Anglia Ruskin University and Cambridge United unveil exciting new partnership
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Cambridge United Football Club have unveiled an exciting partnership aimed at helping fans of the club – and the wider Cambridge community – through the power of sport.
As the club's Official Education Partner, ARU will work closely with Cambridge United and the Cambridge United Foundation to both improve health and wellbeing, and raise aspirations, right across the city.
Cambridge United already has strong links with schools, young people, and parents, particularly in the Abbey area of Cambridge, and the partnership will see ARU's Schools and Colleges team work with the club to highlight education opportunities and career paths.
In addition to being the Times Higher Education University of the Year, ARU is the current Social Mobility University of the Year and the University has a particularly diverse student body, with 87% of students belonging to one or more groups that are under-represented in Higher Education.
ARU also has a strong focus on health and wellbeing – ARU is currently ranked 5th in the UK and 66th in the world for its work in this area – and academics and students will team up with Cambridge United to help promote healthy lifestyles.
The partnership will also see a number of initiatives aimed at ARU students and alumni, one of whom is Cristina Vila Vives, the Founder and CEO of Abbey Stadium sponsors Cledara.
The partners will develop opportunities for students and alumni to boost their skills and experience, whether through volunteering with the Cambridge United Foundation or through work placements at the club, for example for those on ARU's sports science, physiotherapy and media degree courses.
ARU's successful Live Briefs scheme sees students tackle real-world issues facing businesses and organisations, and the faculty of Business & Law is already working with Cambridge United to investigate how football clubs can attract non-white males to non-playing roles. Further Live Briefs with Cambridge United are expected to be launched soon.
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said:
"ARU has always supported the Cambridge community and local organisations, and we're excited to now formalise our relationship with Cambridge United.
"Promoting health and wellbeing – through education, research and practical activities – is one of ARU's core aims, along with raising aspirations and providing life changing opportunities for the communities we serve. Working closely with Cambridge United aligns perfectly with our priorities, and we look forward to working more closely together in the future."
Alex Tunbridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge United FC, said:
"As a Club which is embedded within a city associated globally for education, this presents a further opportunity to play an active part in the education community.
"There is a strong natural synergy between the two organisations, with ARU having a very strong sports and education offering which we intend to support. We look forward to working with ARU and forging a long-term partnership which will help engage and inspire our city."
