Cambridge United F.C. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Cambridge United

Full name	Cambridge United Football Club
Founded	1912; 113 years ago (1912) (as Abbey United)
Ground	Abbey Stadium
Ground Capacity	7,937 (4,321 seated)
Owner	Paul Barry (75.01%), Mark Green (24.99%)
Chairman	Shaun Grady
Head coach	Garry Monk
League	League Two
2018–19	League Two, 21st of 24
Home colours Away colours

Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football team from Cambridge, England. They play in EFL League One, which is the third highest league in English football.

The club started in 1912 as Abbey United. They changed their name to Cambridge United in 1951. For many years, they played in local amateur leagues. In 1958, they joined the Southern League. They won the Southern League Premier Division twice, in 1969 and 1970. This success helped them join the Football League in 1970.

Cambridge United has moved up and down through different leagues over the years. They reached the Second Division (the second highest league at the time) in 1978. In the early 1990s, they had a very successful period, reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals twice. They even made it to the play-offs for the top league in 1992. After some ups and downs, they left the Football League in 2005. They spent nine seasons in the National League (Conference). In 2014, they won a play-off final to return to the Football League. In 2021, they were promoted to League One, where they play today.

The team's home colours are usually amber and black. They play at the Abbey Stadium in Cambridge. The stadium can hold 7,937 fans. The club also does a lot of good work in the community through the Cambridge United Community Trust.

Discovering Cambridge United's History

How Cambridge United Started

The club began in 1912 as Abbey United. It was named after the Abbey area in Cambridge. In its early years, the team played in local amateur leagues. They moved to different grounds around Cambridge before settling at the Abbey Stadium.

In 1949, the club became professional. Two years later, in 1951, they changed their name to Cambridge United. They played in the Eastern Counties League. In 1958, they moved up to the Southern League. By 1961, they reached the Southern League Premier Division.

Life in the Football League: 1970-2005

Cambridge United's final league positions since 1971.

In 1970, Cambridge United was voted into the English Football League. This was a big step for the club. After three seasons, they were promoted from the Fourth Division. However, they went straight back down the next year.

Under manager Ron Atkinson, the team won two promotions in a row. This took them to the Second Division in 1978. This was only eight years after joining the Football League! Their highest ever league finish was 8th place in the Second Division in 1980.

However, the club then faced some tough times. They had a record 31 games without a win in 1983–84. This led to two relegations in a row, sending them back to the Fourth Division. This was the lowest professional league at the time.

The early 1990s were very successful for Cambridge United. In 1990, they won a play-off final at Wembley Stadium. This secured their promotion to the Third Division. Dion Dublin scored the winning goal. They also reached the FA Cup quarter-finals in 1990 and 1991. In 1991, they won the Third Division title. The team even reached the play-offs for the top league in 1992. This was their highest ever league position.

After this success, the club faced more challenges. They were relegated twice in three years. In 2002, they reached the final of the Football League Trophy but lost to Blackpool. In 2005, after 35 years, Cambridge United was relegated from the Football League. This caused financial problems, and the club had to sell its Abbey Stadium home to stay afloat.

The Conference Years: 2005-2014

Cambridge United supporters cheering at Wembley Stadium.

After leaving the Football League, Cambridge United played in the Conference. In 2008, they finished second in the league. They reached the play-off final at Wembley Stadium but lost to Exeter City. The next season, in 2009, they finished second again and reached the play-off final once more. Sadly, they lost again, this time to Torquay United.

The club worked hard to get back into the Football League. In 2014, they had a fantastic season. They finished second in the Conference and won the play-off final against Gateshead. This meant they were promoted back to the Football League after nine years! In the same year, they also won the FA Trophy for the first time, beating Gosport Borough 4–0 at Wembley.

Back in the Football League: 2014-Present

In their first season back in the Football League, Cambridge United had an exciting FA Cup run. They played against Premier League giants Manchester United at home. The game was a 0-0 draw, leading to a replay at Old Trafford, which Manchester United won 3-0.

