The current restrictions on elite football clubs being able to fulfil competitive matches, but without fans present, many of whom have paid for season tickets they cannot, yet, use has reinvigorated debate across football about financial funding.

Whilst most proposals for restructuring football have been speedily “seen off”, it is widely recognised that the current way in which football is run, governed and funded is not fair or sustainable in the future. A fan-led review is being promoted by the Government, which is clearly not seeking to provide public funding to sustain clubs through a period in which it will not allow fans to attend matches.

CFU is in favour of such a thorough review which, it believes most fans would support, provided that it does not simply reinforce or strengthen the stranglehold which foreign-funded Premiership clubs have over the way in which things are done.

In particular, Cambridge Fans United would like to restate its position regarding B teams being introduced into the League structure. We are against B teams being introduced into the League, either directly or indirectly. This was our position when CUFC re-entered the league and it has never changed.

The addition of Premiership Under 23 teams into the EFL Trophy was not supported by CFU, though we recognised that that was done without understanding supporter views and concerns.

In 2014 EFL clubs voted unanimously not to allow B teams, or Scottish teams into the League as they, and we, believed that it could only be detrimental to league clubs. That remains our view.

So far as the admittance of fans to matches is concerned, we have supported the petition of the Government to allow fans back into games. A debate is scheduled to be held in Parliament on 9th November 2020 and CFU has written to our local MPs, seeking their support to get fans back to games.
 
Robert Osbourn
Chair, CFU Trust Board

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announcing the possibility of a fan-led review into football amid calls for the biggest shake-up in Premier League history on the 12th October.

CFU chair Robert Osbourn has written to our local MP's asking them to attend the debate taking place on the 9th November. The debate is taking place following a successful petition.

Robert is asking the MP's to support the petitioners and speak in favour of returning fans to football, in a safe and controlled way.

The letter was sent to the following local MP's via post and also to their email accounts

Anthony Browne MP
Jonathan Djanogly MP
Lucy Frazer MP
Daniel Zeichner MP
House of Commons
LONDON
SW1A 0AA
 
26th October 2020
 
Dear  (each),
 
Attendance by supporters at League Football Matches
 
I am sure that you are aware that, under Government Covid protection restrictions, matches played by clubs where one or both are deemed to be elite clubs (Premiership, Championship, Leagues One and Two and National League) are to be played in the absence of any fans.
 
The impact on both clubs and fans has been severe and its continuation places enormous financial strain on clubs, to a point where it is likely that some could cease to exist  and significant emotional and mental strain on very many thousands of fans whose attendance at games has been an important part of their wellbeing.
 
League clubs derive a very large part of their income from the sales of tickets and from the other sales associated with matchday attendance, such as catering and merchandise purchases. This has dropped to zero under the present restrictions. However, clubs costs have remained the same or increased, due to the necessary precautions being taken to enable matches to take place, such as safety distancing, testing etc.
 
A great deal of preparation work has been undertaken by clubs across the country, in the expectation, encouraged by the Government, to provide environments that would be safe for supporters, including the provision of sanitising stations, marked circulation and access routes, identification of seating and areas for “bubbles” and appropriate screening. This was undertaken as part of detailed planning and liaison with each club’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and the licensing authorities.
 
Locally, Cambridge United FC undertook additional and very detailed work, having been selected as a club which would design and test precautions on behalf of the English Football League (EFL). One “test” match was held on 8th September, with a restricted crowd and this was hailed as very successful by those officials who witnessed it. A second test event was scheduled but had to be cancelled when the Government restrictions prevented it taking place.
 
The Government indicated that the “behind closed doors” policy would be kept under review, but despite clubs and SAGs having worked to provide safe environments, it has not, so far, been persuaded that limited attendances by fans should be enabled. Indeed, indications show that present thinking suggests that fans may not be allowed back, at all, until Easter, when the season would be all but finished.
 
If this happens, then there will be a significant number of clubs which will go out of business, I fear. Supporters of football will have no legitimate outlet for their energies having, in many cases, paid significant sums for season tickets, which they will have no way of recouping. This is especially hard on older fans who do not have access to social media or electronic means to view matches.
 
On 9th November, Parliament is due to hold a debate on the return of fans to matches, following a successful petition. I ask you to support the petitioners and speak in favour of returning fans to football, in a safe and controlled way. Clubs can comply with the stipulations of their SAG and licensing authority and they can and will steward matches effectively, if given the chance.
 
I would appreciate a response to this letter, which I can share with members and all supporters.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Robert Osbourn
Chair, CFU Trust Board.
 
To read more about the petition which has attracted over 199,000 signatures click here.

