As Andrew Stephen stepped down as CFU Chair person, the CFU Board are pleased to announce that Gina Heath has taken the position.
Gina is well known to many fans as the organiser of Away Travel coaches (maybe as a surrogate Granny to some younger fans?) , and can usually be found at the CFU cabin before and after matches
Gina Heath:
I have been a Cambridge United supporter for many years. For several years I was a Match Sponsor, Match Ball Sponsor and Shirt Sponsor whilst commuting from Germany on a regular basis. On my return to living in England I moved into actual voluntary roles, starting with the inaugural Abbey Helper initiative. I was part of the team that set up CUSP and am currently on the CUSP Board. I am also on the Committee of 100 years of Coconuts and help to organise the Hall of Fame (as well as CFU). For several years I have been running the Away Travel Coaches and in my time with these involvements I have built up a network of relationships across the whole of the Club.
I would like to make CFU more relevant and, by doing so, grow the membership. Increased membership will equal increased funds, increased funds will enable CFU to continue to help fans from all groups.
We are the only group (apart from the Supporters Club) that has a paid membership. CFU need to positively engage with all other groups: CUSP, Cambridge Aces, Amber Belles, 100 Years of Coconuts, even the Supporters Club. In recent years these groups have been working hard but autonomously. I feel that CFU should take a leading role in harmonizing the effort. After all we are all trying to enhance the fan experience, and together I believe we could work more effectively.
The benefits of working together could include the issuing of more coherent communications because currently we all issue variants of the same message. Seeing this would hopefully encourage fans to join CFU and increased funding would enable CFU to support initiatives associated with any of the above mentioned groups for the benefit of our whole supporter experience.
Chris Casey has already suggested to ‘The Board’ that young fans should be given the opportunity to attend workshops in respect of the implications of contravening Ground Regulations i.e. the use of flares at a match, pitch encroachment etc etc, I think we could work closely with the club on this and help to deliver the workshops and other workshops as deemed necessary.
Improved communication with CUSP would enable a direct connection between the fans and the Club, utilising CFU’s communication mediums, e.g. social media, weekly newsletter etc.
We must not be afraid to challenge or hold the Club to account, where necessary, but it is important we do so in a positive and constructive manner.
I think we should be having at least quarterly face to face meetings which we could perhaps develop and invite members and players along to.
CFU need to support other groups like the Amber Belles, diversity initiatives, 100 Years of Coconuts and the Cambridge Aces (who are an emerging atmosphere group headed up by a group of enthusiastic young lads who would benefit from some experience and structure).