In 2021, under manager Mark Bonner, Cambridge United achieved promotion again. They finished as runners-up in League Two, moving up to League One. In September 2022, the club bought back the Abbey Stadium. This was a big moment for the club and its fans.

Team Colours and Badge

The club's first shirt (1924–25)

Cambridge United's home kits have always been amber and black. They have had many different designs over the years. These include plain amber, amber and black squares, stripes, and even a black sash. Away kits are often white or blue.

Companies like Spraymate, Fujitsu, and Greene King IPA have sponsored the team's shirts. The kits have been made by famous sports brands like Admiral, Nike, Puma, and Hummel. Since the 2023–24 season, Umbro has produced the kits.

The club's current badge has been on their shirts since 1986. It shows a large football with the letters 'CU' and three turrets on top. Before this, they used simple letters 'CUFC' or a 'Book & Ball' badge. In 2012–13, they used a special badge to celebrate their 100th birthday.

Cambridge United's Home: Abbey Stadium

The main stand at Abbey Stadium.

Cambridge United plays its home games at the Abbey Stadium. This has been their home since 1932. The stadium is about 3 kilometres (1.8 miles) east of Cambridge city centre. It can hold 8,127 people, with 4,376 seats. The stadium has also been known by other names due to sponsorship, like The R. Costings Abbey Stadium.

Before the Abbey Stadium, the club played at several places around Cambridge. These included Midsummer Common and Stourbridge Common. They also played at a ground called the 'Celery Trenches' because of its poor pitch. In 1930, they moved to Parker's Piece, a famous football spot. However, this move didn't work out well due to a lack of space for fans.

A view of Abbey Stadium from the South Stand.

Over the years, there have been plans to move to a new stadium. In 2006, there was a proposal to move to Milton, but fans worried about losing the club's identity. Later, plans for a new community stadium were blocked. In 2009, the club decided to redevelop the Abbey Stadium instead.

In 2010, the stadium was sold to Grosvenor Estates. However, in September 2022, Cambridge United bought back the Abbey Stadium! They are now planning big improvements and expansions for the ground, including larger new stands.

Who Supports Cambridge United?

Cambridge United supporters at Abbey Stadium.

Cambridge United has many loyal fans and supporters' groups. These groups help the club in different ways. The Away Travel Club helps fans get to away games and raises money. Junior U's is a group for younger fans. The Cambridge United Supporters Association gives fans a voice with the club. There are also regional groups in different towns.

Cambridge Fans United is an independent group. They own a significant share in the club and have a say on the board of directors. Fans also enjoy reading "United in Endeavour," a fanzine sold at home games.

When the team was in the Conference league, they had some of the highest attendance figures. This shows how dedicated their fans are! For example, in 2013–14, they averaged 3,085 fans per game.

SiFive became the main sponsor for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. This partnership aims to support both the club and the local community.

Team Rivals

In the past, Cambridge City was seen as Cambridge United's biggest rival. However, this rivalry is not as strong now. Today, Peterborough United is considered their main rival. Their matches are known as the Cambridgeshire derby. Even though they often play in different leagues, the rivalry is still important to fans. Other teams they have rivalries with include Northampton Town, Colchester United, Luton Town, and Stevenage.

Meet the Players

Current Squad

No. Position Player 1 GK Jack Stevens 2 DF Liam Bennett 3 DF Danny Andrew 4 MF Paul Digby 5 DF Michael Morrison (captain) 6 DF Kelland Watts 7 MF James Brophy 8 MF George Thomas 9 FW Dan Nlundulu (on loan from Bolton Wanderers) 10 FW Elias Kachunga 11 FW Sullay Kaikai 14 MF Korey Smith 15 DF Jubril Okedina 16 DF Zeno Ibsen Rossi 17 MF Taylor Richards (on loan from Queens Park Rangers) 18 FW Ryan Loft 19 FW Shayne Lavery

