Cambridge United and Cambridge United Foundation have generated more than £27 million in social value across the local community during the 2024/25 season, according to figures released as part of the EFL’s Measuring the Impact of Clubs in the Community project…
The independent assessment found that the Club and Foundation delivered a total social value of £27,259,245 and engaged 12,433 individuals through community programmes and engagements across Cambridgeshire.
‘Social value’ is a measure used to calculate the wider positive impact community programmes have on people’s lives, including improvements in health, wellbeing, education, employment and social connection. It also places value on the fantastic partnerships we have, our committed staff and volunteers as well as the great contribution both the male and female players have when spending time out in the community.
The figures demonstrate the wide-reaching impact of the Club and Foundation’s work, including:
- £13,964,961 in subjective wellbeing value
- £7,322,585 in social and community outcomes
- £3,789,126 in education and employment outcomes
- £1,083,970 in physical health outcomes
- £548,099 in mental health outcomes
- £550,503 in additional social value
Vicky Neal, Head of Foundation, said "At Cambridge United, we have always known that the impact of the football club goes way beyond the 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon. These results demonstrate the scale of the impact we are having across our community.
“A combined contribution from both Club and Foundation generating more than £27 million in social value and delivering a return of over £36 for every £1 invested is something we are incredibly proud of.
“Behind these figures are thousands of people whose lives have been positively affected through our programmes – from young people developing confidence, resilience and employability skills, to individuals improving their physical and mental wellbeing, and older adults building meaningful social connections.
“Our mission is to use the power of sport and the strength of the Cambridge United badge to bring people together and create opportunities for those who need them most, and we will strive to build on this impact year on year.”
Godric Smith, Chair of Cambridge United Foundation added, “At a pivotal moment for Cambridge, these figures are a timely reminder of the important social impact that Cambridge United has off the pitch.
“We are a club rooted in the community and are proud of our Abbey roots. From programmes such as changing attitudes to violence against women and girls, to creating sporting opportunity for those who don’t ordinarily have it, the Club is leading change and we are committed to playing an ever more active role in the future of Cambridge.
“We are very grateful to all the people who have partnered with us over the last year and look forward to building on this shared work - United for Cambridge.”
The EFL found that Clubs across the network collectively engaged more than 1.2 million participants and delivered over £1.4 billion in social value during the 2024/25 season.
These figures were calculated using data provided by Clubs and charities and independently assessed through the EFL’s research and technology partner, Substance.