of so many individuals during those days to get the club back to position we are in now.

Personally, I have always felt a guilt during this time. A feeling that I had let down those who had previously worked so hard to move the club through the local amateur leagues to the brink of the Premiership. Now that feeling has been lifted from my shoulders. We can now all once again move forwards positively and confidently calling the Abbey Stadium our home

We have to thank Paul, Mark and Adam for providing the opportunity to purchase the ground back. We also have to thank Grosvenor who have shown a great deal of support and flexibility towards the club during their time as landlords. Probably far more than we could ever have expected and far more than they needed to provide us.

We no longer need to look backwards. Our destiny is in all our hands. We all need to learn from history, ensure we are never again in that position again and work towards a successful future.

Today, is about celebrating the re-repurchase. It is also the beginning of a exciting new chapter in the story of Cambridge United

Did you have a scoreboard announcement on Saturday at the match against Bolton Wanderers

If you missed it or would like to download an image see the slideshow below

During 2020 the CUFCLottery paid for the provision of two new Electronic scoreboards.

If you would like to take part in the Lottery or find out more click here