No. Position Player 20 MF Gary Gardner 22 MF Josh Stokes (on loan from Bristol City) 23 DF Mamadou Jobe 24 MF Jordan Cousins 26 DF James Gibbons 27 GK Vicente Reyes (on loan from Norwich City) 29 DF Connor O'Riordan (on loan from Blackburn Rovers) 30 FW Glenn McConnell 31 GK Louis Chadwick 34 FW Brandon Njoku 36 FW Daniel Barton 37 FW Amaru Kaunda 38 MF George Hoddle fs player|no=40|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=George Munday}} 41 FW Randy Bulakio 45 DF Emmanuel Longelo (on loan from Birmingham City)

Youth Development and Academy

Cambridge United has a strong Centre of Excellence. This is their youth academy, which helps young players become professionals. Many players have come through this system to play for Cambridge. Some have even gone on to play at higher levels.

The youth team has won its division of the Football League Youth Alliance twice. They also had great success in the FA Youth Cup. This shows how good the club's youth development program is.

Famous Former Players

Some players who have played for Cambridge United became very famous.

• Wilf Mannion is the only former player in the English Football Hall of Fame.
• Brian Moore scored a club record 68 goals in one season, even with blindness in one eye!
• Dion Dublin went on to score many goals in the Premier League and played for England.
• Luke Berry was a fan favourite and later played for Luton Town in the Premier League.

Club Management

Who Runs the Club?

Here are some of the key people who work behind the scenes at Cambridge United:

Managers Through the Years

Since joining the Football League in 1970, Cambridge United has had many different managers. Here are some of them:

Club Achievements and Records

Trophies and Wins

Cambridge United has won several titles and cups:

• League Titles:
  • Third Division (level 3) Champions: 1990–91
  • Fourth Division / League Two (level 4) Champions: 1976–77
  • Conference Premier (level 5) Play-off Winners: 2014
  • Southern League Champions: 1968–69, 1969–70
• Cup Wins:
  • FA Trophy Winners: 2013–14
  • Southern League Cup Winners: 1968–69

Club Records: Facts and Figures

Here are some interesting records for Cambridge United:

• Biggest League Win:
  • 7–0 (against Morecambe, League Two, 2016)
  • 7–0 (against Weymouth, Conference Premier, 2007)
  • 7–0 (against Forest Green Rovers, Conference Premier, 2009)
• Biggest Cup Win:
  • 5–1 (against Bristol City, FA Cup, 1990)
  • 4–0 (against Sheffield Wednesday, FA Cup, 1991)
  • 4–0 (against Coventry City, FA Cup, 2016)
• Biggest League Defeat:
  • 0–7 (against Luton Town, League Two, 2017)
• Biggest Cup Defeat:
  • 0–7 (against Sunderland, League Cup, 2002)

• Player Records:
  • Most goals in one game: 5 – Steve Butler (1994)
  • Most League appearances: 416 – Steve Spriggs (1975–1987)
  • Most League goals in one season: 32 – Paul Mullin (2020–21)
  • Youngest player: Ben Worman – 16 years old (2017)
  • Oldest player: John Taylor – 39 years old (2003–04 season)
  • Highest transfer fee paid: £190,000 – Steve Claridge (1992)
  • Highest transfer fee received: £1,500,000 – Trevor Benjamin (2000)

• Club Records:
  • Highest league finish: 5th in the Second Division (second tier) in 1991–92
  • Best FA Cup performance: Quarter-finalists (1989–90, 1990–91)
  • Best Football League Cup performance: Quarter-finalists (1992–93)
  • Record Attendance: 14,000 (against Chelsea, May 1970)

Helping the Community: Cambridge United Community Trust

The Cambridge United Community Trust (CUCT) is the charity part of Cambridge United Football Club. It was started in 2005.

The charity's main goal is to use football to help people in the community. They want to inspire people to be their best. They work in schools across Cambridgeshire, helping children learn and grow. They also do health and inclusion work in Cambridge.

The current CEO of the charity is Ben Szreter.

Women's Team

Cambridge United also has a women's football team called Cambridge United W.F.C..

Images for kids

• 

  Cambridge United's official club logo.

See also

In Spanish: Cambridge United Football Club para niños