Cambridge United join forces with local women’s team.
Cambridge United are delighted to confirm a merger with Cambridge Women’s Football Club.
The link will see the club change its name to Cambridge United Women’s Football Club and operate with full assistance from the U’s as the two clubs join forces.
As part of this new, exciting partnership, the side will take on the official Cambridge United badge and playing kit next season, as well as receiving additional support from the U’s who will provide further funding and sponsorship opportunities, a growing media presence and the opportunity to increase staff.
Currently Cambridge Women’s Football club compete in the FA Women’s Premier League South East Division One, and the newly merged club will continue to do so for the forthcoming 2015/16 season.
The merger represents a direct strategy by Cambridge United to promote girl’s football more prominently in the local area, as the club utilizes its growing brand identity to increase the presence of the female game within the community.
The formation of the club will be marked with a special promotional launch match against Queens Park Rangers to be played on Thursday 30th July, with further details regarding the fixture to be announced in due course.
Commenting on the merger, Cambridge United Community Development Manager Amy Ganderton said: “It is certainly exciting times for girls and women’s football in this country, with recognition and support for the female game growing at a rapid pace.
“The partnership links in perfectly with the club’s girls’ school programmes and Soccer Centres launched earlier this year, whilst for the women directly involved on the playing side, it offers them a clear pathway to continue their personal development in the sport.
“A merger is therefore a fantastic opportunity for both parties.”
Meanwhile, Cambridge Women’s FC chairman David Baker was equally supportive of the new plans and expressed his excitement at future developments for the side.
“Cambridge Women’s F.C. have made great progress over the last few seasons and have very ambitious plans in place to further progress our club moving forward,” he said.
“As part of these plans, we are delighted to make the switch from an independent football club to becoming an integrated part of Cambridge United Football Club from next season.
“This direct link with Cambridge United is in the best interests of our plans to take our club to the next stage of the Women’s Football Pyramid, as well as supporting Women’s Football in Cambridgeshire to a higher level.”
He added: “The decision has been unanimously supported by our current Club Committee and we are aiming to maximise this exciting opportunity for Women’s Football in our Region.
“Further announcements will follow shortly to add more detail to what will be a very positive, progressive and hopefully successful plan to take Cambridge Women’s Football to the next level in the future”.
The club are currently in talks with a number of potential front of shirt sponsors, however, if you are interested in being considered in this process or any sponsorship of the Women’s team please contact liz.slack@cambridge-united.co.uk.
Cambridge United Women’s Football Club will now be holding open trials for any female players aged 16 or over who are interested in playing.
The trials will be held at Linton Community Sports Centre, Cambridge Road, Linton, CB21 4JB on Wednesday 10th June, Sunday 14th June and Wednesday 17th June. Those interested are asked to email cambridgewfc@yahoo.com or amy.ganderton@cambridge-united.co.uk to request a trials form.
For more information and details on how to book onto the Cambridge United’s Girls Soccer Centres please click here.