You will be able to watch online on the UK Parliament YouTube channel.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden has already acknowledged fans’ frustrations at the continuing lock-out but insisted the situation would remain unchanged.

Dowden said he “accepted people’s frustrations at the inconsistency” of the rules between the two kinds of events but the rising COVID-19 infection rate meant football would remain behind closed doors.

“If we had social distancing for sport that is a lot of people coming week in and week out going to sports stadiums up and down the country,” Dowden told MPs.

“There are actually very few socially-distanced indoor performances going on. They are not massively financially viable."
​
“If people are unhappy with indoor performances going ahead with social distancing that is a separate question of whether you stop them, as it were.”

FSA chair Malcolm Clarke said earlier this month: “Football fans have watched with dismay as large-scale indoor spectator events, such as concerts and theatre productions, have resumed with significant crowds in recent weeks while they remain locked out of their clubs.

“There is zero logic in this. Under the professional guidance of the Sports Ground Safety Authority clubs across the country have worked extremely hard over the summer to implement social distancing and getting their grounds as COVID-secure as possible.

“Government should recognise these efforts and the test events that successfully readmitted supporters by bringing football into line with other sectors.”

This year has been tremendously difficult for everyone, however for the elderly and those living alone it is even more challenging. With the dark nights drawing in and cold days of winter nearly here it is even more important that we look out for our neighbours, colleagues and friends.

The Cambridge United Community Trust have been supporting the local community throughout the recent months. If you live locally you may find the following helpful.

NOTE: If you are interested in any of the services on offer please fill in this online form: https://forms.gle/6b38rAiDDb2h7k4Z6.

CUCT MATCHDAY CHAT - If you are alone at home on a CUFC matchday, then our secure Facebook Group 'Matchday Chat' is the place to be. Whilst watching the match on iFollow or listening to it on the radio keep in touch with fellow fans in a safe environment. Just follow this link to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/364513227910024/  Remember it is there to allow everyone to come together so please keep it friendly and enjoyable for all. When you join the matchday group you will be given the opportunity to join a zoom call. This allows everyone to interact during the match

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY PACKS -  These packs contain fun quizzes to keep you busy. They can be sent to you by post, delivered to you personally by a member of the Community Trust, or downloaded and printed out (just click on the links below).

• Activity Pack 1
• Activity Pack 1 (ANSWERS)
• Activity Pack 2
• Activity Pack 2 (ANSWERS)

VIRTUAL AFTERNOON TEA - Every Thursday afternoon at 2pm we hold a Virtual Afternoon Tea on Zoom. It is a great opportunity to have a giggle, make new friends, take part in some quizzes and play some bingo. If you would like to join us, please email simon.wall@cambridge-united.co.uk for the Zoom ID and password.

CATCH-UP PHONE CALLS - Cambridge United Community Trust are on hand to give you a ring on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis.

PEN PAL SCHEME - If you prefer writing letters, then we are also happy to set you up with a pen pal.

JOLLY JOGGERS - Join a supportive, fun running group aimed at all abilities. For more information and to book a place follow this link: https://groups.runtogether.co.uk/cambridgejollyjoggers

WALKING FOOTBALL - Walking football is aimed at the over 50's looking to exercise in a relaxed, friendly and inclusive environment. For more information and to book a place follow this link: https://officialsoccerschools.co.uk/cambridgeunited/cambridge-united-courses.html

FOREVER UNITED WHATSAPP GROUP - A supportive group for participants of Cambridge United Community Trust projects that want to keep connected: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IS1CFIld55m03GK04jWZCU
We also have many supporters or family living all over the country. They are of all ages. Some will be studying and away from home for the first time or some have moved away with work or retirement. With there being so many different rules concerning lockdowns the world can seem a really lonely place. Please remember there are lots of organisations that can help.  If you need to talk to someone below are some numbers you may find useful –

Contacting the Trust - For more information on participating in or supporting any of our activities please email communitytrust@cambridge-united.co.uk or call 01223 632129.

To get in general contact please email communitytrust@cambridge-united.co.uk

To contact us about our school work please email Ashley Dyer - ashley.dyer@cambridge-united.co.uk

To contact us about our disability sport work please email Phil Mullen - phil.mullen@cambridge-united.co.uk

To contact us about our NCS programme please email Sam Burke - sam.burke@cambridge-united.co.uk

To contact us about our work in Abbey Ward please email Simon Wall - simon.wall@cambridge-united.co.uk

To contact us about anything else please email our general email - communitytrust@cambridge-united.co.uk

The FSA is supporting an online workshop looking at the work going on to preserve football’s rich heritage and supporters are encouraged to sign-up.

