09th March 2011 Mark Stewart Wood- Cambridge News
At CFU it’s not all about the football. Which is just as well given some recent results? However the opportunity arises in the next few weeks to take a couple of six pointers and consolidate United’s position in the BSP.
Work within, and the ambition to place the club at the heart of the local community are almost equally important to the Trust as success on the pitch. So rather than dwell on matters on field I will put the spotlight on off field initiatives that will hopefully bear fruit in the coming months.
At the moment the 2011 Level Playing Field is running. This is a chance for clubs around the country to show what they have achieved for disabled supporters. Cambridge United’s own contribution will take place at the Forest Green home match on 26th March. The whole initiative taking place in conjunction with the activities of the National Association of Disabled Supporters.
Following a request from a blind supporter to look into the possibilities of setting up a blind football team this has been under consideration by the Youth and Community Trust, with a Coach already found and the necessary funding being investigated with other agencies such as the County Council. Helen Dyson at the club’s Learning Centre has been hard at work liaising with the local and very well respected local charity Camsight in developing the audio commentary.
I well remember from being taken to West Ham by my Dad as a boy (he was a Burnley fan so I think it had something to do with claret & blue) and sitting behind the blind and partially sighted fans, watching with child like wonder the excitement and involvement that was generated by providing a detailed description of events on the pitch combined with the sheer buzz and excitement of actually being in the stadium.
A commentator has been sourced for the day but going forward it would be rather good if a commentator should come from the existing United fanbase. CFU are actively seeking volunteers to train up and provide audio commentary on an ongoing basis so that the March 26th initiative can become a permanent fixture. Logistics are being followed through and I would appeal to anyone reading that can help with sponsoring or supplying equipment such as headsets, transmitters, and audio link ups etc. to contact CFU or Helen as soon as possible.
Work within, and the ambition to place the club at the heart of the local community are almost equally important to the Trust as success on the pitch. So rather than dwell on matters on field I will put the spotlight on off field initiatives that will hopefully bear fruit in the coming months.
At the moment the 2011 Level Playing Field is running. This is a chance for clubs around the country to show what they have achieved for disabled supporters. Cambridge United’s own contribution will take place at the Forest Green home match on 26th March. The whole initiative taking place in conjunction with the activities of the National Association of Disabled Supporters.
Following a request from a blind supporter to look into the possibilities of setting up a blind football team this has been under consideration by the Youth and Community Trust, with a Coach already found and the necessary funding being investigated with other agencies such as the County Council. Helen Dyson at the club’s Learning Centre has been hard at work liaising with the local and very well respected local charity Camsight in developing the audio commentary.
I well remember from being taken to West Ham by my Dad as a boy (he was a Burnley fan so I think it had something to do with claret & blue) and sitting behind the blind and partially sighted fans, watching with child like wonder the excitement and involvement that was generated by providing a detailed description of events on the pitch combined with the sheer buzz and excitement of actually being in the stadium.
A commentator has been sourced for the day but going forward it would be rather good if a commentator should come from the existing United fanbase. CFU are actively seeking volunteers to train up and provide audio commentary on an ongoing basis so that the March 26th initiative can become a permanent fixture. Logistics are being followed through and I would appeal to anyone reading that can help with sponsoring or supplying equipment such as headsets, transmitters, and audio link ups etc. to contact CFU or Helen as soon as possible.
