Cambridge United are delighted to have been awarded Gold status in the 2025/26 EFL Family Excellence Scheme for the first time...
The Family Excellence Scheme evaluates all EFL clubs across two mystery visits during the season, assessing the overall family matchday experience. Cambridge United received an outstanding score of 9/10, earning Gold status and ranking second in League Two and 10th across the entire EFL.
The report praised the Club’s continued commitment to supporters, noting:
"A very positive campaign on the pitch at Cambridge United has been accompanied by yet another year of excellent family experiences, with abundant evidence of a club intrinsically designing the matchday experience to create lasting advocacy for the club."
The Club was rated ‘Excellent’ across several key areas, including website, ticket purchase, social media, travel, the stadium environment and staff engagement - with particular praise reserved for the people and welcoming atmosphere around the Club.
Enhancing the family experience has been a major focus in recent years. The Mead Family Stand has continued to grow in popularity during its second season, averaging 1,131 supporters per game during the 2025/26 campaign, while wider supporter facilities have also continued to evolve through investment in areas such as pop-up retail units, new food bars, covered fan zones and the new Club Store on Newmarket Road.
Fans can mark special occasions with scoreboard announcements and First Visit Certificates, while younger supporters can enjoy two dedicated Kids’ Zones, Junior U’s Passports and the best mascots in football - Marvin and Amber - all helping to create a more engaging and memorable matchday experience for young U’s fans.
Staff across the Club are encouraged to provide friendly, proactive support to supporters, while live music in the Main Stand and NRE Fan Zones contributes to a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. The Club’s Official Website also provides clear and accessible information to help fans plan their visit and make the most of their day at the Cledara Abbey.
All EFL clubs receive two mystery visits each season as part of the Family Excellence Scheme, which aims to drive continual improvement and share best practice in family engagement across the league.
“It’s hugely rewarding to see the hard work of so many people recognised with Gold status in the Family Excellence Scheme,” said Supporter Engagement Manager, Amelia Edwards.
“Our focus on families and inspiring the next generation of U’s supporters has been central to the club’s growth, and creating engaging, exciting matchday experiences has been at the heart of that strategy.
“To be recognised as the 10th best family matchday experience in the EFL is an incredible achievement for a club of our size, particularly given the physical limitations of the stadium.
“We’re incredibly proud of this recognition and would like to thank all of our matchday staff and volunteers, whose attitude and commitment are key to this success.”