In association with the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Football Supporter’s Association and as part of the Exeter City FC Museum and Grecian Archive’s latest National Lottery Heritage Funded programme, all are welcome to participate in the ‘Celebrating Our Football Heritage’ online workshop on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 from 10.00am to 12.00pm.

The aim of the event is to bring together people with an interest in football history and heritage to hear about the work of individuals and organisations within the game, and to discuss how to shape this exciting and valuable area of interest and practice.

For the event, Will Barrett and Gabriella Giannachi from the ECFC Museum & Grecian Archive will be joined by Roger Titford (The Great Save, Supporters Trust At Reading, and writer for When Saturday Comes), Alex Alexandrou (The Football & War Network and Solihull Moors FC), Tim Bland (National Lottery Heritage Fund) and Richard Irving (The FSA).

The event begins at 10am on Wednesday, November 4, and can be joined at the below link:

• https://Universityofexeter.zoom.us/j/96069217248?pwd=NFdZZlNjTER5anB4bmlLMzlVWGpQZz09
• Meeting ID: 960 6921 7248
• Password: 510675

Should you wish to confirm attendance for the event in advance, or have any thoughts or questions, then please do contact the event coordinator via will.barrett@ecfc.co.uk

Please note, the three initial presentations will all be recorded via Zoom for documentation, research, and sharing, so please do let the hosts know if you would like them to ensure that you are excluded from any of the disseminated footage.

Voting for the Living Sport Virtual Sports Awards 2020 is now on line and you are able to vote.

Ian Darler (Services to Sport Award} and the Cambridge United Community Trust in {Matthew Warn Power of Sport Award} are among those nominated. Please cast your votes for them

The Nominees Stories can be seen via the link-  be sure to read the inspiring stories and achievements of all the nominees before you voting

The public vote will combine with the judging panel assessment to create a shortlist for each category. The shortlist will be announced mid November, and the winners crowned at the  Facebook Live event at 7pm on 3rd December

Place your votes using the link below before midnight on 25th October. Please note the form will allow one vote per category per person. You can vote in as few or many categories as you wish.

https://www.livingsport.co.uk/sportsawards

#CamUTD #CambridgeUtd #cambridgeunited #AmberArmy

Parliament will debate this petition ----Allow football fans to attend matches at all levels

Parliament will debate this petition on 9 November 2020.

You'll be able to watch online on the UK Parliament YouTube channel.

CFU Trust Board members Margaret and Frank Pearson recently wrote the following to Boris Johnson about fans being able to return to matches. Below is the their communication and the reply they received back

I recently attended the first competetive football match as a pilot for the EFL at Cambridge United. Everyone agrees it was well run, safe and a joy to be at with 861 other like-minded people.

We fully expected to partake in the 2nd pilot match with 2000 attending on the Saturday. Then you changed the rules.

Understanding how lower division football operates is not clear to most people. They are only fed news of bigger clubs who often deal with individuals earning enough in a week to run a lower league club for a season.
CUFC and others rely on the income from people attending to balance the books. Without that, each club has vast financial difficulties.

Please consider lifting this ban on supporters for smaller clubs. Safety certificates are already in place for Home matches - it just needs the go-ahead from government.

CFU would like to inform members and supporters of some recent organisational changes

Andy Fox has become the Vice Chair replacing Nigel Pearce who has also stood down from the CFU Board

Andy has been a supporter of the club since 1973. His first match was the promotion game against Mansfield which saw the U's promoted

Andy is on the committee of the Supporters Club and was also until recently on CUSP

He is passionate about the clubs history and is a member of the 100yearsofcocnuts group.

Paul Moffat has joined the CFU board to manage the group's finances. Paul is also a member of CUSP

He has replaced James Taylor who did an exceptional job over recent years.

His first match was against against Watford in 1981.

He has already started work on restructuring he groups finances bringing together all the different groups CFU are involved in the CUFCLottery, 100yearsofcoconuts and the groups own account.

Gina Parkin, Leanne Huff and Ben Phillips have also joined the Trust board.

Sadly, one departure was Carol Looker who was so influential and well loved. She will be greatly missed.

CFU would like to thank Nigel and James for all their work during a very difficult period.

100yearsofcoconuts have be able to upload the Cambridge News Light Blue paper for the season 1970/71.

This is the first season following the clubs election into the Football League

Read the papers by clicking on the link here

You can read the papers from previous seasons by clicking on the links below

Cambridge News Pre-1964can be seen byclicking here
Cambridge News Sports Review 1964/65 can be seen by clicking here
Cambridge News Sports Review 1965/66 can be seen by clicking here
Cambridge News Sports Review 1966/67 can be seen by clicking here
Cambridge News Post 1969/70 can be seen by clicking here
Cambridge News Post 1970/71 can be seen by clicking here

Cambridge Fans United would like to congratulate Ian Darler on his BEM  in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

The group have in recent years worked really closely with Ian in providing volunteers to assist around the ground,  in addition to providing  funding for machinery and other necessary items.

