23rd November 2021
CFU and CUSP Joint working
This weekend has sadly seen an alleged incident of racial abuse of a Cambridge United supporter away at Rotherham. Whilst at this moment in time it’s not right to cover this in any more detail until the official investigation has been carried out, it does draw into focus the need to work harder on the topic of inclusion for all in football.
The board of directors of Cambridge United recently released a statement on equality, diversity and inclusion at the club. It is key that the work of the club continues in this area, and both Cambridge Fans United (CFU) and Cambridge United Supporters Panel (CUSP) are coming together to support the board in their working and offer their advice and guidance where they can.
Over recent months CFU have been prioritising outreach work to parts of the community that have traditionally been under represented amongst the fan base. For example, working with the Mosque on Mill Road, which has recently resulted in a visit to the ground. At the same time, CUSP are playing a key role in CUFC’s efforts to be a mentally healthy club in all areas.
This is the first time that CFU and CUSP have come together on a topic. It’s the belief of new chairman Andrew Stephen (CFU) and Ben Payne (CUSP) that a joint working approach will be of benefit to all supporters
Andrew Stephen comments: “I have never seen Fans’ groups as rivals in any way. Our purpose is to look out for the interest of fans, whatever that might involve. CFU and CUSP have a fine track record of service to the club but we are not simply nodding dogs and part of our role is to ensure that whoever the temporary custodians of the club might be, they have to consider the interests of the fans. Naturally these include enshrining diversity, sustainability and the values this great club have always tried to represent. It is sometimes assumed that fans’ groups are irrelevant except in times of crisis but this is clearly not so. There are always things to improve and develop. Football clubs have significant power when it comes to looking after the communities they are privileged to serve. CFU and CUSP are committed to working together to help them achieve this.”
Ben Payne says: “CUSP was set up with the aim of being a voice for all fans for the everyday issues that affect the club, be it simple things such as arranging for a new display board at the front of the ground or advising the club on some of the matchday items since we’ve had the return of fans. However, it’s key on matters like this that CFU and CUSP should work together to represent all U’s Fans. It’s something that sadly shouldn’t still be going on in today’s world, but whilst it does we need to continue to work with the club where we can. We will look to work with CFU more closely on a number of key topics where both CUSP and CFU feel that joined-up working will benefit all.”
CFU and CUSP look forward to further discussions with the club in due course to improve equality, diversity and inclusion.