Ian recently celebrated forty years' service at Cambridge United and this award is in recognition of  the wonderful work he has done there. It also recognises the fundraising activities he has organised for local charites, community groups and individuals through Cambridge Charity Fundraisers.

Ian has also become involved  with Mental Care issues, raising awareness of the subject through speaking and writing about it both at the Club and beyond.

A well deserved award.

Read more through the Cambridge Independent news story. Link below  --

www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/sport/cambridge-united-stadium-manager-and-groundsman-ian-darler-awarded-bem-in-queen-s-birthday-honours-2020-9126015/

To purchase the Life's a Pitch book click here

Petition

Allow football fans to attend matches at all levels
Football is a powerful tool of which allows a range of benefits such as employment, and other important aspects of life. Football can be associated with passion, emotion, excitement and dedication across the community. With Fans attending football games a range of economic benefits are there too.

More details
Due to the current issues around COVID places such as France and Germany now allow a percentage of fans to return to football games. I ask for the support of this petition as I fear that smaller clubs in particular will go out of business leading to a devastating effect on people. This petition is to ask the government to reconsider their judgement on not letting football fans back into the stadiums and reconsider doing this with the right safety measures in place surrounding the COVID-19.

As you will be aware, the regional public transport network is a critical lifeline for many, enabling access to employment, education, community, accommodation, and health/medical appointments.

They have been tasked to deliver a 4-week volunteer project at Cambridge, Diss and Ely Train Stations. Volunteers have been identified as a welcoming, reassuring face, able to assist commuters to make a safe journey and advise members of the public to comply with the safe travel measures in place. 

Each of these stations needs volunteers who can commit around 3/4 hours per week (for 4 weeks), or more hours per week if they are able too, with each of them being AM timeslots Monday to Friday (7am - 11am).

Aattached is a flyer about the project (it says Ely - but same flyer for Diss and Cambridge essentially)  you are most welcome to pass on my contact details below to any interested parties so that they can reach out directly.

We have a deadline to complete this project by the 13th November, and the success of regional engagement is also being a considered factor in the likelihood and necessities for a 2nd lockdown of the region (which we are actively trying to avoid).

If you are able to help please see the contact details below

Mike Wall
Volunteering Manager - East of England or email him using the form below

M: 07930 392 564

Volunteering Matters has over fifty years’ experience of managing and delivering volunteer programmes that help local communities across the UK. Before the coronavirus epidemic, Volunteering Matters ran over 100 volunteering programmes, supporting over 20,000 volunteers to participate in a wide variety of programmes in different community settings.

As part of the COVID response, Volunteering Matters is supporting the efforts in a number of communities throughout the UK, alongside other partners in the voluntary sector.

In this section you can see where our work and people have been in the news, and hear the from our volunteers, colleagues and the people they support.

For more information see volunteeringmatters.org.uk/

CFU sponsor Amy Howlett

Amy joined Cambridge United from Ipswich Town and is now in her 4th season.

Previous to Ipswich she played for Charlton Athletic in the National League South.

She wears the number 7, plays down the right and scored in the week in the 3-3 draw with Cambridge City.

Our fixtures are scheduled to be behind closed doors, but you can still show your support by having a face in the crowd which will be displayed on a seat in the Abbey Stadium.

Get your cut-out now before the Newport match!

Together as the #UnitedFamily - be a U in the Crowd!

By working with Face in the Crowd, fans and supporters can buy a cut-out of their face which will be printed and displayed in the Ground for all of the matches.

Each cut-out costs £25 with an image of your choice printed on polypropylene which is made from 100% recyclable material and weatherproof.

Why not make it even more of a #UnitedFamily event by having your whole family (even your pet) printed and displayed on the Ground.

In order to have your cut-out ready to display for then, please make your order before 8th October at 10AM to ensure you secure your seat for the first match.

To place your order, visit the Face in the Crowd website and make sure you click on Cambridge United.

Once the cut-outs are displayed at the Ground we will post images of the display on the official social channels and through our website for you to see.

Once the 2020 season has been completed, the cut-outs will be collected and safely stored at the Ground.

We can't wait to see our #UnitedFamily together again!

Link to Face in the Crowd

www.faceinthecrowd.store/home/26-cambridge-united-fc-fan-visual.html

Alan Burge was able to use his drone over the Abbey Stadium yesterday to take some photographs of the ground.

Here are some of ones he took